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Bathroom wall panels are a stylish and practical alternative to traditional tiles, offering a sleek and modern finish. If you’re considering bathroom wall panels for your renovation or new build, there are several key factors to keep in mind. From the materials and installation process to maintenance tips and aesthetic choices, understanding the ins and outs of wall panels can ensure a long-lasting and beautiful bathroom upgrade.

Here are 10 things you need to know about bathroom wall panels, including their benefits, types, and how they compare to tiles. Whether you’re after durability, ease of cleaning, or design flexibility, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

10 Things You Need to Know About Bathroom Wall Panels

Bathroom wall panels are a stylish and practical alternative to traditional tiles, offering a sleek and modern finish. If you’re considering bathroom wall panels for your renovation or new build, there are several key factors to keep in mind. From the materials and installation process to maintenance tips and aesthetic choices, understanding the ins and outs of wall panels can ensure a long-lasting and beautiful bathroom upgrade.

Here are 10 essential things you need to know about bathroom wall panels, including their benefits, types, and how they compare to tiles. Whether you’re after durability, ease of cleaning, or design flexibility, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

1) Do bathroom wall panels come in different styles and finishes?

“At Wetwall, we offer bathroom wall panels in a wide variety of styles, colours, and finishes, including options that mimic the look of tiles, stone, marble, or wood. This allows for a broad range of design possibilities. When choosing a style, consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, as well as how the panel’s texture and finish will interact with lighting and other materials in the space. 

2) Are bathroom wall panels better than tiles?

“Unlike traditional tiles, bathroom wall panels are grout-free, making them quicker to install and easier to clean, significantly reducing the time and effort needed to maintain a pristine look. This eliminates common issues like mould and cracking associated with grout. Wetwall’s panel systems are designed to be 100% waterproof*, protecting the underlying walls from moisture damage caused by splashes and condensation. The seamless installation process appeals to those seeking a quick refresh of their space without the mess and downtime of traditional tiling. They are often more cost-effective and can provide a modern aesthetic with less upkeep. 

*When installed as per Wetwall’s installation guidance, using Wilsonart Complete Adhesive and Sealant and profiles where relevant.  

3) Which types of bathroom panels are waterproof?

“Most modern bathroom wall panels are designed to be waterproof. Look for panels made from PVC, aluminium, or high-quality laminate, which are specifically engineered to withstand moisture. Thanks to their waterproof composite core, panels like Wetwall’s Elite Panels protect underlying walls from moisture damage caused by splashes and condensation, as long as they have been installed and maintained correctly. It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s installation guidelines to ensure the panels provide the best protection against water damage. 

4) How durable are bathroom wall panels?

“Unlike tiles, bathroom wall panels are grout-free, making them easy to clean and maintain for ultimate longevity. All panels in Wetwall’s Elite collection feature fast-fit tongue and groove joints alongside sleek post-formed edges, resulting in a trim-free installation that boasts a lifetime product guarantee (an industry leading offering), giving any homeowner much-needed peace of mind that their investment is protected for life when considering a bathroom upgrade. What’s more, shower panels are far more hygienic due to their ability to minimise common maintenance problems associated with grout, such as mildew and mould. It’s also worth noting that high-quality panels can resist impacts and scratches better than tiles, but cheaper options might show wear sooner. 

5) Can wall panels be installed over existing tiles?

“In many cases, bathroom wall panels can be installed directly over existing tiles. Ensure the existing tiles are clean, intact, and level. Use a suitable adhesive to secure the panels and seal all edges to prevent water ingress. This can save the time and effort involved with removing old tiles. 

“However, before going ahead, ensure the tiles are adhered to walls, and there are no underlying issues like dampness, or structural problems that could affect the new installation. Any loose tiles must be removed, filled and sanded smooth. Wipe wall surfaces with a damp cloth and leave to dry prior to installation.   

6) Are specialist tools required to install bathroom wall panels?

“When it comes to the installation of bathroom wall panels, the process really couldn’t be simpler. They can be measured, cut, and installed quickly and easily with the same basic tools you’d use to cut standard wood-based materials. This offers an innovative solution for new build installations, a quick home-project refresh, or even a more detailed renovation; the achievable look promises to be sleek, modern, and of the highest quality finish. While basic tools are sufficient, having precise measurement tools and a steady hand is essential to achieve a professional-looking standard, especially when cutting around fixtures like pipes and windows.

