PVC Panels vs Ceramic Tiles

If you’re renovating your bathroom or kitchen walls, one of the first things you’ll be deciding is what material to use. While ceramic tiles have long been the traditional option, we’ve found that more and more UK homeowners are switching to PVC wall panels, and for good reason.

In our experience, PVC panels offer a quicker, more affordable, and lower-maintenance solution that doesn’t compromise on appearance. They’re designed to last, are simple to clean, and offer complete waterproof protection without the added work that tiles often bring. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or doing up your home for the first time, wall panels make the process easier from start to finish.

PVC tiles vs ceramic tiles: what sets them apart?

Ceramic tiles require grout, adhesive, spacers and professional installation to get a seamless look which can add up quickly in both time and cost. PVC wall panels, by comparison, come ready to fit and don’t need grout at all. With interlocking edges and smooth finishes, they slot together neatly and leave no gaps for moisture to sneak in.

PVC panels also offer consistency. Unlike tiles, which can vary in size or crack under pressure, our panels are lightweight, strong, and designed for long-term performance. There’s no chipping, no crumbling grout, and no fuss.

5 reasons to choose PVC over Ceramic

PVC panels (or cladding as it is sometimes called) usually come in 5mm thick sheets approx. 2m x 25cm. These sheets are available in a wide range of styles, colours and designs. The following are 5 reasons why you should consider PVC for your remodelling project.

1.Reduced cost

Firstly, for those working on a tight budget, PVC can provide excellent savings. If you purchased panels and tiles of like for like quality, PVC would always work out cheaper. The square meter cost may only be marginally different; however, when tiling you must account for grout and adhesive too.This bumps the total per/m square cost up considerably in comparison to PVC.

2.Improved fitting speed

Even skilled tradesmen will tell you how difficult and time-consuming it is to fit tiles. Consider the process. You have to manually line up each individual tile.Then you have to ensure the grouting and adhesive are immaculate too. Installing PVC panelling in comparison is so much less hassle. PVC panels are larger, so you don’t need as many to cover the same area of tiles. Plus, you don’t have to wait for any grout to dry.

3.Reduced mess

Tiling requires several processes which can be messy. The wall must first be prepared which could include plastering. Afterwards, an adhesive layer must be applied before the grout. These processes can be chaotic even for the tidiest of people. Installing PVC panels, in contrast, requires one stage only – applying adhesive using a silicone gun. There is much less mess which allows you to move onto other remodelling stages quicker.

4.Easier to change and remove

Removing PVC cladding is a straightforward process. It is simply a case of carefully prizing the panel from the wall and cleaning any excess adhesive. To make things easier, you can use the old panel to measure up the new one. Additionally, PVC panels can sometimes be installed OVER existing ceramic tiles.

5.Less discolouration/ Mould and Mildew Proof

Tiles can discolour. Even worse, the grout in-between tiles can discolour. Lighter coloured tiles and grouting, in particular, can quickly fade and turn yellowish in colour. In some cases mould and mildew will grow between the tiles on the grout. If your PVC panels start to look dingy, you can simply wipe them down with a damp cloth. PVC panels are 100% mould and mildew proof. This is much quicker and less expensive.

You should now see the benefits of using PVC over Ceramic tiles.If you are contemplating a remodelling project or have a blank canvas new build, PVC cladding is the best choice. You can save some cash to splurge on other areas of your home. Plus, you can improve your DIY skills by installing the panels yourself.

Tiles vs PVC panels: the case for convenience

One of the biggest benefits of PVC wall panels is ease of installation. Most customers fit them themselves, saving on labour costs. There’s no waiting around for grout to dry, no need for messy adhesive, and no tile cutters required. All you need is a sharp knife or saw, a tape measure, and some adhesive.

Panels can also be installed directly over existing tiles or smooth surfaces, a huge time saver when renovating. Many of our customers have transformed their bathrooms in a single weekend without the mess or disruption that comes with removing old tiles.

Are wall panels better than tiles for long-term use?

In our view, absolutely. Tiles may offer a traditional aesthetic, but they require upkeep. Grout can discolour, crack, or harbour mould over time, particularly in high-moisture areas like showers or behind sinks.

Our PVC panels are completely waterproof, non-porous, and wipe clean in seconds. There are no joins or crevices where mould can build up, and the surface doesn’t absorb moisture like traditional tile grout does. With proper fitting and ventilation, they’ll keep looking fresh for years.

PVC tiles for bathrooms: better design, less effort

Today’s PVC panels are far from basic. We stock a wide range of finishes, including tile-effect panels that mimic metro tiles, stone-look designs, and modern gloss or matte styles. You get the visual appeal of tiles, but with all the benefits of panels.

On our website, you’ll find options like white gloss, grey stone, and mosaic sparkle finishes. These are especially popular in bathrooms, wet rooms and en-suites where you want visual impact without extra cleaning. Many customers pair wall panels with ceiling panels from our range to achieve a seamless, contemporary look.

PVC tiles for wall cladding: no more grouting

Wall cladding with panels is ideal for anyone looking for a clean finish without high maintenance. With tongue-and-groove systems, PVC panels fit snugly together, no grouting, no sealing, no drying time. They’re also suitable for full-room refits, allowing you to panel from floor to ceiling in one coordinated style.

We often hear from customers who had previously tiled and are now switching to panels after struggling with cracked tiles, stained grout or time-consuming cleaning. The feedback is almost always the same, they wish they’d made the move sooner.

Final verdict: why we back panels every time

We’re confident that PVC panels are the better option for most UK homes particularly in wet or high-traffic spaces. They’re cost-effective, easier to fit, and require minimal upkeep. And they look just as good, if not better, than traditional tiled walls.

Whether you’re doing a full bathroom renovation or a quick weekend refresh, PVC panels offer long-term value without the faff. From our experience, they outperform tiles in nearly every area that matters which is why they’re the only wall solution we offer.