Q & A BATHROOM PANELS

Q & A

BATHROOM PANELS: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

A combination of supply chain challenges and reduced disposable income among homeowners means many installers are being challenged to find alternatives to bathroom tiles which maximise value without compromising aesthetics. Bathroom panels have quickly emerged as a popular response to these market challenges, so we ran a Q&A session with Keely Greenhalgh, National Sales Manager at Mermaid, about some of the most pressing topics among installers.

Q. Can panels create the same water-tight finish as tiles?

A. The development of adhesive and product technology over recent years means installers can rest assured that there’ll be no water ingress whatsoever provided they choose their panelling system and adhesive wisely. Postformed panels such as Mermaid’s Elite range not only offer tongue and groove edges which easily slot together without any gaps, but also a 100% waterproof core. Mermaid’s patented Complete adhesive, meanwhile, acts as the perfect partner. The adhesive is made from a liquid polyurethanebased formula adopted from the marine and aerospace industries, which offers strong grab adhesion and gap filling properties that will repel water.

Q. Are there any limitations to the type of surface I can fix bathroom panels to?

A. Broadly speaking, most panels can be fixed to any wall provided the manufacturer’s recommended adhesive is used. Some preparatory work will generally be required to ensure the surface is as smooth as possible and free of any dirt, grease or debris, but as long as the surface isn’t completely out of plumb, panels can even be used to disguise uneven surfaces.

Q. Does it matter which way up my bathroom panels are installed?

The answer to this question may vary depending on which product you choose. With many panels, the edge details are the same on both the top and the bottom, so the panels can be fitted either way up. This ensures that both panels have a square edge fitted into the corner, and the edge with the groove and fixing lip at the outside. The patterns used on Mermaid panels are generally random, however. This means that although on certain designs there may be a slight difference in appearance, that difference should be barely noticeable. When using more decorative tongue and groove panels, such as our Elite range, the panels arrive with the design predetermined randomly connected to the tongue and groove or postformed edge. The result is that the layout dictates how each panel needs to be connected in sequence, so careful planning and some positioning before any adhesive is applied is generally a good idea.

Q. Should my bathroom panels be fitted before or after my sanitaryware is installed?

It is important that the bath or shower tray is already securely in place and sealed appropriately before the panels are installed. Under no circumstances should the bath or shower tray be installed on top of the panels. All pipework should be pre-installed, leaving stub pipes at the positions where the equipment will be fitted. Other furniture and sanitary ware such as sinks and toilets should be installed after the panels have been fitted.

Q. A lot is said about how quick panels are to fit, but how does installation time compare to tiling?

A. It goes without saying that this will be dictated by the experience and skillset of the installer, but as a general rule, we find that the typical bathroom can take two to three days to tile, yet just three to four hours to panel. Given the pressure on homeowners’ disposable income, this can be a handy way for them to save on installation time, while installers can focus on progressing to their next job that bit quicker.

Q: What are the top current trends in bathroom surfaces, and what is coming next?

A: As well as the popularity of natural textures and patterns, we’re also seeing a real shift towards products which are both easy to maintain and hygienic to use. This has prompted growing levels of interest in bathroom panel ranges capable of replicating those textures and patterns without the unsightly grout lines associated with tiling.

More and more people are also opting for a larger shower enclosure instead of a bath, which again makes panels such as Mermaid’s Elite range a popular choice given the importance of that seamless aesthetic and watertight finish.

www.mermaidpanels.co.uk.

Postformed panels such as Mermaid’s Elite range not only offer tongue and groove edges which easily slot together without any gaps, but also a 100% waterproof core.