Side by side
| Feature | Wall panels | Tiles |
|---|---|---|
| Grout | None, or very few joins | Grout lines between every tile |
| Cleaning | Wipe clean; nowhere for mould to settle in grout | Grout can discolour and grow mould over time |
| Fitting time | Large sheets cover big areas quickly | Slower, especially with small tiles |
| Over existing tiles | Often possible | Old tiles usually come off first |
| Waterproofing | Good when well made and properly sealed | Long-proven when properly fitted |
| Choice of look | Wide range, including tile-effect | The widest choice of colours, sizes and patterns |
This comparison follows the main points in Homebuilding & Renovating's guide to shower panels vs tiles.
Why people choose panels
- No grout to clean. For many people this is the main reason. Grout is where dirt and mould tend to show first.
- Quicker to fit. Fewer pieces and less waiting means less time with the bathroom out of action.
- Over old tiles. Panels can often be fitted over existing tiles, which saves stripping the walls back.
- Tile-effect options. If you like the look of tiles but not the grout, tile-effect panels give you both.
Why people choose tiles
- Choice. Tiles come in a huge range of colours, sizes, shapes and finishes, with more scope for patterns.
- A familiar finish. Tiles are a long-established way of finishing wet walls.
- Feature walls. Some people mix the two: panels in the shower, a tiled feature elsewhere.
Quality matters with panels
Not all panels are equal. Panels made for bathrooms and properly sealed at the joins and edges perform well. Cheaper panels with a moisture-sensitive core, or flimsy panels that are hard to seal, can let water in. Ask what the panels are made of and how the joins are sealed.
Which suits your bathroom?
- Busy family bathroom or rental: panels, for easy cleaning and less upkeep.
- Quick update without stripping walls: panels, often fitted over existing tiles.
- A specific look or pattern: tiles give the widest choice.
- Shower areas and walk-in showers: both work. Panels mean fewer joins where water hits hardest.
Frequently asked questions
Are bathroom wall panels waterproof?
Panels made for bathrooms are, when they're properly fitted and sealed at the joins and edges. Cheap panels with moisture-sensitive cores are best avoided in wet areas.
Can wall panels go over tiles?
Often, yes, as long as the existing tiles are sound and firmly fixed.
Do wall panels look cheap?
Not necessarily. There's a wide range of finishes, including tile-effect, stone-effect and plain colours.
Are panels easier to keep clean than tiles?
Usually, because there's little or no grout. Grout is where dirt and mould tend to collect.
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