Can You Use Wall Paneling In A Bathroom? [Is It Waterproof?]

Are you looking for excellent bathroom ideas? You might wonder if wall panels offer an alternative to tiles, making them a simple, hygienic, and environmental-friendly bathroom option. Wall panels are considered to be grout-free because you can make sure that it is not prone to staining or mold forming. To know more, we’ve rounded up different types of wall panels and keys to choosing the best one.

Bathroom wall paneling is a great way to spice up your bathroom and it makes it easy for any DIYer. Wall panels save you time and money. You can easily install it too – from your walls to the ceiling. With a wide range of textures, colors, styles, designs, and finishes to choose from, you can have your own dream bathroom that suits your preferences and budget.

Bathroom designers used tiles for walls and floors. This is considered to be outdated. There are custom-designed wall panels that can add class and sophistication to your bathroom. Read on and we will take your bathroom to a whole new level.

Yellow old bathroom interior with white plank paneled wall trim and antique vanity and bath tub, Can You Use Wall Paneling In A Bathroom? [Is It Waterproof?]

Bathroom Wall Panels

Glass Shower in modern home.

If you want to make your bathroom stand out, make use of bathroom wall panels. They are decorative and sophisticated types of wall panels. These can be installed around the tub, to your shower, and anywhere in the bathroom, depending on your choice.

These panels are considered to be waterproof. For the other parts of the bathroom, you need not use waterproof material, just a moisture-resistant wall panel will do.

Types of Bathroom Wall Panels:

Acrylic

Most homeowners choose Acrylic wall panels over the FBR (fiberglass) panels because it doesn’t fade. It needs to be installed over the backer board. The price range for the acrylic panel is from $600 to $800, depending on the size.

Find this Acylic Backwall Kit in White through Amazon. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass wall panels are thin and flexible plastic panels that are made up of polyester resin with fiberglass. It can be installed in your walls and ceilings. Great for DIYers because they can attach directly to wood, concrete, and other solid surfaces.

Set for insulation of walls of polystyrene block and fiberglass mesh and plasters

PVC’s and Composite

Set of items for PVC ceiling indoor works.

When you compare a PVC versus the composite, well the main difference is their appearance. Composites are often the resemblance of natural wood. On the other hand, PVC has obviously synthetic appearance.

However, they differ in few things that are worth noting:

  1. The Cost: Composite panel ranges from $3 to 12 per square foot. PVC ranges from $10 to $15 square foot.
  2. Lifespan: The lifespan will depend on the quality of materials and the manufacturing process. Both types offer warranties which may prolong the lifespan.
  3. 3. Installation: The installation is similar for both products. PVC’s are light weight which makes it easy to handle. However, it can be a bit “bouncy” than composite once it is installed.

Laminated

If you are looking for an aesthetically appealing, advanced, modern, and low-maintenance wall panel, then a laminated wall panel is the right one for you. It is also affordable which suits your budget.

Check out woody walls on Amazon. 

Natural Stone

Natural stone wall panel uses a thin layer of stone for the outside structure. Sometimes, it can be used on internal surfaces. It creates a stone finish, reduced structural support and it has a lower weight. This can also be an option as a DIYer because it is easy to install and suits your pocket.

Seamless texture of General layout of stone masonry with mixed block various shapes and sizes

Solid surface

Solid surface wall panels are visually appealing, customizable, and durable. It stands up for years giving you more value for your investment.

This elegant shower is made up of solid surface wall panel. Click and know more on Amazon. 

Do you really need to install? – The Pros and Cons

Bathroom pattern wall design with art printed on the wall in the shower area which covered with glass panels under the white ceiling and walls

If you are not sure of how to decide, here’s a quick round-up of the pros and cons of wall paneling.

Pros

  • Materials are mold-resistant and non-porous. Easy to clean and there’s no grout lines.
  • Installation takes no time.
  • Penny-wise. Imagine how much you could save from here.
  • Variety of designs to choose, from synthetic to glossy finish, from stone to wood inspired wall.

Cons

  • The longevity depends on the wall panel.
  • The installation is not always a DIY. You will need a professional to install solid surface, stone, and high-end acrylic panels.
  • Panels are heavy and difficult to move. You can’t easily set it in place.
  • Faux-stone and faux-tile won’t look exactly like the real ones.
  • It may be difficult for you to install on curve walls. Wall panels are not that flexible.

3 Keys in Choosing the Best Bathroom Wall Panels

White Toilet Bowl In A Bathroom

Remember that you have three factors to consider. -the cost, the ease of installation, and the availability of the product. Read on for more details.

Cost

First, to consider is the cost. In this way, you can help yourself make your own budget. The cost will depend on the type of panel you want to use. If you opt for fiberglass panels, it will cost you around $200 to $450.

One of the huge trends today is having a DIY installation of panels. With this, you will need not hire a professional to work on the panels. From different styles from wall to ceiling, you will end up choosing the right one that suits your bathroom. As a DIYer, you can help yourself save more.

Ease of installation

Wall panels are known to be light in weight construction. In addition, it is simple to install; however, some may require adhesives and screws which makes it difficult to install.

Unlike when you install tiles, they should be placed separately. The angle should also be straight and apply the right amount of grout.

Availability

The availability of the product will depend on the types of wall panels you want to use. First, you have to check it on your local stores near your areas. If products are not available, you may go online. For sure, there is a variety of online shops that offers different wall panels that suits your needs.

Conclusion

Beige wooden bathroom in luxury detached house

In conclusion, wall paneling is a great way to spice up your bathroom. It will make your life easy because you can do it yourself. The DIY installation is simple and easy. With a wide range of textures, colors, styles, designs, and finishes to choose from, you can have your own dream bathroom that suits your preferences and budget.

For bathroom constructions and designs, you may also check this article:

Interior Designs to Inspire Your Home