Sounds ideal, right? If you’ve spent one too many weekends scrubbing away at grout, you’ll probably be happy to discover there’s a quicker way to transform your bathroom these days.
Stylish, waterproof and easy to clean, bathroom wall panels have become an increasingly popular choice to create a beautiful bathroom with less upkeep and disruption.
And there's one brand in particular that's helped shape the bathroom wall panel market since 2001: Showerwall.
Known for its wide range of finishes and practical design, Showerwall has become one of the UK's leading bathroom wall panel brands. Whether you're planning a full renovation or simply updating a tired shower enclosure, it offers a modern way to achieve a high-end look without the maintenance often associated with tiles.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly what Showerwall is, the different types of panels available, how it compares to tiles and whether it's the right choice for your bathroom.
What is Showerwall?
Showerwall is a UK-based manufacturer specialising in waterproof bathroom wall panels. Its range of laminate, acrylic and compact tile panelling systems offers a stylish and practical alternative to traditional tiles.
Available in a wide range of designs, from realistic marble and stone effects to bold colours and contemporary patterns, Showerwall panels can be used throughout the bathroom to create a seamless, modern finish.
The best bit? They're incredibly versatile. Whether you're updating a compact ensuite, creating a luxurious walk-in shower or refreshing a busy family bathroom, Showerwall panels can be used across entire rooms or as a striking feature wall.
Why are bathroom wall panels becoming so popular?
Bathroom wall panels have grown in popularity for one simple reason: they make life easier.
While tiles remain a timeless option, wall panels offer many of the same design benefits with less installation time and ongoing maintenance. As homeowners increasingly look for practical home improvements that don't compromise on style, wall panels have become an attractive choice.
Some of the key benefits include:
- No grout to clean or maintain
- Fully waterproof surfaces
- Faster installation compared to traditional tiling
- Easy everyday cleaning
- A seamless, modern appearance
- A wide variety of colours, patterns and finishes
- Suitable for showers, wet rooms and full bathrooms
For many homeowners, it's this combination of style, practicality and convenience that makes wall panels such an appealing option.
What makes Showerwall different?
As one of the most established names in bathroom wall panelling, Showerwall offers more than just waterproof protection.
The brand has spent over two decades developing a range of panel systems to suit different budgets, styles and installation requirements.
One of Showerwall's biggest strengths is the variety of finishes and panel systems available. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, the range is designed to suit different styles, budgets and installation requirements.
Types of Showerwall panels
Showerwall offers three distinct types of panelling system - laminate, acrylic and compact tile - each with their own styles and finish options and slightly different installation process.
Laminate
Laminate panels are often chosen for their luxurious appearance, with designs ranging from marble and terrazzo to slate and stone effects.
Manufactured using an FSC-certified exterior grade MDF core bonded to high-pressure laminate, these panels are both durable and highly decorative.
Available in Proclick and Square Cut formats, laminate panels create a seamless finish with minimal visible joins. The Proclick system also helps simplify installation by allowing panels to click together neatly.
These panels are particularly popular with homeowners looking to recreate the look of natural stone or marble without the cost and maintenance associated with the real materials.
Because of their durability and moisture resistance, they're suitable not only for bathrooms but also for utility rooms, cloakrooms and other areas of the home.
Acrylic
If you're looking to make more of a statement, acrylic panels offer the greatest design flexibility.
Think bold colours, vibrant patterns and eyecatching feature walls that instantly transform a space. If you've ever fallen in love with a statement wallpaper but worried about using it in a bathroom, acrylic panels offer a similar design impact while remaining completely waterproof. Showerwall even offers custom image printing, allowing homeowners to create truly personalised designs.
Unlike laminate systems, acrylic panels don't require trims. Instead, the panels are joined together using specialist sealant to create a clean, waterproof finish. Installation kits are available to help make fitting straightforward.
Manufactured from a 4mm acrylic sheet and rear printed for durability, acrylic panels create a sleek, polished finish with a luxurious gloss appearance.
Compact Tile
Love the look of tiles but not the maintenance? Compact Tile like this silver grey option could be the perfect compromise as they're designed to replicate the appearance of traditional tiled walls.
The embossed surface creates realistic tile and grout line detailing while maintaining all the benefits of a wall panel system.
From a distance, many people would struggle to tell the difference between Compact Tile and traditional tiling. The result is a timeless look without the cleaning headaches that come with grout.
For homeowners who want a classic bathroom aesthetic with less maintenance, Compact Tile offers the best of both worlds. They're particularly popular in family bathrooms and ensuites if you want a timeless look without the ongoing maintenance that comes with traditional grout lines.