“To install bathroom wall panels, you’ll need a pencil, tape measure, drill, heavy-duty caulking gun, hole saw, level circular saw with a fine-tooth blade, square chalk-line, heavy-duty suction cups, router, methylated spirit alcohol and wooden shims. 

7) How do you clean and maintain bathroom wall panels?

“Wetwall panels are low-maintenance and easy to clean using a mild detergent and a soft cloth or sponge. Avoid abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads that could damage the surface. Regular cleaning with non-abrasive products will keep your panels looking fresh and new for longer. For tougher stains, a diluted vinegar solution can be effective without harming the panel’s surface. Always follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to maintain the warranty. 

8) What is the average cost of bathroom panels?

“The price of bathroom panels varies depending on material, design, and size. For a complete installation, costs will also include fitting and additional supplies such as adhesive, trims, and sealants. It’s important to consider not just the material cost but also the installation time, labour, and the long-term maintenance. Wetwall bathroom panels are quick and simple to install, often complete in half a day, whereas tile installation is tedious and time consuming and can take over 2 days.  

9) How are bathroom wall panels made watertight?

“Follow the installation guidelines of the manufacturers panels, panels made from a waterproof composite core, aluminium or PVC are waterproof. Make sure you adhere the panel to the wall using the recommended adhesive and ensure all seams and edges are properly sealed with silicone sealant to prevent water leakage. Pay special attention to corners, joints, and areas around fixtures where water might infiltrate. For the best results, choose a sealant that is specifically designed for use in bathrooms and follow the application instructions closely to avoid gaps.

“To ensure their panels remain waterproof Wetwall recommends using the Wilsonart Complete Adhesive and Sealants, which have been specifically designed to use on their panels and this will ensure validation of their lifetime guarantee, an industry leading offering.  

10) Can you paint wet wall panels?

“Wetwall panels are not designed for painting. Their surface is engineered to be water-proof and easy to clean, which can be compromised by paint. If you want to update the colour or style of your space, consider replacing the panels with new ones in your preferred design. Wetwall offers a range of cost-effective options, from modern marbles and textured stones to trend-led colours, so there’s plenty to choose from.” 

For more information or to view Wetwall’s full range of bathroom wall panels, please visit: www.wetwall.co.uk 

January 2025 sees Ca’ Pietra launch Studio Collection, the latest artistic endeavour from one of the UK’s leading tile brands. Studio is where small batch collections are born and bred, with each tile being designed in-house and fired at Ca’ Pietra’s home in Wiltshire. 

Each tile range within the collection will be completely and utterly unique to Ca’ Pietra – giving more choice to retailers to create some extra special projects. Each tile is designed by Aaron Hammond, who spent the last four years running his own hand-painted tile studio. In tandem with Head of creative Grazzie, they’ll be designing micro collection after micro collection, coming up with concepts and stories together before Aaron’s hand turns them into a marriage of classic techniques and modern making methods.

The first tiles launched are Jamboree, Bobbin, Nonna’s Kitchen, and the Classic Collection. 

Jamboree is rooted in festival vibes. The idea is retailers can mix and match them however they like. Designed for any room in the home, from kitchens to bathrooms, Jamboree comes in two styles of square wall tile – one a block colour and the other a two-tone split – plus a dado to finish off a run of tiles or even divide things up in creative ways. They’re all hand-painted in the UK and are seriously rich and glossy.

Eight is the magic number with Jamboree, with each and every colour picked for its uplifting spirit and capability of combining with one another. 

Next up is Bobbin, a square wall tile that is decorated with a rise-and-fall-scallop border and available in five hues. 

And then there’s The Classics. These wall tiles have all been originally hand-drawn and painted by our in-house artist and translated onto wall tiles that are fired in the UK. They are classics by their very nature. 

Finally, Nonna’s Kitchen. Created as a collection that transports homeowners to a different destination, the collection offers a comforting and nostalgic feel. Featuring ten tiles, all destined for kitchen walls. From florals to Nonna’s lemon grove, each is a playful offering that is sure to be hit with retails and homeowners alike. 

