PVC panels for the bathroom: pros and cons, features of choice, design

Pros and cons of PVC panels

Plastic panels, like any other finishing material for the bathroom, have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Which panels are best for you?

The design of a bathroom made of plastic panels begins with the right choice. Today there are many different types of pvc panels for the bathroom, they differ both in shape and size, as well as in texture and method of attachment.

According to its shape, 3 types of plastic panels can be distinguished:

• Rack... In appearance, they resemble an ordinary lining. They come in different widths, are installed both on the frame and on glue. Planks are convenient for finishing in a non-standard bathroom with different angles and projections. In addition, with their help, you can visually raise the ceilings (if installed vertically) or move the walls apart (if installed horizontally). The width of standard products is in the range of 10-30 cm, the height is 90-300 cm.
• Tiled... A budget alternative to tile has the same shape - a square. They often imitate mosaics, marble or concrete. The main advantage of this type is the integrity of the structure, which is achieved through special fasteners on the tiles. The sizes of the tiles vary from 10 * 10 cm, but 30 * 30, 100 * 100 cm are considered standard.
• Leafy... The larger the material, the fewer joints, and this is important for the bathroom. After all, moisture penetrating into the joints provokes the formation of a fungus. In addition, even a large bathroom with large sheets can be repaired in just a few hours.The width of the leaf reaches 50 cm, and the length is 260-300 cm.

Conclusion: For the design of the bathroom, determine the priorities: visual correction of the room, the absence of joints or the speed of installation. This will tell you the ideal shape of the pvc panels.

Distinguish by thickness:

• Up to 0.5 cm. This thin and fragile material is best used for ceiling decoration.
• 0.8-1 cm. Thick panels are more durable and suitable for wall decoration. In addition, they are protected from mechanical stress and burnout in the sun.

Conclusion: For wall cladding in the bathroom, use strips 0.8-1 cm thick.

Pictured is a bathroom finished with black plastic panels

PVC panels also differ in surface treatment technology and appearance:

• Offset printing. UV resistant, protected from moisture, scratches and other damage. Reinforced with varnish.
• Thermal printing... There is no protective lacquer coating, the pattern can be easily damaged and even erased.
• Lamination... Embossed film on the panel is considered the most durable option and has the highest resistance to damage.

Conclusion: It is recommended to use offset printing in the bathroom, and it is better to install laminated lamellas around the bathroom itself.

Another difference between PVC panels is the connection method.

• Seamless... Most often these are ceiling slats. It is assumed that the installation is as close to each other as possible, the seam becomes almost invisible.
• Rusty... Otherwise - chamfered lamellas. They also adhere to each other, forming a single canvas. They decorate the walls and ceiling.
• Embossed... The uneven coating of the plastic panels masks the seam, making the space solid. This is the most suitable option for walls, moreover, it is resistant to damage. But the cost of such finishing will increase significantly.

Conclusion: Decorate the walls in the bathroom with embossed or rustic panels.

There are 2 ways of fastening:

• Wireframe... Lamellas are installed on wooden or metal battens. The main advantage of the method is that there is no need to prepare walls. In addition, communications can be hidden in the frame - pipes, ventilation or wires. The disadvantages are the cost (the frame can be more expensive than the planks themselves) and a decrease in the area of ​​the bathroom by 5-7 cm.
• Frameless... The panels are fixed directly to the wall using glue, self-tapping screws or staples. Suitable only for flat walls and makes it difficult to replace 1-2 slats if necessary. But at the same time it does not make the room smaller and saves time and money on the frame.

Conclusion: Choose the installation method based on the size of your bathroom and the smoothness of the walls in it.

To summarize - when choosing pvc panels for a bathroom, first of all, pay attention to the following nuances:

• thickness from 0.8 cm;
• offset printing or lamination;
• embossed or chamfered lamellas;
• availability of a certificate of environmental safety;
• the number of stiffeners - the more, the better;
• serviceability of lock connections;
• the quality of the coating and the correct alignment of the pattern.

Interesting ideas in bathroom design

To make the interior of the room stylish and modern, you can combine plastic slats with other materials or with each other.

Standard set - lamellas and ceramic tiles. You can decorate the shower area with tiles, and sheathe the rest of the territory with panels. If you choose lamellas that imitate a mosaic, it will be easiest to combine them.

An option for large bathrooms is a combination with wallpaper. Install the slats near the toilet and washing machine to the middle of the wall, and glue the wallpaper above.

You can also combine plastic panels with paint. Varieties with imitation textures will look great with plain painted walls.

Symbiosis with decorative plaster will benefit from the use of contrasting monochromatic lamellas.

The photo shows a real example of finishing a combined bathroom with pvc panels

Combining different types of plastic is a simple yet effective way to decorate a bathroom.Combine 2 textures (concrete and wood, matte and glossy), colors or sizes to get an interesting effect. Alternatively, sheathe the walls and ceiling in two different types.

You can create a modern bathroom with the same panels, if you choose a good print:

• imitation of a tree will become a decoration of a country house or garden, while, unlike natural material, plastic is not afraid of water;
• imitation of ceramic tiles with the image of borders and columns will facilitate the implementation of a classic interior;
• panoramic photo printing visually enlarges the space and is suitable for a small bathroom.

Tip: When buying panels with photo printing, be sure to check how the finished wall will look - for this, attach several panels to each other and step back a couple of meters.

Pictured is a combination of tiles and pvc panels

Plastic panels are chosen based on the style orientation:

• plain light (white, gray) panels in combination with metal strips or skirting boards will ideally fit into minimalism, hi-tech or modern;
• wood imitation is suitable for country apartments;
• strips in pastel colors, plain or with a small floral pattern - what you need in provence;
• plastic brickwork or concrete sheet panels will be an excellent base for a loft;
• the color scheme in bright red, blue, yellow shades is justified by the fusion style.

In the photo, a bathroom in a marine style

White plastic panels are versatile and are not only suitable for minimalistic designs. They can be combined with bright wallpaper, mosaics or colored slats. Or create a completely white Scandinavian bathroom by complementing the interior with wooden furniture.

Pictured are white pvc panels

Photo gallery

Plastic panels are a versatile material that is perfect for decorating bathrooms and toilets. But before buying them - evaluate all the pros and cons, and also decide on the criteria for choosing high-quality lamellas.