Showerwall vs tiles
If you’re renovating on a tight timeline, wall panels can be particularly appealing. A shower enclosure can often be transformed in a single day, whereas tiled installations typically require additional preparation, grouting and drying time.
Feature |
Showerwall |
Tiles |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Grouting | None | Yes |
| Cleaning | Easy wipe clean surface | Grout requires regular cleaning |
| Installation time | 4 to 8 hours (about 1 day) for a standard shower area. For a full bathroom, it usually takes 1 to 2 days. | 3 to 5 days and 24 to 48 hours of grout drying time |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate to high |
| Design options | Wide range | Wide range |
The right option ultimately comes down to your priorities, budget and how much maintenance you're willing to take on. If ease of cleaning, quick installation and a seamless finish sit high on your wish list, Showerwall is well worth considering.
There’s no denying tiles are a great option for the bathroom, but if ease of maintenance and installation are high on your priority list, wall panels are well worth considering.
Can Showerwall be installed over existing tiles?
In many cases, yes.
One of the reasons Showerwall is so popular with renovators is that many panel systems can be fitted directly over existing tiled surfaces, provided the substrate is sound and level.
This makes them ideal for DIY projects, but also for fitting in other rooms of the home, like the kitchen, office or a feature wall in the bedroom.
This can help reduce labour costs, minimise disruption and speed up the renovation process.
Always follow the manufacturer's installation guidance or consult a professional installer before beginning your project.
How much does Showerwall cost?
Showerwall caters for a wide range of budgets. Entry-level laminate panels start from around £125 per panel, while premium acrylic statement designs can exceed £500 per panel.
Most homeowners will find plenty of choice in the mid-range, with marble, stone and tile-effect designs sitting comfortably between these two price points.
Are samples available?
Yes, samples are available to order from here. You can order up to three free samples.
This should help you to feel more confident in making the right design and material choice for your bathroom.
How to order the right amount of Showerwall panels
To make sure you get the right amount of panels, you need to measure the space needing to be covered.
The average ceiling height in the UK is 2400mm and Showerwall wall panels come as a 2400mm height as standard. It's the width you need to be careful with as panel widths can vary depending on the chosen style of panel.
To ensure you get the correct number of panels. Take the length of your wall in full and divide by the width of the panel you have chosen.
For example:
-
If your wall is 2000mm in length and the panel width is 579mm, you will need four panels. 2000 / 579 = 3.45.
-
If your shower area is 900mm in length and your panel width is 500mm, then you will need two panels. 900 / 500 = 1.8.
Panels can be cut using a handsaw jigsaw or Stanley knife, but care should be taken to make sure you maintain a straight edge. Find out more about installing wall panels.
Ordering with Drench is easy and fuss-free. Just add the number of panels you need to basket and delivery is usually between 3-7 working days.
What else do I need to install Showerwall?
The exact accessories you'll need will depend on the type of Showerwall panel you choose, but don't worry - it's much less complicated than it sounds.
For laminate panels
Laminate panels are available in either Proclick or Square Cut formats.
Proclick panels use a clever locking system that allows the panels to click together, creating a sleek finish with almost invisible joins and eliminating the need for joining trims.
Square Cut panels are often used in shower enclosures and require trims to neatly finish corners and joins, helping to create a clean, professional look.
To ensure a fully waterproof installation, laminate panels should always be fitted using the recommended Sureseal system, along with the appropriate trims and sealants. Because laminate panels have an MDF core, Sureseal is particularly important where the panels meet the floor to create a watertight barrier.
As a general guide, Showerwall recommends using one tube of Showerwall Adhesive and two tubes of Showerwall Sealant per panel.
For acrylic panels
Acrylic panels offer a slightly simpler installation process, as trims aren't required. This helps create a smooth, uninterrupted finish that's perfect for bold colours, patterns and feature walls.
Each acrylic panel is supplied with an installation kit that includes alcohol wipes, translucent silicone sealant and adhesive pads to help make fitting as straightforward as possible.
The panels are fixed using Showerwall Clear Sealant, while translucent silicone sealant is used between joins to maintain a watertight finish and preserve the manufacturer's guarantee.
Not sure what you need?
To make things easier, we've highlighted all compatible trims, sealants, adhesives and installation accessories on each Showerwall product page, so you can be confident you're ordering everything needed for a successful installation.
Do they have a good manufacturer guarantee?
Yes, there is a 30 year manufacturer’s guarantee as standard (subject to registration).
With realistic finishes, easy cleaning and a range of installation options, it's easy to see why Showerwall has become one of the UK's most popular bathroom wall panel brands.
Need some inspiration?
Ready to explore your options? Read our Complete Guide to Bathroom Wall Panels or take a look at our full range of bathroom wall panels and accessories, including our own Drench Naturals collection.