Today, Toby Griffin, a KBB business consultant, explores the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom (KBB) industry.

So I’m writing an article on Artificial Intelligence in the kitchens and bathrooms industry.  This isn’t my first foray into the topic, though, as in 2013, I penned a piece called Doomsday Scenario in which I – controversially at the time – predicted that AI would eventually replace most of the work done by those on the ‘coal-face’ of lower-priced design and specification; and it has been interesting in the thirteen years since that was published how this prediction has – albeit slowly – started on its journey to fruition. Despite the deliberately provocative title, the piece ended by highlighting that those in mid-to-higher skilled roles would have nothing to fear from technology.  This, I believe, is still the case today.

So, in bringing it back to the present, this article you are now reading borrows from my decades of KBB experience, a reasonable level of tech-savviness (yes, I’ve checked, this is a word!), and I was recently party to a presentation from Alan Coleman (from Cyncly – KBB CAD specialists) specifically on AI in our sector, from which I have lifted – with his consent – some of that which comes below.  With this armoury and the internet at my fingertips for fact-checking and further research, I’m all ready. 

But something crossed my mind: Why not get Chat GPT to write it?  Or at least give me the basic framework for an article and/or some ideas that maybe I hadn’t thought of?  So I did, and here goes (see if you can spot which paragraphs have been written entirely by AI).

AI is revolutionising industries across the board, and the kitchen and bathroom industry is no exception. From smart appliances to innovative design tools, AI is changing how we design, specify, and handle projects, from our marketing function generating an initial client enquiry to aiding in idea creation and even analysing profitability upon completion. The integration of AI into the kitchen and bathroom industry offers great benefits for companies, people and clients alike.

The first aspect that seems most apparent, and has definitely ‘caught the eye’ in the kitchen and bathroom world, is the ability of AI – only using a few words as prompts – to generate room/space design suggestions, which are often stunning and surprisingly innovative.  Now, there isn’t a single Generative-AI image that I’ve seen yet that recreates entirely as presented; it is a tool that creates multiple ideas and designs that fit a basic brief; it’s already the best now and will only be getting better as it is improved upon via learning. This, though, you could argue, could be a threat to those who work in any creative field, as innovative presentations can be produced in seconds, but – having recommended its use to a client of mine who is an Interior Designer – properly embraced – AI has revolutionised the way she handles first stages with her clients, and has sped up her process.  This moves me on to productivity.

Boosting productivity may not be a sexy topic, but it’s much more interesting than just pleasing the bean counters.  AI’s ability to handle sophisticated but repetitive tasks can remove the parts of a job that take time and are boring.  I, for example, know the importance of properly lighting and dressing a CAD design ready for renders, but hate doing it.  So – and this is very much on the way – CAD companies are beginning to release AI bolt-ons to their systems, which will do both of these for me.  Lovely.  So now I can get on with the parts of the job I most enjoy.  Similarly, if measuring up an existing room is your pet hate, no problem.  AI software is already available, which means you only need to cast a smartphone’s camera around a room, and it’ll create the room in 3D, complete with measurements.  Of those surveyed, 78% said that AI boosts productivity, leaving them to concentrate on the aspects of their role that they enjoy and are great at.

In the kitchen, AI is particularly evident in the form of smart appliances. Devices like refrigerators, ovens, and dishwashers are now equipped with AI-driven technology, allowing them to learn user preferences and make intelligent adjustments. For instance, smart ovens can recognise the food being cooked and automatically adjust the temperature and cooking time for optimal results. Smart refrigerators can monitor food inventories, track expiration dates, and even suggest recipes based on available ingredients.  Although these are innovations that are probably not needed or wanted by foodies or skilled home cooks, their use in the majority of homes could really take off as the technology improves, and there are significant benefits for those living with restricted abilities, such as those in sheltered housing.

In bathrooms, AI technology is improving convenience, comfort, and energy efficiency, with smart showers and toilets which can be programmed to adjust water temperature and pressure and even play personalised music!  AI-powered mirrors can analyse skin conditions and suggest skincare routines, while lighting systems can be adjusted based on the time of day, improving both functionality and ambience.

