Using Shower Wall Panels to Improve Bathroom Design

During a remodeling project, one of the tasks you may be faced with is the replacement of your shower or bath. Traditionally, bathroom shower walls were covered with ceramic tile and sealed with grout. However, changes in design have led to the development of shower panels. They are similar to one piece shower and bath units, but wall panels come in a variety of sizes to accommodate irregular walls and have optional inserts for additional personalization. Compared to tile these panels are easier and cheaper to install, are typically less expensive, are easier to maintain and have a variety of options. So before starting your renovation, consider giving this style a second look.

Compared to other options, using panels is a huge money saver both during the initial purchase and installation. Shower paneling can be purchased individually, as multiple panels or as shower kits. The choice you make will be reliant on the size of your walls, and the number of panels required. In most cases you will need three panels, but corner showers may only require two. Prices for individual panels can start as low as $200 while multiple panels and kits start at around $500 and can reach into the thousands. Also, installation will also increase the overall cost of your remodeling project. And this project is not recommended for beginners because of the measuring, cutting and hanging details involved.

Experienced professionals and individuals with a lot of home improvement experience can complete this project in 3 to 4 hours. For those with less experience, it may take a half a day depending on their skill level relating to home repairs and renovations. Once installed, waterproof sealant needs to be applied around the edging and corners. In order to ensure the bathroom panels are completely waterproofed, the sealant must sit and cure for at least 24 hours.

Just because the walls of the shower are prefabricated doesn’t mean your options are limited in style, material or color. The most popular materials are PVC, plastic, acrylic and fiberglass – all of which are durable and easy to clean. A wide range of colors and textures are available ranging from white, off-white, marble and faux tile. Also, because bathroom wall panels interlock inserts can be added to accommodate additional shower features and accessories such as built in wall caddies.

If you have your heart set on tile, but don’t want to deal with the cost, difficult installation or cleaning mold from grout, there is another option. Tile wall panels are the newest design option for your shower, and mimic the appearance of tile without the hassle. And the only way you can tell the difference from the real thing is if you are told, or take a real up-close look.

Regardless of the material used to construct the panel, they are all easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and mold growth. The biggest problem faced with those using traditional tile is cleaning the areas filled with grout. These groves need to be scrubbed on a regular basis, and can take at least an hour to clean and even longer if mold has started to accumulate. Shower wall panels do not require this extensive maintenance, only requiring regular wipe downs to maintain their appearance.

If you are on a budget, and don’t want to spend time maintaining your shower, bathroom wall panels may be the best option for you. They have a number of benefits including easy installation, low cost, easy maintenance and can even mimic the look of traditional marble, ceramic or tile. Still can’t decide? Consider going to a store for an estimate and a professional recommendation.