A Beginner’s Guide On How To Install Wall Panelling

If you are looking for an alternative, stylish and affordable solution for your bathroom walls, panels might be the right option for your needs. These are an always more appreciated solution to classic tiling and can turn any bathroom into a beautiful, elegant, and timeless room, especially if you pick an exclusive design such as the Slate Brick Matt model. Aside from being convenient, shower walls panels are also incredibly easy to install, something that you can do by yourself at home. Here’s how. 

What Are Wall Panellings?

Wall panelling is an option to decorate and remodel the shower and bathroom walls. They represent a convenient, cost-effective, and durable alternative to standard tiling. While the price tag makes this choice accessible by most homeowners, you won’t need to compromise on quality or beauty.

Unlike tiles, panels don’t involve grouting and invasive installation processes, and they can be installed up to 6 times faster than normal tiles. 

Shower wall panels come in many varieties, designs, and materials. The most common ones include:

• PVC panels
• uPVC
• Acrylic Wall Panels
• Laminated Wall Panels

But don’t be fooled! PVC panels can look extremely luxurious, such as the Riven Slate panel.

Benefits of Shower Panels

The benefits of a shower wall panel are endless. Here are only some of the best ones.

• They are extremely easy and quick to install, and they won’t require you to hire a specialised tiler
• The panels are 100% waterproof, and they guarantee a watertight finish
• They are cost-effective and much more affordable than tiles. 
• They don’t require much maintenance, and they can be cleaned just by wiping them with water and soap.
• They can be installed over your current tile wall
• There is an endless range of designs on the market, including exclusive ones such as metallic wall panels.

How Do You Fit Plastic Shower Wall Panels?

Here are the simple instructions to fit a shower wall panel in your bathroom. However, before starting it is always recommendable to measure your bathroom and you shower walls to get a precise indication of the walls’ size. Then, make sure you have picked the right panel.

What you’ll need

• Tape measure
• Sharp blade
• Caulking gun
• Safety goggles
• Electric saw or Stanley knife

How to Install Your Shower Wall Panels

• Step 1 - take and record the measurements of the area you wish to cover with the panels. Measurements will need to refer both to horizontal and vertical sides. Wall panels can be fitted on a variety of surfaces, so you should not worry if your wall is currently covered in tiles. Nonetheless, it is crucial to check that the floor provides a level and even surface. This is crucial for the joints to meet properly.
• Step 2 - it is unlikely that you will need to cut the panels to make them fit. Indeed, the majority of them come in a 1-meter width measure, which will fit most showers. Nonetheless, if you need to cut some parts of the panels off, make sure it is flat on supports. Then mark the cutting lines and ensure the panel’s edges are protected with tape. 
• Step 3 - remove the section of the panel in excess through the use of an electric saw. Stanley knives and straight edge saw are also useful tools for this step. Make sure you are using goggles during this step.
• Step 4 - use panel trims to ensure a professional waterproof finish.
• Step 5 - using sanding paper or a sanding pad, smooth out all the edges of the wall and remove any debris.
• Step 6 - if you need to fit two shower panels together in a corner, make sure you are using a corner trim secured with screws to the corner. Also, you should use a sealant at the back of the panels. 
• Step 7 - attach your end caps if you wish to use them 
• Step 8 - Repeat the same process for all of the shower panels and ensure they are all in the position you wish them to be in. Once they are set like you would like them to be, you can secure them all in place. 

Can You Put Shower Wall Panels Over Tiles?

Shower wall panels can be fitted on top of existing tiles in your shower. By doing so, you will also be adding an extra layer of protection for the wall. Indeed, while tiles are waterproof, panels are entirely water-resistant.

How Do You Glue Shower Panels?

It is possible to glue shower panels together, but it is essential to pick a glue strong enough for you to trust it in highly humid environments like a bathroom might be

Conclusion

Fitting a shower wall panel is an easy process that all homeowners can attempt. With just a few tools and some DIY skills, you can turn your outdated bathroom into a new, convenient, and sleek room that is in complete harmony with the rest of your home.