The variety of designs available, a watertight finish and ease of installation is driving bathroom panelling’s popularity, according to Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid
Tiles may traditionally be synonymous with bathrooms and wetrooms, but they can also be costly and time-consuming to install. Beyond the point of installation, the homeowner is also left with grout lines that collect grime and require regular cleaning. By opting for panels to adorn the very same walls, however, you will not only open up a whole realm of design possibilities that will allow you to create a truly original aesthetic, but also create a low maintenance finish that won’t tire.
The prospects of panelling
Panelling is becoming an increasingly popular option for decorating bathroom or wetroom walls. Laminate panelling solutions are available in a variety of styles with matt, gloss and textured finishes that respond to the latest interior trends. In addition to decors that replicate natural stone, marble and wood effects, there are also options that recreate traditional tile styles, such as mosaic patterns or the popular metro tile look – minus the dirt-prone grouting. With such a variety of designs, you won’t be short of choice when it comes to finding the perfect aesthetic for your project.
Most panel ranges come in a variety of different sizes that can not only be installed in shower enclosures or as a splash-proof wall behind a bathtub or sink, but around the entire bathroom to create a wetroom experience. It’s also possible to apply some panels in vertical or horizontal applications such as niches, half-height walls behind toilets and sinks, or can easily be cut to create clean external corners on panels encompassing a bath.
Offering further design possibilities and practicality, Mermaid’s Elite panels come with a patented tongue and groove system – facilitating a join that remains watertight, so you can create a smooth, seamless and uniform finish. The Elite range also offers post-formed edges that can be used to continue a consistent, high-end look around corners or horizontal half-height walls – removing the need for trims or grouting.
An easy installation
Working with tiles requires specialist tools, such as a wet saw, and can be a very time-consuming process, depending on the size of the space. By contrast, a panelling system can cover a much larger space per unit, with each panel easily cut to size using traditional woodworking tools that are likely to be used elsewhere in your build. In comparison to tiles, panels can cover the same space in a fraction of the time, meaning you’ll be free to use your new bathroom a lot sooner than if you were opting for tiles – as well as freeing up time to complete work elsewhere on your project.
Surface preparation ahead of panel application is as simple as removing any protruding nails or screws, cleaning down the existing wall surface to remove any dirt and grease and ensuring the surface is clean and flat. An additional benefit of panelling is that it can disguise uneven surfaces, so unless the wall is completely out of plumb – in which case you may need to replaster the surface and seal with a primer – you can go ahead and apply the panels to the wall using the recommended adhesive.
Silicones often used in sealing bathroom environments naturally break down over time, increasing the risk of water damage to a product, as well as potential leaks. Panel systems can avert this problem due to the aluminium trims that are used to join the panel run together and to create a water-tight seal below and above the panels. However, with the Mermaid Elite range, there is no need for trims and instead a colour-coordinated sealant and adhesive called Complete can be used to backfill a 5mm gap above the floor, as well as giving the installation a 15-year guarantee. No matter which panels you opt for, it is always important to use an appropriate sealant to ensure a water-tight finish. The patented liquid polyurethane-based formula of Complete has been adopted from the marine and aerospace industries and offers strong grab adhesion and gap-filling properties that will repel water.
Post installation
As panelling systems avoid the need for grouting, there is none of the build-up of dirt and mould typically found in a tiled environment. Instead, soap, water and a non-abrasive cloth are all you need to maintain your newly panelled bathroom or wetroom.
Whether looking for a sleek design to complement your surrounding interior scheme, or a practical solution that will stand the test of time, panelling offers the best of both worlds – providing the ultimate alternative to ceramic tiles.
For more information about Mermaid and its complete spectrum of bathroom surfaces visit https://mermaidpanels.co.uk/
