Tiles vs. Wall Panels: Which Bathroom Wall Covering Offers Better Value?

Value-wise, bathroom wall panels are sometimes a more reasonably priced and low-maintenance substitute for conventional tiles. For many UK homes looking for both practicality and style, wall panels are faster to install, simpler to clean, and usually less expensive overall than tiles, even if tiles provide timeless design and durability.

What Are Bathroom Wall Panels and Tiles?

When renovating a bathroom, one of the first things people have to decide is whether to cover the walls with tiles or wall panels. Both choices are common in modern bathrooms across the UK, and each has its own benefits that rely on your budget, design goals, and maintenance preferences.

Bathroom wall panels, which are also called bathroom panelling, are big waterproof sheets that are made to have a smooth, finished look. Most of the time, they are made of PVC, plastic, or laminate. Because they are cheap and easy to move, PVC panels are great for do-it-yourself installs. Acrylic panels look sleek and modern because they have a high-gloss finish. Most of the time, laminate panels are thicker and last longer. They also look a lot like real materials like stone or marble. Wall panels are becoming more popular because they are simple to put up and don't need much upkeep. Plus, you don't have to worry about grout.

Bathroom tiles, on the other hand, have been the best choice for many years. Bathroom tiles that are often used are made of clay, porcelain, and mosaic. Ceramic tiles are cheap and can be used in a lot of different ways. Porcelain tiles are denser and better at keeping water out. Mosaic tiles are often used for artistic details. People like tiles because they have a classic look and can be used to make unique patterns and finishes.

Ultimately, the choice between bathroom cladding and tiles comes down to cost, style, and care.

Which Is Cheaper: Bathroom Tiles or Wall Panels?

When it comes to cost, a lot of people wonder if wall panels are cheaper than tiles. Most of the time, yes. Wall panels are a better deal, especially when you consider the cost of installation and other costs that might not be obvious at first.

It usually costs between £20 and £60 per square metre to tile a bathroom in the UK. The price depends on whether you choose ceramic, porcelain or mosaic tiles. The cost of labour for a professional installation can be an extra £25 to £50 per square metre. Besides this, there are other costs that you might not know about, like grout, adhesive, spacers, sealing products, and the tools you need, like tile cutters and levellers. Work to get ready, like smoothing out walls or taking off old tiles, can also add to the total cost.

Usually, bathroom wall panels cost between £30 and £80 per panel, and each panel covers a lot more space than a single tile. PVC panels are usually the least expensive. Acrylic and laminate panels are more expensive. Installing is faster and requires less work. It can cost less than £20 per square metre if done by a professional or even less if you do it yourself.

If you are looking for cheap bathroom wall ideas, wall panels are often a better option because they don't come with as many extra costs. It's a good idea to factor these into your contingency budget to avoid surprises later on.

Are Wall Panels Easier to Install Than Tiles?

Wall panels are easy to use for people who like to do their own projects. Tongue-and-groove systems allow most panels to be put together from large sheets. Simple tools like a saw, glue and silicone sealant are all you need to easily learn how to put up bathroom wall panels. Most of the time, the surface doesn't need much prep work, and since there isn't much grout to deal with, cleaning up is quick and easy.

Tiling, on the other hand, needs more care and time. To do this, you have to measure and cut each tile, then put down adhesive, evenly space tiles, and grout between them. It can be hard to fix mistakes, and surfaces need to be properly prepared to avoid long-term problems like water damage or lines that aren't straight. If you have never tiled before, it can be frustrating, and most of the time, you should hire a professional to make sure you get a good finish.

While wall panels aren't as easy to install yourself, they are the faster and easier option. They're perfect for people who want to update their bathroom but don't have the time or skill to tile it the traditional way..

Are Wall Panels Waterproof Compared to Tiles?

A question that many homeowners have is whether bathroom wall panels are more or less waterproof than tiles. Both are resistant to water, but they deal with it in very different ways.

Bathroom wall panels that are made of PVC or acrylic are naturally waterproof. When installed correctly and joints are properly sealed with silicone, they make a barrier against moisture that is almost seamless. If you want the best waterproof wall covering for your bathroom, especially in shower rooms and wet rooms, these are a strong contender.

It's hard to choose between waterproof tiles and wall panels. The tiles themselves, especially porcelain tiles, don't get wet, but the grout lines between them do. Because grout is porous, it can soak up water over time. To stop mould and water damage, it needs to be sealed and maintained regularly.

Wall panels are a more consistent and low-maintenance option for places with a lot of moisture. These are better for long-term protection with little upkeep because they are less likely to let water in.

Which Bathroom Wall Covering Offers Better Value?

Tiles or wall panels? Which is better for your bathroom depends on your budget, your design goals, and how involved you want to be. For the best value for money when remodelling a bathroom, wall panels are often the best choice because they are cheap, easy to install, and take care of over time. They can also help you avoid hidden renovation costs that sometimes arise with tile work, such as waterproofing issues or unexpected labor charges.

Wall panels are great for quick, cheap projects that you can do yourself. They're the most practical bathroom wall covering because they're easy to clean, don't cost much to install, and are waterproof. But there may not be as many design options as with tiles.

Tiles give a room a more expensive, classic look and give you more design options. They work best for high-end renovations that care a lot about style and personalisation. They are more complicated to set up and cost more, though.

Wall panels are the best way to get quick results at a low cost. Tiles may be worth the extra money if you want a designer finish that will last.

Choosing the right flooring is just as important; find out how options like tile, LVT, and engineered wood compare in our kitchen flooring guide.