Wall Panels

What Are Wall Panels and What Are They Used For?

Wall panels are decorative wall coverings that go directly onto your walls instead of tiles, paint, or wallpaper. They are used in bathrooms, showers, kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms to protect walls and add texture or style. At Bathroom Mountain the range covers fully waterproof PVC and SPC shower panels as well as acoustic wood slat panels for dry living spaces.

How to Choose the Best Wall Panels for Your Room?

To choose the best wall panels for your room, start with the location — a shower or wet room needs fully waterproof PVC or SPC, while a living room or bedroom is where acoustic wood slat panels work best. Once the material is right for the room, then pick the finish: marble effect, wood effect, stone effect, plain, or fluted. Getting the material right first saves you from buying the wrong thing.

What Are the Different Types of Wall Panels?

The main types of wall panels are PVC shower panels, WPC laminated panels, SPC rigid core panels, acoustic wall panels, and stone composite panels. PVC and SPC are fully waterproof and built for wet areas like showers and wet rooms. Acoustic wood panels with felt backing are for dry rooms — living rooms, bedrooms, and home offices — where sound absorption and visual warmth matter more than water resistance.

Are Wall Panels Waterproof Enough for Bathrooms and Showers?

Whether wall panels are waterproof enough depends entirely on the material. PVC, SPC, and WPC panels are fully waterproof and safe for shower enclosures, wet rooms, and splashback areas. Acoustic panels with felt backing are not waterproof and should only go in dry rooms. Always check the waterproof rating on the product listing before buying for any wet area.

Can You Fit Wall Panels Over Existing Tiles?

Yes, you can fit wall panels over existing tiles as long as the tiles are firmly fixed with no loose or cracked sections. PVC and waterproof panels glue directly onto tiled surfaces using a solvent-free grab adhesive, which makes them popular for bathroom renovations where ripping out old tiles would be costly and disruptive. The surface just needs to be clean, dry, and flat before you start.

How Many Wall Panels Do I Need?

The number of wall panels you need depends on the total surface area you want to cover. Measure the height and width of each wall in metres, multiply them to get the square meterage, then add around 10 percent for cutting and waste. Each product listing on the site shows coverage per panel, so working out quantities is straightforward once you have your measurements.

What Adhesive, Sealant, and Trims Do I Need?

For PVC and waterproof panels you need a solvent-free grab adhesive — standard solvent-based products can melt the PVC core, so do not use them. You will also need a clear sanitary silicone sealant along all joins and edges to keep water out, and matching trim profiles for corners, edges, and joins for a neat finish. All accessories are available separately in the wall panel accessories section at Bathroom Mountain.

Are Wall Panels Easy to Install Yourself?

Wall panels are one of the more DIY-friendly wall coverings out there. PVC shower panels cut with a fine-tooth saw or sharp utility knife, fix with grab adhesive, and seal with silicone — no trade skills needed. Acoustic wood slat panels are similarly straightforward to cut and fix to the wall. Most people with basic DIY confidence can do a wall in a few hours, though a second pair of hands helps with larger panels.

How Do You Clean Wall Panels Without Damaging Them?

To clean wall panels without damaging them, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth for day-to-day cleaning. Avoid abrasive sprays, bleach, or scouring pads on PVC and gloss panels as they scratch and dull the surface film. For limescale on shower panels in hard water areas, diluted white vinegar on a soft cloth removes buildup without harming the finish.

How Do You Stop Mould Behind Bathroom Wall Panels?

To stop mould behind bathroom wall panels, seal every join, edge, and corner with sanitary silicone before the shower or bath gets used. Any gap lets moisture creep behind the panels where it cannot dry out, and mould follows quickly. Good ventilation — a window or extractor fan running during and after showering — keeps humidity down and protects the wall behind the panels long term.