PVC vs. Acrylic Wet Wall Panels: Which Is Best?

With the trend of sleek, clean bathroom designs rising, more people are turning away from traditional tiling in favour of wet wall panels. These panels offer a modern look and boast easier installation and lower maintenance. But when it comes down to choosing between PVC and acrylic panels, things can get a bit murky.

A little while ago, we compared PVC against all wet wall materials, but today, we want to put it head-to-head with another popular wet wall panel material: acrylic wet wall panels. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of each to ensure you’re making the best decision for your space. So, let’s explore how Wet Wall Works‘ PVC wet wall panels fare in terms of durability, affordability, and design variety, making them the ideal choice for your bathroom renovation.

Material Overview: PVC and Acrylic Panels

At Wet Wall Works, we’re all about providing quality solutions for your bathroom, kitchen, and any space that could use a splash of style and practicality. Let’s talk about the heart of our offering—PVC wet wall panels. While you might have come across both PVC and acrylic options when searching for wet wall panelling online, it’s essential to understand what sets them apart.

Our PVC wet wall panels are renowned for their exceptional durability and affordability. Made from a robust 10mm rigid PVC with a decorative face, they are designed to withstand the test of time while adding a touch of elegance to your space. On the other hand, acrylic wet wall panels, known for their glossy finish and aesthetic appeal, typically range from 2-4mm in thickness. However, it’s crucial to note that we specialise in only PVC panels at Wet Wall Works, offering a product that combines quality, style, and value.

Comparison of Key Features

Let’s look at these feature comparisons in more detail:

Waterproofing

In areas like the bathroom and kitchen, where water is a constant, the need for waterproof solutions cannot be overstated. Both PVC and Acrylic panels offer 100% waterproofing capabilities, ensuring your walls stay protected from moisture damage. This feature alone makes them ideal candidates for such applications. However, it’s our PVC panels that truly stand out, providing not only superior waterproof protection but also a range of designs to elevate the aesthetics of your space.

Learn more about our waterproof wall panels.

Cost

We understand that budget plays a significant role in your renovation decisions. That’s why we’re proud to offer our PVC panels at an incredibly affordable price range of $149-$179, compared to acrylic panels that can set you back between $380-$442. Choosing PVC panels means enjoying substantial savings without compromising on quality or style. It’s an investment that pays off, allowing you to allocate your budget to other aspects of your renovation or simply enjoy the extra savings.

Warranty

Both PVC and Acrylic panels come with a 10-year warranty, reflecting our confidence in their long-term durability and performance. This warranty is your assurance of our commitment to providing products that not only meet but exceed your expectations. By opting for our PVC panels, you’re not just making a purchase; you’re investing in peace of mind, knowing that your stunning new walls are covered for a decade.

Design Variety

One of the most exciting aspects of choosing wall panels is selecting a design that complements your aesthetic. Here, PVC panels truly shine. Offering a wider range of designs, including modern designs and patterns, our PVC options allow you to unleash your creativity and make a statement in your space. While Acrylic panels tend to stick to solid colours, limiting your design choices, PVC panels invite you to explore possibilities and tailor your interiors to reflect your unique style.

Explore our wet wall panel designs.

Applications

PVC and acrylic panels are both highly versatile. They suit bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundries, and any vertical surface. This adaptability ensures that you make a wise choice no matter where you use them. However, the combination of PVC panels’ waterproofing capabilities, affordability, and extensive design variety positions them as the superior option. Whether you’re revamping your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry, our PVC panels will meet your needs while offering practicality and aesthetics.

Thickness

When it comes to wet wall panels’ durability and overall performance, thickness plays a pivotal role. Our PVC panels boast a standard thickness of 10mm, contributing to their sturdy construction and enhancing their longevity. This contrasts with the thinner Acrylic panels, which generally measure between 2mm and 4mm. The added thickness of PVC panels provides a solid feel, greater impact resistance, and an extra layer of insulation, making them an excellent choice for areas exposed to moisture and frequent use.

Weight

When considering wall panels, one factor that often goes overlooked is weight. Although PVC panels are thicker and more sturdy, they are still lightweight at just 9kg and 11kg, making them lighter than acrylic panels, which weigh between 8.9kg and 12.32kg. This weight difference means that PVC panels offer a balance of durability and ease of handling. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional installer, you’ll find our PVC panels are straightforward to work with and robust enough to stand the test of time.

Installation Ease

Renovating or updating your space can be daunting, especially when it comes to installation. It’s important to choose a material that’s as user-friendly as possible. Both PVC and acrylic panels offer the convenience of being installed over existing tiles and can be cut to fit your specific needs. However, the 10mm thickness of our PVC panels may offer advantages during the installation process, such as increased stability and easier handling, ensuring a seamless fit and finish.

Explore our DIY Installation Guide.

Fire Safety

At Wet Wall Works, we understand that safety is paramount when selecting materials for your home. This is why we take pride in the superior fire rating of our PVC wall panels. AS/NZS 13837:1998 shows that our PVC panels boast a Group 1 class fire rating, offering enhanced fire resistance and safety compared to acrylic panels, which hold a Rating 4. This distinction means that our panels comply with the highest of safety standards and provide you with peace of mind, knowing your space is equipped with materials designed to protect.

Making the Right Choice for Your Bathroom

When it comes down to it, choosing the right materials for your bathroom renovation involves weighing aesthetics against practicality and cost-efficiency. While acrylic panels may offer a certain aesthetic appeal, our PVC panels stand out for their durability, affordability, and broad design options. Made from 10mm rigid PVC and available in various designs and finishes, they offer longevity and ease of maintenance. They resist hard water scales, caustics, and even foodstuffs like milk and coffee. With the capability to withstand surface temperatures of up to 60 degrees Celsius without discolouration or warping, PVC panels are clearly the practical choice for those prioritising longevity and cost-efficiency in their bathroom renovations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our PVC wet wall panels are the superior choice for your bathroom renovation needs. With unmatched durability, affordability, and a wealth of design options, they offer practicality and aesthetic appeal that other materials simply can’t match. Our PVC panels are not just about aesthetic appeal; they’re about bringing practical, long-lasting solutions to your home.

We invite you to explore our range of PVC wet wall panels online or in person at one of our Perth, Gold Coast, Brisbane, or Melbourne locations. Discover the perfect fit for your bathroom renovation project and experience firsthand the quality and variety we offer. Let us help you transform your space into a beautiful, safe, and functional haven that you’ll enjoy for years to come.

±Compared with Vistelle Acrylic Bathroom Panel