For those working on larger developments, where single kitchen or bathroom design choices are repeated across tens or even hundreds of installations, getting these decisions right is crucial.  In this instance, AI is proving outstanding at processing, analysing, and packaging up billions of data inputs to present to specifiers, giving them insight and foresight to help them make choices.  It is also being used in cost estimation, order processing, and regulatory compliance, helping to speed up, improve, and error-check within processes. 

Finally, AI is not just in the hands of us, the professionals.  The general public, and therefore your clients, already have easy access to easy-use, free/cheap AI, and they’re using it.  Surveys suggest that 36% of the UK public have used Generative-AI, and you can bet that those numbers will be significantly higher for people involved in a kitchen or bathroom project.  If you are not already integrating AI into your business’s design and processes, it will be driven by them.

So, we’ve reached the end of the article, and I wonder if you worked out the paragraphs written solely by AI?  In truth, there weren’t any, and that’s the point.  Blending AI with our own knowledge, understanding, and unique mind-set is going to be the art, trick, technique going forward.  As Alan Coleman so neatly summarised in his presentation, “AI won’t replace Designers, Designers that work with AI will replace Designers”.  Food for thought.

Bath maker BC Designs has launched its latest bathroom centrepiece in the form of a new freestanding bath. 

The Copper/Acrylic Boat Bath is larger than most in the BC Designs bath product portfolio, standing at 1800mm in length. 

Made from pure copper on the outside, the acrylic inner contrasts beautifully against the warm patina of the copper exterior. 

As the new bath features the extensive use of copper, there are also benefits to the metal and its hygiene factor. Copper is somewhat of a supermetal and kills common viruses (everyday colds, etc.) within minutes and COVID-19 within a couple of hours.

Pair the new Copper/Acrylic Boat Bath with a matching copper roll-top basin for an opulent finish. 

For more information on BC Designs, visit www.bcdesigns.co.uk

Bathroom manufacturer Tissino has launched three new additions to its heating range: Emilio, Bartolo, and Fabio. The new additions have been designed to work as standalone pieces or with other products that Tissino sells. 

Emilio is an open-ended modern radiator with each of the four sizes available and reversible so the open end can be either side. It is available in Chrome, Matt Black, Matt White and Matt Graphite. The four sizes available are 1132 x 500mm, 1132 x 600mm, 1708 x 500mm, and 1708 x 600mm. 

Bartolo is an ultra-modern take on the typical ladder rail and is available in Chrome, Matt Black, Matt White – which works with Tissino’s furniture ranges – and Matt Graphite, with each of the colourways in a flat finish to complement the modern look. Retailers will be able to specify from six sizes ranging from 1090 x 500mm up to 1738 x 600mm. 

Fabio is a true designer ladder rail with a square outer frame with ultra-slim 16mm horizontal rails. Available in multiple colourways, including Chrome, Matt Black, Matt Graphite, Matt White, Matt Grey, Soft Taupe and Midnight Blue. Retailers can choose from four different sizes 1200 x 500mm, 1200 x 600mm, 1800 x 500mm, 1800 x 600mm. 

Each of the new additions is part of Tissino’s Esclusiva range, which is a collection of premium products available to all of the company’s bricks and mortar retailers only. 

For more information on Tissino, visit www.tissino.co.uk

Europe is on track to meet its climate-neutrality goal by 2045, with major reductions in CO₂ emissions required by 2030. The heating sector, the largest energy consumer, is crucial to achieving these targets. By 2030, emissions in the building sector must be reduced by 44% compared to 2020 levels, equivalent to a 53 million-tonne CO₂ reduction. Modern heating technologies and government subsidies offer homeowners significant opportunities to contribute to this transformation.

Sustainable heating solutions

The German heating industry offers a range of sustainable technologies that can be tailored to existing and new buildings. Heat pumps, which extract energy from air, water, or the ground, are a leading option. Hybrid systems, combining gas-condensing boilers with heat pumps, help reduce fossil fuel consumption, while biomass solutions using renewable fuels like wood pellets provide further eco-friendly alternatives. Additionally, ‘H2-ready’ gas heating systems can be converted to hydrogen in the future, ensuring long-term climate-neutral sustainability. With various options available, homeowners can select the system that best suits their needs and environmental goals.

