INTERIORS OUTDOOR LIVING LANDSCAPING & EXTERNAL WORKS
performance and warranty compliance. COST CONSIDERATIONS
Initial material costs for wall panels and mid-range tiles are broadly comparable, though panels can represent better value when labour and time savings are factored in. The reduction in installation time can translate into lower labour costs, particularly if hiring professional installers, and may reduce site overheads in managed builds. However, premium tiles can offer distinct aesthetic qualities, and in heritage or design-focused projects, the material choice may be driven by architectural considerations rather than effi ciency alone. hat said, wall panels are no longer limited to neutral fi nishes. Full-print panels featuring bold graphics, botanical designs or statement imagery are increasingly available, offering self-builders the opportunity to create feature walls or hero pieces that would be diffi cult or cost-prohibitive to achieve with tiling alone.
IS PANELLING RIGHT FOR EVERY BATHROOM? Wall panels are not intended to replace tiles in every setting. Some self- builders may prefer the tactile quality or traditional appeal of tiles, particularly in period properties or design-led feature
spaces where natural materials contribute to the overall character of the home. However, for shower areas, ensuites and bathrooms where speed, cleanliness and long-term maintenance are key priorities, panels offer a practical alternative worth serious consideration. Beyond purely functional applications, the expanding design range now includes statement fi nishes, full-print graphics and bespoke patterns that allow panels to serve as design-led choices in their own right, rather than simply practical substitutes for tiles.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR As with any building product, specifi cation matters. elf-builders should prioritise panels designed specifi cally for bathroom and wet-
area use, manufactured to recognised European standards such as EN 15102 for decorative wall coverings. Look for products with clear waterproofi ng and installation systems, including compatible trims, joints and adhesives. A broad and well-supported design range indicates an established manufacturer, as does robust warranty provision and accessible technical support. Choosing a reputable supplier with proven performance credentials helps ensure panels deliver as intended over the lifetime of the bathroom.
CONSIDERED CHOICE Bathroom wall panels refl ect a broader shift towards solutions that prioritise effi ciency, reliability and ease of ownership. For self-builders balancing design aspirations with practical constraints, they provide a credible, modern alternative to traditional tiling, particularly where time, maintenance and build coordination are critical factors. s with any specifi cation decision the choice between panels and tiles should be informed by the specifi c reuirements of the project, the skills available and the long-term use the space will see.
Amanda Mills is marketing manager at Sanifl o
Setcrete Creates Base for Great British Summer
MKM Stoke branch manager Paul Hodgkiss used Setcrete Exterior levelling compound to deliver a fl awlessly smooth base that will withstand exposure to the worst of the British weather for a garden dome at his Nantwich home. Unaffected by rain or frost when set and dried, Setcrete Exterior is designed for smoothing and levelling outside areas that are subject to varying climatic conditions. It is ideally suited for balconies, patios and walkways, as well
as semi-external spaces, such as garages, that are partially exposed to the elements. hile it provides a durable standalone fi nish, it is also ideal for the receipt of non-slip coatings, artifi cial grass or tiles.
01538 361633
www.setcrete.co.uk The Selfbuilder website
The The Selfbuilder website is an online provider of past and present products and news items for all those involved in and working on a self-build project.
www.sbhonline.co.uk is a one-stop source for all the latest press releases, providing visitors with access to information about products and services that they may require. From the website, you can fi nd lins to digital issues that have live links to advertisers’ sites, as well as daily email alerts to keep you as informed
as possible. You can also subcribe to receive regular copies of the printed and digital versions of the magazine, or sign up to the monthly The Selfbuilder newsletter.
www.sbhonline.co.uk 58 SB Website
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