Using waterproof vinyl or laminated panelling for bathroom walls and shower enclosures is becoming more popular than ceramic tiles.
Advantages of panelling over traditional tiles include faster installation and no grount to maintain.
There are various suppliers of panelling and we have chosen two examples to compare. Use this link and scroll down the page to Multipanel collections, probably the market leader. There is also another option which is a soft touch, light weight option from Vilo Moltivo, which is cheaper.
Both are available in lengths of 2.4 metres (standard room height) and suitable for bathrooms.
Multipanel is a solid option, available in widths of 1200mm and 900mm (great for shower walls) and also 595mm width (great for splashbacks).
Vilo Moltivo has a much thinner profile and has a hollow construction. It is suitable for areas where there is little chance of damage. It is supplied in packs of 4 x 250mm panels (i.e. 1 metre) that click together.Both systems require edge profiles - check with the supplier websites. The end-caps are for straight tops, bottoms and sides; there are also internal and external corner profiles. It is recommended that the you order the correct adhesive from the panelling suppliers. Warning: if you need an external corner profile for the Vilo system, they are not easy to find.
Glass Shower Walls
A more expensive but very stylish alternative to these panelling systems is glass. You may have seen glass splashbacks? They are also available in larger sizes for shower enclosures, wet-rooms, etc.. There are some amazing images available and some companies will custom-print from your supplied photographs.
The downside is cutting the template to install the plumbing - so be sure to choose a company that offers a full service.
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| The glass wall Palm Tree image is available from Purple Frog Interiors. |
