Bathroom Refit - Wall boards or tiles

TanDiy

Hi, We have had two quotes to refit the bathroom and both companies are suggesting that we should have wall boards instead of tiles around the walls of the shower bath. It looks like these would be solid wooden boards rather than plastic. They are saying that these are much better than tiles and are the modern option. Would really appreciate peoples views. Thanks.

Doozergirl

Can't stand them.  Might be modern, but they're not very sophisticated.  

No doubt they're cheaper to install, but I couldn't be paid to have them 😬

Personal preference.  

knightstyle

Decent wall boards every time!  No grout to go mouldy and look modern/good.

Penguin_

I got wall panels installed over the tiles that were there & they are brilliant. Easy to keep & maintain & as alluded to above no grout to keep clean.

Grenage

Wall boards are cheaper and quicker to install, but they make me feel like I'm in a gym's shower cubicle.  Tiles for me!

Another_Level

Tiling, Sometimes the walls need a tile backer board. sometimes not. 

Wall boards would be on the top of my list 

itsanne

Wall boards have come on a lot. They don't have to look like a gym changing room or cheap option. While there aren't as many choices as with tiles, there's a good range of options - have a look at Rearo if you're considering wall panels: https://rearo.co.uk/bathrooms/laminate-wall-panels/

(We used Rearo when redoing the bathroom and ensuite about ten years ago. At that time they offered by far the best selection, but I would imagine others also have a good range now. Ten years of daily use later they still look new.)

phoebe1989seb

Tiles every time for me. I hate wall boards with a passion.... possibly in part because they remind me of the marble effect boards my parents installed in the family bathroom back in the '80s, lol 😂

purplebutterfly

If you choose tiles, make sure they are done right.  My sister has just had her bathroom done and it is truly awful.  She'd have been far better with panels compared to the mess she has now.  They've managed to make expensive tiles look like Poundland ones. 

Jeepers_Creepers

TanDiy - it's your choice.

Good quality boards are great - imo they look good, and they are certainly practical, durable and easy to clean.

Poor quality boards are just hellish...

You can say the same for tiles, of course  

Visit some showrooms and check them out - I went to a local builders merchants and that is what convinced me that boards are absolutely worth a look.

FreeBear

Just to throw another option in to the mix.... Tadelakt.

It is a polished lime plaster from Morocco, and very similar to Venetian plaster. Waterproof, no grout lines, and is mold resistant to boot.