Financial incentives

Homeowners can benefit from generous state subsidies for installing climate-friendly heating systems. From 2024, a 30% rebate is available, with additional bonuses for replacing outdated systems. For households earning under €40,000 annually, the subsidy can reach up to 70% of installation costs, making eco-friendly heating not only sustainable but also cost-effective.

ISH 2025: A hub for innovation

At ISH 2025 in Frankfurt (17-21 March), leading manufacturers will showcase the latest heat generation, distribution, and storage technologies. The event will highlight cutting-edge solutions, including energy management systems and efficient heat transfer technologies.

Expert discussions at ISH 2025

In addition to the exhibition, ISH 2025 will host key events such as the ‘Building Future Conference’, where experts will discuss strategies for implementing the heating revolution. Other conferences, including the ‘German Energy Consultants Conference’ and the ‘House of Energy Congress’, will focus on sustainable building concepts and energy efficiency.

Join the heating revolution at ISH 2025, where innovation and expertise converge for a sustainable future.

The Unified Water Label Association (UWLA) has urged homeowners to look at water efficiency in the home to help save on household bills as they face rising water bills in 2025.

The advice comes in response to the news from industry regulator Ofwat that a typical water bill will rise by an average of £86 from April this year, with average water and sewerage bills rises of £157 (36%) expected over the next five years. 

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill said, “One mistake people make is not upgrading from outdated, inefficient products to more innovative solutions. The industry is leading the way with a wide range of products that carry the Unified Water Label, which clearly identifies how water and energy-efficient the product is. Water and energy are inextricably linked in the home. Reducing water will reduce energy, which is kinder to the environment and will also save the user money from utility bills. Around 18% of energy consumption in UK homes is spent heating water, and about 12% of a typical gas-heated home’s heating bill is from the water for showers, baths and the hot water tap.

“People can also improve water and energy efficiency in the home by changing their habits and better maintenance. For example, fixing leaking taps or cutting back on the time in the shower are examples.

“The UWLA works with industry to help them communicate and educate consumers on the importance of changing behaviours, as minor changes can bring about significant benefits.

“Consumers can look for the Unified Water Label on products, websites and packaging. The UWLA website also has a wealth of free information, tips, and advice for homeowners. The website also gives access to the product database enabling visitors to select new products, with over 160 brands, and 20,000 products there is plenty of choice.”

Visit the website here for more information

Since its introduction in 1999, the PLAN series has revolutionised bathroom furniture and accessories, offering stylish solutions crafted to meet the highest standards of design and quality. To celebrate this anniversary, KEUCO has decided to enhance the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to display PLAN’s vision for the future.

PLAN has always been associated with precision, straight-lined shapes, functional extras and perfectly coordinated products. PLAN accessories are renowned for providing a stylish solution for all bathroom requirements, especially the Care range, which ensures safety and comfort.

To continue PLAN’s success, KEUCO is ready to break new ground. Artificial intelligence encourages rethinking, offering a great opportunity to view different processes and perspectives. An opportunity was seized when, for the first time, images were created with models generated by AI. The aim is to show the retrospective view of PLAN – the pride of what it was and how we can also look forward at the same time.

Design that lasts

Product developer and designer Reiner Moll created a long-lasting, purist design language with clear and straight lines with PLAN. Creating a product that stands for impressive simplicity in high-quality execution, which has won numerous prestigious awards and is proof of PLAN’s outstanding workmanship and unique character. With each product telling a story of sophistication and care.

Whether glossy chrome, velvety matt aluminium finish, purist stainless steel or accentuating matt black, PLAN surfaces refine the straight-lined design and showcase the aesthetic shapes with masterful precision.

With hundreds of individual products, the range offers countless well-thought-out possibilities, ensuring that PLAN has more than one solution to meet a requirement.

Specialist home interest agency Cairn has been appointed to launch an innovative new technology for Sensio Lighting.

Cairn was approached directly for the opportunity, thanks to the team’s knowledge and experience within the KBB sector. The agency was tasked with leading the six-figure project, to “set the gold standard” for how the company will launch future products into the UK market.

