Wall Panels vs. Tiles: Which Is Best For Your Bathroom? 

Are you thinking about a bathroom renovation but are torn between wall panels and tiles? 

We faced the very same dilemma so I understand the struggle of choosing between tiles or full panels. 

Tiles have been the ‘default’ option for decades. 

Today? 

Not anymore. Bathroom wall panels are making big waves in Australian homes as the more practical alternative to tiles. This is because they’re versatile, simple to maintain and easy to install. And they inspire fresh trends, simplicity and calm.

Innovative Splashbacks offer high-quality solutions for showers which combine style, durability and sustainability for transforming your bathroom. In this article, we cover the key differences between bathroom wall panels and tiles, and guide you in making an informed decision. 

Wall Panels vs. Tiles: The Difference At a Glance

Typically tiles are smaller, around 30cm by 30cm. They’re installed one by one, fitted using adhesive and finished with grout.

Bathroom wall panels on the other hand are large, decorative sheets designed to cover the walls of your bathroom, providing a cost-effective alternative to tiles. 

At Innovative Splashbacks, we proudly manufacture and supply high-quality, versatile and stylish bathroom wall panels for residential and commercial bathroom renovation projects. 

Let’s introduce you to the six main distinctions between our bathroom wall panels and tiles.

#1. Cost 

From a purchase cost, tiles are a cheaper product.

However, that’s just the beginning of the cost of tiles. 

You also have to add in the installation cost of a professional tiles. And for a renovation, add in the cost of removing the old tiles. 

Innovative Splashbacks and Wall Panels cost more, however they are easy for a DIYer to install which means, other than some tubes of silicone, your costs end there. 

And they can be installed straight over existing tiles which means you don’t have the cost of removing them either. 

#2. Installation Time

If you choose to install tiles yourself, it can take days. Even a professional tiler takes time. And scheduling them in can be difficult at times. 

Each tile has to be cut and spaced out, then grouted, sealed and dried. It’s a time consuming process because they’re installed one by one.

It’s certainly a turn off. 

Unlike tiles, acrylic bathroom wall panels are lightweight, very easy to handle and quick to install. 

And because they’re supplied cut to size,  they can be installed in one go. In fact, these shower panels could be installed by in under 30 minutes. And they can be installed by anyone handy making renovations simple, fast and stress-free. 

#3. Cleaning & Maintenance 

Tiles contain grout which is a magnet for dirt and mould. Because of this, grout discolours and yellows over time and lose their bright, clean finish. Cleaning discoloured or mouldy grout requires laborious scrubbing. And even with regular cleaning, chances of reclaiming grout after it’s lost its former glory are slim. 

Sometimes complete regrouting may be necessary to keep tiles looking their best again. And this gets expensive. 

Acrylic wall panels, by contrast, are a hygienic, seamless and sanitary grout-free surface which requires very low maintenance. Our wall panels are waterproof and are kept clean with a simple wipedown with warm soapy water and a soft chamois cloth. There’s no need to use harsh chemicals because soap doesn’t build up quickly, unlike with tiles. With no grout to deal with, maintenance is a breeze. 

And speaking of cleaning, acrylic wall panels are painted and printed on the rear instead of the front.  This protects the colour and/or print, as it will never be scratched or damaged as it is not on the front of the panel.

#4. Waterproofing Advantage

Tiles are generally water-resistant, but rarely 100% waterproof. Tiled bathrooms have hundreds of joints which can easily let water seep through. 

Of course, a proper waterproof seal should prevent further damage. However nothing is guaranteed and we’ve seen people end up with repair bills in the tens of thousands of dollars because of poor waterproofing. 

High-quality bathroom wall panels help eliminate this risk. Our acrylic panels are specifically engineered for delivering high-performance waterproof surfaces. Ideal for use in high-humidity and wet areas like shower enclosures and around baths. 

Like any material in a shower, it still needs to be waterproofed prior to installation. However, eliminating grout means reducing the risk. 

An acrylic bathroom panel from Innovative Splashbacks has zero grout lines. This means it creates a continuous waterproof surface. So when water hits the surface, it runs off—leaving the surface completely dry. This eliminates the risk of mould growth, damp patches and structural damage to your bathroom walls. 

#5. Durability

Tiles are durable. However, it doesn’t mean they’re not susceptible to cracking or chipping. Under pressure, they do give in to wear and tear. And when that happens, you run the risk of mould building up in between tiles due to water seepage. Bathroom wall panels are a much more durable alternative as far as withstanding wear and tear. 

Bathroom wall panels from Innovative Splashbacks are made from a 6mm thick high-quality acrylic. They’re waterproof and mould-resistant and built to last. They won’t require repair or replacement over the long term. In fact, we’re so confident in the durability of our panels that we offer a full 10 year warranty for your peace of mind.

The acrylic itself is even covered by a more extended 30 year no-UV yellowing warranty. This means you could place it in direct sunlight for 30 years and they will not yellow. 

And if you have to replace a tile, not only is it a costly and time consuming task, you’ll never have a perfect match. Your replacement tile will always look different. 

#6. Style Customisation 

Tiles offer some custom layout options, but our bathroom panels give you complete design freedom. 

Innovative Splashbacks offer a much wider range of stylish panel designs to suit any taste. You can have our panels in any image, graphic or pattern of your choice. This includes everything from stone and marble effect, any tile pattern to any scenery from beaches to waterfalls and landscapes. 

Our panels are also available in any colour from any paint range such as Dulux, Wattyl, Taubmans or a swatch colour. We even match Laminex and Pantone colours. 

And they available in either matte and gloss finishes. 

If you can dream it, we can create a panel which replicates your unique look. And the best part? Our panels allow you to create a seamless, continuous and high-end look without any visible joints.

Using Wall Panels vs. Installing Tiles: The Lowdown 

The bottom line is that bathroom wall panels offer several advantages over and above traditional tiles. 

They cost 40-60% less than tiles (including the laying cost), and they are easier to install and maintain. 

Wall panels, such as those from Innovative Splashbacks, are also completely waterproof, making them highly durable in a wet environment. Plus, with their smooth and seamless look, they provide a modern, stylish design befitting any bathroom. 

Of course, tiles too have their place in any modern bathroom. However, considering practical performance—installation time, cost, maintenance, waterproofing and design freedom—bathroom wall panels come out on top any day. 

Future Your Bathroom With Innovative Splashbacks 

If you find that bathroom panels might be the best choice for you, Innovative Splashbacks have you covered. We offer a wide range of stylish, cost-effective and certified Australian made wall panels which are built to last. 

Our splashbacks and wall panels are cut to size and shape, including tap-holes and powerpoints. This makes installation fast, hassle free and simple. 

They are elegant, durable and available in any colour from any paint range. They are also available in high definition digital prints. 

And we are proudly certified Australian Made. 

You can find out more by browsing this website. And you can get inspiration by browsing our gallery. You’ll see real jobs from real clients. 

They are ideal for DIY renovators, and we deliver these direct to your door nation wide. 

You can call us on 0418 548 743 or send us information about your project on the contact page. You can also email us directly at help@innovativesplashbacks.com.au . 

We will be happy to answer your questions.