What's the difference?
Bathroom wall panels are large waterproof sheets, often the full height of the wall, that come in marble-effect, stone-effect, tile-effect and plain finishes. Tiles are smaller pieces of ceramic or porcelain fixed with adhesive and finished with grout.
Fitting time
Panels usually go up faster, because there are far fewer pieces, no grout, and no waiting for adhesive and grout to set. Tiling takes longer, especially with large or patterned tiles that need careful setting out and cutting.
Looks and choice
Tiles give you the most choice of size, colour, texture and pattern, from metro tiles to large-format porcelain. Modern panels look far better than older plastic versions, and marble-effect panels in particular give a clean, seamless look with no grout lines.
Cleaning
Panels win here. With no grout lines, there's nowhere for mould to settle, and a wipe is usually enough. Grout can discolour over time, although a good grout and a well-ventilated room make a big difference.
Waterproofing
Neither option is waterproof on its own. Panels need their joints, corners and edges sealed properly, because that's where water gets in. Tiles and grout let some water through, so the walls in a shower area should be waterproofed before tiling. Either way, the work behind and between the finish matters more than the finish itself.
Durability
Tiles are very hard-wearing and a single cracked tile can be replaced. Panels can dent or scratch if they're hit hard, and a damaged panel usually means replacing the whole sheet.
Going over old tiles
Many panels can be fitted over existing tiles, as long as the tiles are firmly fixed and the wall is flat. That saves the mess of stripping them off. Tiling over old tiles is possible in some cases, but it's usually better to take them off and start from a flat, sound wall.
Our honest view. Panels suit people who want a quick, low-maintenance finish, and they're popular for rental properties and family bathrooms. Tiles suit people who want a particular look or pattern. A mix works well too: panels round the shower or bath, tiles on the floor and behind the basin. Amir can show you examples of both at the visit.
What it means for the price
The material you choose, the size of the room and the condition of the walls all affect the price. Panels often save on fitting time, while tiles vary a lot depending on the tile you pick. You'll get one clear price for the whole bathroom after Amir has seen the room. Quotes are free.