Sensio is a KBB lighting specialist that launched its new Lumino lithium-ion powered illuminated mirror range in 2024. The patented technology is a significant advancement as it’s better for the environment, doesn’t require mains connection and can be retrofitted into any bathroom.

Karl Hallam, head of marketing at Sensio, said: “We reached out to Cairn after receiving an industry recommendation and were immediately impressed with their market knowledge, fresh ideas and their full-service offering. They have supported us through every stage of the launch; from a big campaign idea, to messaging, visual assets, sales tools and video production.

“We couldn’t be happier with the work Cairn has delivered, and the team has absolutely nailed the brief. They have created a blueprint for how we will be running our future marketing campaigns in the UK.”

Manchester-based agency Cairn has a strong pedigree in the kitchens, bedrooms, and bathrooms sector, and it has a client portfolio that includes Kutchenhaus, Blum, Whirlpool, and nobilia.

Will English, Cairn’s co-founder and managing director said: “It’s a real testament to our industry experience to be approached by an progressive brand like Sensio. It’s rare to work on a campaign for a genuinely new, ground-breaking technology.

It’s allowed us to flex our creative muscles and build a multi-channel campaign which is already delivering results.” 

Cairn offers strategic brand planning and channel-spanning creative comms, delivered by a team of activation specialists across digital, off-line, PR and web design and development.    

Cairn’s purpose is to ‘take brands further’, whether that’s scale-ups focused on the next phase of growth, established brands pursuing new opportunities or businesses simply seeking a fresh approach to their communications.

For more information and an introduction to the team, please visit: wearecairn.com or call 0161 537 8780.

Cosentino, a global leader in surfaces, introduces its latest collection, Silestone® Ukiyo. Following the successful launch in 2023 of Dekton® Ukiyo, the first collection of ready-to-install fluted tiles in the industry, this collection extension brings nuanced texture to Silestone® surfaces to create depth, dimension and character.

Designed for contemporary residential and commercial interiors, Silestone® Ukiyo will be available in matte or polished finishes and two fluted options: GV2 with grooves set 25 mm apart and measuring 5mm wide and 3 mm deep; and GV3 with grooves set 11 mm apart and 4mm wide and deep. Silestone® Ukiyo’s large format facilitates its use in broader applications, minimising joints to create a more seamless finish. Its slimline weight also opens the way to multiple tiling and decorative applications due to its lightness and practicality.

Designed to add texture and interest, most colours in the wider portfolio are now available with Ukiyo, including the recent EARTHIC and Le Chic Boheme collections by Silestone®XM.

Silestone®XM is manufactured using 99% reused water and 100% renewable energy, incorporates a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition and contains less than 10% of crystalline silica belonging to the category introduced this year.

The collection includes:

Raw D from EARTHIC – A dark natural stone-effect backdrop that creates a mood of tranquillity and elegance. Featuring diffused scattered streaks of bronze woven through a charcoal landscape, Ukiyo enhances Raw D’s drama and contemporary style.

Bohemian Flame from Le Chic – This colour presents subtle sinuous veins with metallic inlays in copper shades. It is inspired by the movement of the golden flows of lava that generate scars on volcanic soil and is reminiscent of the calmly moving golden flame of candles accentuating tiny metallic pieces.

Parisien Bleu from Le Chic – Taking inspiration from the French Capital, this colourway boasts a deep bluish tone with a strong personality and powerful character. Inspired by the shades seen in famous Imperial Roman stones, combined with fine veins in ochre tones.

Versailles Ivory from Le Chic – Very subtle two-toned marbling in the background – the gradient effects mesmerise with the flickering lights of its golden sparkle. Bringing warmth and glamour, Versailles Ivory speaks luxury and elegance reminiscent of the exuberance of the Palace of Versailles.

Lime Delight from Urban Crush: The textured beige tones of Lime Delight provide a versatile base for any interior, from calm and minimal spaces to unexpected, bold looks. Warm and bright, it replicates the beauty and luminosity of the renowned Marbella limestone. 

Blanc Elysee from Le Chic Boheme – A delicate lattice of golden, grey, and copper veins run through a bright cream background that evokes the timeless elegance of classic Parisian palaces.