Bath/shower area finish

FreeBear

benson1980 said: For example we wanted a Moroccan style theme

Got to be Tadelakt...

 I plan on using it when I get to renovating my bathroom.

benson1980

danrv said:

benson1980 said:

plumb1_2 said:

Am not keen on pvc panels, pref a large format tile.
one piece of advice make sure you prime the plaster walls with tile primer (not pva) before sticking panels or tiles.

I would agree. PVC panels look a bit naff. What's putting you off tiles?

I suppose learning to tile, doing a good job and working over the bath.
PVC tile effect panels just look like a good idea.

I'd say if you are just doing the splashback areas where it's unpainted it should be quite straightforward as a first tiling job. I'm sure if you have queries in relation to going about doing it you'd get a good steer on this forum and actual tiles are going to look infinitely better than tile effect pvc.

FreeBear said:

benson1980 said: For example we wanted a Moroccan style theme

Got to be Tadelakt...

 I plan on using it when I get to renovating my bathroom.

I'd never heard of that before. Agreed...looks really nice. We've gone for Moroccan patterned tiles

Bendy_House

Cheap PVC panels do look cheap. At least all the ones I've seen have done.

I went to a local builder's merchants a while back to have a look for ideas, and they had expensiveish shower panels, such as those 'by' Linda Barker.

Stood inside a couple of made-up shower cubicles, and very much liked what I saw and felt (matron!). Not remotely 'cheap' in either appearance or quality - solid as a solid thing. And it just felt like quality.

So I'd suggest, if going for panels - and I'm seriously considering them myself - is choose some with a physical surface texture. They will cost more, but I think you'll notice a big difference in its aesthetics. They shouldn't look cheap.

danrv

Bendy_House said:

Cheap PVC panels do look cheap. At least all the ones I've seen have done.

I went to a local builder's merchants a while back to have a look for ideas, and they had expensiveish shower panels, such as those 'by' Linda Barker.

Stood inside a couple of made-up shower cubicles, and very much liked what I saw and felt (matron!). Not remotely 'cheap' in either appearance or quality - solid as a solid thing. And it just felt like quality.

So I'd suggest, if going for panels - and I'm seriously considering them myself - is choose some with a physical surface texture. They will cost more, but I think you'll notice a big difference in its aesthetics. They shouldn't look cheap.

Yes.
I’ve been looking more at the colours/patterns rather than the material.
The brochure I have ranges from cheap 25cm wide/2.65 long cladding to more durable, expensive panels (650mm x 375mm).

Bendy_House

danrv said:

Yes.
I’ve been looking more at the colours/patterns rather than the material.
The brochure I have ranges from cheap 25cm wide/2.65 long cladding to more durable, expensive panels (650mm x 375mm).

If, when, I do my bathroom, should I go for shower panels - and good chance I will - then they will be full-cubicle-width. Ie, a couple of 1m-wide panels will do my cubicle (one cut down to 780mm as limited room), with a single join in the corner.

If going for panels, then I think that significant benefit - far fewer joins - should play a big part. Or else go tiles!

J_B

This is ours https://c621446.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/images/cottages/custom/large/190501081.jpg  but as it was supplied by our developer, I can't really remember what it's called - but could probably ask

koalakoala

Nothing wrong with shower panels nowadays

Bendy_House

J_B said:

This is ours https://c621446.ssl.cf3.rackcdn.com/images/cottages/custom/large/190501081.jpg  but as it was supplied by our developer, I can't really remember what it's called - but could probably ask

That's like a concrete effect? Looks good. Does it have a texture?

What does it feel like to tap - hollow or solid?

danrv

There’s some similar hard wearing panels on bathroomcladdingdirect. Large at 1m x 2.6m
and solid.
https://bathroomcladdingdirect.co.uk/product-tag/hard-wearing-cladding/

danrv

Bendy_House said:

Cheap PVC panels do look cheap. 

I tend to agree. I’ve not seen them in person but I think they use a hollow structure and are lightweight.
There’s plenty of colours and patterns available on the bathroomcladding site and are cheap at around £8.99 each panel.
Having had another look and bearing in mind that ceramic tiles are obviously solid, the Dumawall range on there looks good and easy to cut and fit. Hard wearing too.
Large format rather than long panels and 5mm depth.
Packs of eight though which could mean 
spending another £100 just for a couple more tiles.
https://bathroomcladdingdirect.co.uk/product-category/bathroom-cladding/dumaplast-cladding/dumawall-plus/