The best shower panels on the market

We have developed our Showerscape shower panels as a solution to the downsides of using tiles and other acrylic, MDF or ply core shower panels which are currently on the market. Showerscape shower panels are a completely, 100%, waterproof alternative to using tiles or other products available. They are manufactured in large sized panels which can be trimmed to size for use above your shower or bath, wet rooms and other wet areas.

Potential issues with shower panels

MDF/ply core panels shower wall panels have their downsides. Waterproofing of the panels is cumbersome, and only effective if fitted correctly to protect the material beneath the surface using trims all around the panels and at any joints to protect the fabric of the panels. Any water ingress over time caused by shower tray movement/sealant degradation will allow the boards to absorb water and swell. MDF shower panels are generally around 10-12mm thick which makes them heavy to manoeuvre and install. Showerscape shower panels are slimline 3mm thin, aluminium composite material, but still super strong.

Surface laminated boards; MDF/ply core shower panels need to be surface laminated to create a more water resistant surface but this can degrade over time causing peeling, looking unsightly and also allowing water under the surface eventually causing swelling and de-lamination.

Acrylic panels are a cheap material alternative, and they are waterproof. However, typically any image would be printed on the back surface of the material. Admittedly giving the panels a glass like shine and finish on the surface, the longevity of its shine will soon deplete with cleaning and shower products causing scratches and lines from any cloths or squeegees used. The adhesive used to adhere the panels to the wall, over time, can show through the image and damage the colours and look of your shower panels over time being visible through the back-print. When acrylic shower panels are trimmed or drilled the material can easily crack or can shatter and splinter.

So, what are the best shower panels to buy?

Our Showerscape grout-free shower panels are smooth, totally waterproof, and hygienic as they are grout-free with no joins to gather grime and discolour. Our picture shower panels offer cost and speed of installation benefits over tiles and other shower panel systems, avoiding the use of unsightly trims to make them waterproof. Our composite material is designed to be used outdoors, giving you the extra peace of mind that it will not degrade over time within your home. We surface print and UV cure any image on to the front face of the material ensuring no discolouration or marking of the image due to adhesive ageing appears. We don’t use a laminate on the surface, we apply an antibacterial liquid hard coat which is UV cured to the surface of your shower panels to protect both the material and the print to guarantee the long life of your panels.

We can produce large shower panels up to 2000x3000mm as a single shower panel - it’s unlikely you would need this in your home (or be able to get it in and up the stairs to fit!) but it gives you an idea of how versatile our shower panel sizes can be, which enables us to offer you single shower panels at any size you require to avoid joints within the shower or wet space that you are installing them in. Our material won’t shatter or crack when cut, drilled or trimmed, giving you (or your fitter) peace of mind when fitting the panels. We guarantee our shower panels for 20 years, we would expect you to be able to enjoy your shower panels for many years and still have them in perfect condition.

Are shower wall panels cheaper than tiles?

Initially, Showerscape shower panels may seem like a more costly alternative. However, the cost of installing tiles is initially based on the price of the tiles themselves, but they usually also take longer to affix and finish than shower panels, increasing labour and installation costs. Tile grouting attracts mould over time and can discolour, which in turn requires more maintenance. Our Showerscape bathroom wall panels are supplied with as few joins as possible to create the most seamless and easy maintenance option for you. You are likely to be limited to certain sizes with our competitors, which are generally only convenient sizes for the supplier not you, the customer. Silicone sealant is used to seal around corner joins and your shower tray, and we’ve even found an incredible product that will eliminate mould on your silicone within a few hours. Find out more about our Vilosi Mould removal gel to keep your bathroom looking fresh and new for even longer!