Amanda Mills at SFA Saniflo and Kinedo discusses why housebuilders should consider wall panels for bathrooms in residential new builds.
Bathroom design has moved on considerably in recent years. Homeowners increasingly want bathrooms that feel individual, stylish and contemporary, rather than simply functional. For housebuilders, however, delivering attractive bathrooms also means balancing design expectations with installation time, labour costs and the need to complete new homes efficiently.
This is where wall panels can offer a compelling alternative to traditional tiling.Quicker to install
One of the biggest advantages of wall panels for new-build projects is speed. Panels can be installed considerably more quickly than traditional tiles, helping to reduce the time required to complete
each bathroom.
Many modern panels can also be cut to size, if required, onsite using standard tools prior to installation onto suitably prepared wall surfaces. It is important to remember the walls in a shower area must be tanked prior to fixing the panels, the same requirement for conventional tiling. However, clearly there is no grouting, once the panels are up, it’s just a case of allowing the panel adhesive and silicone sealant to thoroughly dry before the shower can be used – usually around 24 hours.
For housebuilders working to tight construction programmes, saving installation time across multiple properties can make a significant difference to the progress of a site and enables trades to move on to the next stage of the build sooner, meaning cost savings are possible.
DESIGNED TO BE Easy on the installer
Looking after the installer and reducing the risks of manual handling are top of the list for housebuilders – and the sector now has some of the most stringent health and safety policies. It is worth looking for wall panels that are exceptionally lightweight and therefore easier to handle, manoeuvre and position as they are best placed to support those credentials.
Lightweight doesn’t mean low quality either – innovative materials such as aluminium and polyethylene used in the manufacture of waterproof wall panels are high quality and durable, but less physically demanding to install.
A huge choice of panels to create the perfect space
Speed and efficiency do not mean compromising on appearance. Modern wall panels are available in an increasingly wide choice of colours, patterns and finishes, allowing housebuilders to create bathrooms that reflect current tastes.
Marble remains a particularly popular look for housebuilders and other specifiers, offering the appearance of a luxurious natural material without the cost and maintenance associated with genuine marble. Darker marble effects can create a dramatic statement, while lighter versions provide a brighter and more timeless appearance.
Nature-inspired designs are currently on trend too, with stone, botanical and other organic patterns helping to create bathrooms that feel calm and connected to nature. Wood-effect finishes offer another way to bring the outdoors in.
For homeowners looking for something more contemporary, geometric designs such as herringbone, hexagonal, wave and other repeating patterns can provide visual interest without overwhelming
the room.
Making a statement
The beauty of panels is that they can be used throughout the whole bathroom, cloakroom or even utility room. Alternatively, rather than covering the whole space in an identical design, a statement panel can create a stunning focal point, whether that is in the shower, above the bath or on a single wall. As well as offering a premium appearance, this method could be adapted to offer customers a choice of bathroom decor if they are buying off plan.
Practical & beautiful
For new-build housing, wall panels offer the lot. Quick to install, straightforward to handle, less preparation, no grouting. All available choice of patterns, colours and natural finishes that today’s homeowners want, delivering contemporary bathrooms faster.
So, will it become the norm for housebuilders to offer panels to customers just like they do carpets in a new house?
Amanda Mills is marketing manager at SFA Saniflo and Kinedo