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Original poster

Shower Panel or Tiles?

18 replies

theproudgeek · 08/08/2021 18:24

Currently planning a bathroom refurbishment and have been looking at options for the wall of the shower enclosure. I like the look of the coloured shower panels and the fact that there's no grout to get dirty. What am I missing? Is there a plus side to tiles or a downside to panels that I haven't thought of? Any thoughts appreciated.

OP posts:
saltedcaramelanything · 08/08/2021 18:44

I think it's mainly aesthetic. I personally hate the look of panels, so would rather deal with the cleaning of tiles. But if you like the shower panels they're going to be easier

Esspee · 08/08/2021 18:58

Changing tiles is very messy and very expensive. You can get lovely panels which don’t show the joins but don’t do every wall.

Amima · 08/08/2021 19:00

Plastic panels are horrible. You can get huge sheets of ceramic which cover an entire wall and they’re lovely, much better than small tiles.

delilahbucket · 08/08/2021 19:01

We've just had light grey panels put in our new bathroom just around the bath which has a shower over it. It looks brilliant and so much easier to fit and clean. We are tiling partially in there as well, but around the sink, toilet and window.

BettyCarver · 08/08/2021 19:05

There's a huge range in cost of panels and IMO you get what you pay for. The cheaper ones can look institutional (think swimming pool showers) but if you're prepared to spend a lot more, you can get some really classy designs. You can get tiles a lot cheaper but then you're paying a lot more for the tiler so it's swings and roundabouts. Never having to scrub grout again is a big plus. If I did go for tiles I'd never go for white grout as it always seems to discolour after a while

Original poster
theproudgeek · 08/08/2021 19:08

The shower itself is going in an alcove (converting a bedroom so its currently a wardrobe) and were was just planning panels in there.

OP posts:
TheMissingMango · 08/08/2021 22:57

I looked at some, but they felt too caravanny. We're looking at larger tiles instead.

Warmduscher · 08/08/2021 23:06

@BettyCarver

There's a huge range in cost of panels and IMO you get what you pay for. The cheaper ones can look institutional (think swimming pool showers) but if you're prepared to spend a lot more, you can get some really classy designs. You can get tiles a lot cheaper but then you're paying a lot more for the tiler so it's swings and roundabouts. Never having to scrub grout again is a big plus. If I did go for tiles I'd never go for white grout as it always seems to discolour after a while
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Shower Panel or Tiles?
ishouldntsaybut · 09/08/2021 09:07

We have panels in both of our showers and they look lovely, not at all caravanney. However, I have seen many bathroom 'makeovers' where the whole room including ceiling is panelled and I don't like the look at all. Cleaning is fab, a quick few minutes with a sponge and washing liquid, job done! Can't see me going back to tiles

Neolara · 09/08/2021 09:09

We have panels. I would never have tiles in a shower now. It looks great and is incredibly easy to keep clean..

thenightsky · 09/08/2021 09:13

We've just had our little en suite refitted out and I was wary of going for panels. However, I let DH talk me into it, and I'm so glad he did! No more grouty tiles for me. A quick spray and wipe, or use a rubber blade to dry. Done in 2 mins.

PeakyPaula · 09/08/2021 09:16

Can anyone recommend a supplier for the panels?

QueenStromba · 09/08/2021 09:19

Be wary if you're planning to sell soon as sometimes people use them to hide problems and so surveyors can be sceptical of them.

Seasidemumma77 · 09/08/2021 09:28

Panels, so easy to clean.

SeasonFinale · 09/08/2021 09:35

Tiles. Panels will date and be the next avocado bathrooms.

TwoLeftSocksWithHoles · 09/08/2021 09:48

Personally I don't like panels as they look a bit public toilety to me.

Although I did see a black sparkly one that looked really good but I suspect would date as quickly as black sparkly kitchen worktops, and I wouldn't want a black shower anyway (it would be a bit like being in a coffin and and I'm trying to delay that particular event as long as possible).

I don't understand the grout cleaning business. Our shower was tiled over 10 years ago and the white grout shows no sign of discolouring. We did specify water proof grout but I'd have thought they would use then anyway.

elscar · 09/08/2021 10:31

We done our bathroom In 2019 and got panels. Best thing ever! They are tile effect so they still have the grooves but just no grout- easiest thing to clean and no manly grout to content with.

We are moving to a new build with tiles and made sure I got dark grout!

ChequerBoard · 09/08/2021 10:35

Tiles every time, especially if you plan to sell on. I'm sorry, but I've never seen panels in situ that don't look cheap and like a temporary fix.

I live in an area with very hard water and don't have a problem with grout discolouring in any of my bathrooms. That said, I have always gone for pale grey rather than white so maybe that's the difference?

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