Wet room designers increasingly replace traditional solutions with vinyl panels. They are gaining popularity, offering not only aesthetics but also practicality.
Especially when combined with modern shower drainage systems. In this article, we will cover some of the details regarding this subject. Enjoy the read and get ready to be impressed.
Benefits of vinyl panels in the bathroom
The right floor covering is a key element of any bathroom design. Vinyl panels for humid areas are an attractive alternative to traditional ceramic tiles due to their numerous advantages.
Safety of use. Vinyl panels, in most cases, have a non-slip surface, which is extremely important in any wet room.
This provides additional safety for household members. Especially children, who tend to be more careless than adults.
Durability and resistance to moisture. The longevity of vinyl panels is literally hard to beat. Unlike traditional ceramic tiles, they are resistant to the influence of moisture and scratches.
That makes them an excellent choice for bathrooms as well as kitchens or swimming pool areas. Such a flooring solution will last for years!
Good cleaning value. The surface of a vinyl panel allows for efficient cleaning. Water simply flows better.
That feature is even more impressive when combined with smart shower drains, which we will explain later in the article.
Ease of installation. How to install vinyl panels? Well, it’s much easier and faster compared to traditional ceramic tiles.
That’s because vinyl panels are mounted directly to the substrate, which eliminates the need to use adhesives or grouts.
Compatibility. Vinyl panels work perfectly in combination with underfloor heating, which is especially attractive in bathrooms.
They provide even warmth distribution and don’t overheat. The compatibility with designated linear drains and shower trays is also a plus.
Aesthetics and variety of designs. Such bathroom panels can imitate natural materials like wood or stone while maintaining all the advantages of vinyl. The variety of designs provides a chance to create a highly customised wet room design.
Shower trays for vinyl
Some manufacturers offer drainage systems designed specifically for a vinyl floor finish (specifics are available at wetroomsdesign.co.uk). Linear trays are highly recommended for this type of flooring due to their features.
Increased water flow. As we have already mentioned, the surface of vinyl panels enables water to move faster. Cleaning is therefore more efficient.
With the help of a linear tray, the process gets improved even further. That’s because such trays can be quite wide. In addition, they are implemented with the whole drainage system, which has been engineered with efficiency in mind.
Seamless bathroom design. It is more and more popular because minimalistic shower trays provide the invisibility effect. As a result, bathroom aesthetics reach a new level.
It is appreciated by many interior designers who prefer open wet room areas rather than shower cabins. In other cases, a stainless steel cover of a tray can have a modern look itself.
Multiple pattern styles are cut into it, which distinguishes the tray from its ordinary, boring counterparts.
Easier renovation and fixing. Modern shower trays for vinyl panels don’t take much time to install or reinstall for that matter. Any fixes or replacements won’t require a specialist.
Although some experience is a must, the whole process remains quite intuitive. The floor removal is also much less of a hassle due to the material it is made of.
The costs of vinyl flooring
Are vinyl panels cheaper than ceramic tiles? That depends on the tiles. Some options are incredibly cheap, but that makes them vulnerable to cracks.
They might not work well with underfloor heating, and, which is even worse, they won’t be as safe as anti-slip solutions. Better tiles tend to be rather costly.
Especially when they aim to appeal with more sophisticated designs and patterns. In comparison to them, vinyl panels are more budget-friendly. But there’s more to consider.
In most cases, vinyl flooring is 40% less expensive to install. That’s because it requires less time, and one person can handle it easily.
High durability, on the other hand, reduces risks of damage. That means renovation might not be needed for decades, which significantly lowers the costs in the long term.
Maintenance is also less demanding due to cleaning properties, especially in cooperation with efficient shower trays designed for vinyl specifically.
Final words
We encourage anyone to familiarise themselves with a wide offer of vinyl panels for their wet rooms. They are an excellent alternative to traditional ceramic tiles.
Their durability, ease of installation, compatibility with underfloor heating, aesthetics, and safety of use are just some of the advantages that make it worth choosing such panels over anything else.
We also recommend specially designed linear shower trays, which will increase practical features of vinyl flooring by far. Satisfaction guaranteed!