If you are in a real financial dilemma in terms of your bathroom facelift and are searching far and wide for a cheaper alternative, then opting for shower wall panels and rather leaving tiles for another occasion when your budget makes allowance for it will be the best choice. Shower panels are significantly cheaper but are just as functional not to mention just as beautiful as their tile counterparts. And when it comes to your bathroom in general, sometimes functionality needs to reign supreme over appearance. Apart from this there are other great benefits that shower wall panels have that some of the other alternatives don’t. Let’s have a closer look.
What are the different types of bathroom wall panels to choose from?
Shower wall paneling is available in an endless selection of colours and designs and they come in such a variety that everyone will find something that tickles his or her fancy. A couple of design choices include wall panels with mosaic, wood grain and marble effect.
Advantages of wall panels for shower walls:
Besides the obvious and rather significant saving, there are a few important advantages to opting for a shower wall panel. First of all, they are 100 percent water proof and are usually made from UPVC also known as thermoplastics, fibreboard or MDF. MDF panels are covered with a type of lamination that is high pressured and then with another laminate to assist with panel warp prevention as warping can be a bit of a problem with this wall cover type.
Secondly, shower wall panels are also a lot more hygienic than tiles due to the fact that certain fungi thrives and grows at light speeds on tile grout if it is not cleaned on a regular basis. Cleaning in general is also much easier because of it’s streamline design and sturdiness.
Thirdly, many panels come with a standard ten to twenty year warranty, making it great for home owners who don’t like regular remodeling.
Actual installation of shower wall panels
Most shower wall kits come with comprehensive instructions and guidelines to make the installation of shower wall panels quick and hassle free. Just be careful to follow the manufacturer’s directions and you shouldn’t have any problems. The basic steps are outlined as follows:
Shower inspection- Start the installation process by inspect the shower wall area to ensure that there is no damage that requires repair. In case of no damage or repairs required, the panels can be installed. Dry the wall completely before you start.
Shower preparation- Remove all handles, faucets, valves, inlet pipe covers and shower head. Only pipes themselves should be exposed before you start. Angled piece of shower head pipe can also be removed.
Exact measurements- Exact measurements of the shower wall area where faucets, inlet pipe, and shower head are located, should be taken. Measure the distances between all fixtures as well as wall sides; then make a sketch of the pipe layout out. Check and re-check to make entirely sure that panel edges distances match the shower measurements exactly.
Cutting Panels to right Size-After measuring the entire shower area containing faucets, handles, shower head and inlet pipe holes. Now you can move on to cutting as well as trimming panels to size so that it matches shower wall width, precisely. It is essential to measure 100 percent correctly before actually making any cuttings for the pipes.
Alternatively, you can use a large piece of cardboard to make a template for your shower wall, with pipes, and then use it to indicate exactly where the holes need to be made either with a drill or saw.
Actual attachment of panels- When it comes to actual attachment of the shower wall panels you need to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions, and to attach the panels in the order as described. To attach panels, start by applying the adhesive on the back of every individual panel, and firmly press against the wall. Use your hands to firmly press pedals against the wall, and make sure that you pay attention to all areas of the panel.
Depending upon the shower wall panel and adhesive type supplied by the manufacturer, the adhesive may need a while to set before actual panel attachment to the wall. Again, it is always recommended that you follow manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines to the letter.
Shower caulking- Using a caulk gun and silicone caulk, caulk all areas in and around the shower and make sure you fill all seams and edges with silicone.
Finishing Up- Finish the installation process by re-attaching all accessories such as faucets, handles and shower head.
DIY installation of shower wall panels is really not as complicated and impossible to do as you think. Anybody and everybody can do it. Following the steps above will make the task a whole lot easier. Just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines at all times, and your project will likely turn out exactly as you hope it will.