76 INTERIORS
DESIGNED TO BE EASY ON THE INSTALLER Looking after the installer and reducing the risks of manual handling are top of the list for housebuilders – and the sector now has some of the most stringent health and safety policies. It is worth looking for wall panels that are exceptionally lightweight and therefore easier to handle, manoeuvre and position as they are best placed to support those credentials.
Lightweight doesn’t mean low quality either – innovative materials such as aluminium and polyethylene used in the manufacture of waterproof wall panels are high quality and durable, but less physically demanding to install.
A HUGE CHOICE OF PANELS TO CREATE THE PERFECT SPACE Speed and effi ciency do not mean compromising on appearance. Modern wall panels are available in an increasingly wide choice of colours, patterns and fi nishes, allowing housebuilders to create bathrooms that refl ect current tastes.
Marble remains a particularly popular look for housebuilders and other specifi ers, offering the appearance of a luxurious natural material without the cost and maintenance associated with genuine marble. Darker marble effects
ONE OF THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF WALL PANELS FOR NEW-BUILD PROJECTS IS SPEED
can create a dramatic statement, while lighter versions provide a brighter and more timeless appearance.
Nature-inspired designs are currently on trend too, with stone, botanical and other organic patterns helping to create bathrooms that feel calm and connected to nature. Wood-effect fi nishes offer another way to bring the outdoors in. For homeowners looking for something more contemporary, geometric designs
such as herringbone, hexagonal, wave and other repeating patterns can provide visual interest without overwhelming the room.
MAKING A STATEMENT
The beauty of panels is that they can be used throughout the whole bathroom, cloakroom or even utility room. Alternatively, rather than covering the whole space in an identical design, a statement panel can create a stunning focal point, whether that is in the shower, above the bath or on a single wall. As well as offering a premium appearance, this method could be adapted to offer customers a choice of bathroom decor if they are buying off plan.
PRACTICAL & BEAUTIFUL For new-build housing, wall panels offer the lot. Quick to install, straightforward to handle, less preparation, no grouting. All available choice of patterns, colours and natural fi nishes that today’s homeowners want, delivering contemporary bathrooms faster. So, will it become the norm for housebuilders to offer panels to customers just like they do carpets in a new house?
Amanda Mills is marketing manager at SFA Sanifl o and Kinedo
What could changing wall surface specifi cation save you in the long run?
What if one of the simplest ways for housebuilders to reduce costs, accelerate construction programmes and minimise environmental impact was to rethink how they fi nish bathroom walls? Traditional tiling is labour- and resource-intensive. According to Wetwall’s internal calculations, tiling bathrooms across 17,000 homes could consume approximately one million litres of water, alongside millions of disposable plastic tile spacers destined for landfi ll. Beyond the environmental implications, water used for mixing grout and cleaning tools can become contaminated with construction residues. If disposed of through newly installed drainage systems, this wastewater can cause costly blockages. Wetwall bathroom wall panels off er a practical alternative, eliminating the need for grout and tile spacers while signifi cantly reducing installation-related water consumption. The time savings are equally compelling. Traditional tiling involves multiple stages, from adhesive application to grouting and curing, potentially extending completion over several days. Wall panels, by comparison, can be installed in a fraction of that time. While these effi ciencies benefi t individual installations, their impact becomes particularly signifi cant across multiple plots, helping to reduce installation labour and accelerate construction programmes.
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QPh.indd 1 20/03/2026 12:29
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