PVC vs. Composite Wet Wall Panels: The Ultimate Showdown

Gone are the days when traditional tiling was the only choice for sprucing up your bathroom and kitchen walls. The evolution of wet wall panels has introduced a stylish and practical alternative that caters to modern aesthetics and ease of installation.

As we continue to compare wet wall panel materials, today we dissect the differences between PVC and composite wet wall panels. Focusing on durability, cost-efficiency, and an extensive range of designs, we’ll guide you through each aspect to help you understand why PVC bathroom wall panelling might just be the better choice for your space.

Whether you’re embarking on a full-scale renovation or simply updating your space, read on to discover the ultimate showdown between PVC and composite wet wall panels.

Material Overview: PVC and Composite Panels

When it comes to selecting the right materials for your bathroom or kitchen renovation, the choice often boils down to PVC and composite panels. At Wet Wall Works, we understand that every homeowner’s dream is to blend functionality with style without breaking the bank. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the maze of options, ensuring you make a choice you’re thrilled with.

PVC panels, known for their notable durability and cost-efficiency, have become a go-to for our customers across Australia. They offer an exceptional balance of quality and value, making them an attractive option for anyone renovating on a budget. On the other hand, composite panels, with their sleek and modern appeal, cater to those seeking a more contemporary look. However, it’s important to note that at Wet Wall Works, we specialise in PVC bathroom wall panelling, which we believe offers unparalleled advantages, especially in terms of versatility and overall value.

Comparison of Key Features

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

Waterproofing

One of the paramount concerns when renovating wet areas is ensuring that the materials used can withstand moisture. Both PVC and composite panels boast a 100% waterproof quality, making them ideal contenders for your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry area. This means you can rest easy knowing that water damage won’t be a worry, whichever option you choose.

Learn more about our waterproof wall panels.

Cost

Budget considerations are crucial in any renovation project. Here’s where our PVC panels really stand out. Priced at $149 for our 2.0m x 1m panels and $179 for our 2.4m x 1m panels, they present a significantly more budget-friendly option than composite panelling, which can set you back about $300–$350 per square metre. This cost difference means choosing PVC wet wall panels allows for a broader scope of work within the same budget or perhaps even some welcome savings that can be redirected to other aspects of your renovation.

Warranty

When investing in a renovation, you’re not just looking for immediate satisfaction. You’re looking for durability and the assurance that your chosen materials will stand the test of time. This is another area where PVC wall panelling excels. We’re proud to offer a 10-year warranty on our PVC panels, a testament to their quality and longevity. In contrast, composite panels typically come with a 7-year warranty. That extra three years of warranty with PVC panels means additional peace of mind, knowing that your investment is protected for a longer period. It’s our way of showing confidence in our products and ensuring you feel secure in your decision.

Design Variety

Choosing designs that reflect your style is one of the most exciting parts of any renovation. Our PVC panels offer a wide range of designs, ensuring there’s something for every taste and design style. The possibilities are endless, with concrete-look, stone-look, marble-look, and tile-look patterns available. This variety lets you get creative and personalise your space exactly how you envision it. On the other hand, composite panels offer a wide range of colours, but they focus more on solid and metallic colours, lacking specific patterns that can add character and depth to your space. With PVC panelling, you’re not just selecting a practical solution but choosing a design element that elevates your interior.

Explore our DIY Installation Guide.

Applications

Both PVC and composite bathroom panelling boast impressive versatility and are suitable for bathrooms, showers, kitchens, laundries, and any vertical surface needing a splash of style and practicality. This adaptability makes them excellent choices for various projects, allowing you to maintain a cohesive look throughout your home if desired. However, the combination of PVC panels’ superior warranty, extensive design variety, and cost-effectiveness makes them a standout choice for those looking to maximise value without compromising quality or style.

Continuing our comprehensive look into why PVC panels from Wet Wall Works are an excellent choice for your renovation needs, let’s delve further into the technical aspects that distinguish them from composite panels. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision, ensuring your renovation looks fantastic and is built on quality and safety.

Thickness

When it comes to wall panels, thickness plays a crucial role in both durability and overall feel. Our PVC bathroom panelling boasts a solid 10mm thickness, providing robust support and a premium feel to your walls. This thickness ensures rigidity and strength that composite panels, at a thinner 4 mm, simply cannot match. The added thickness of PVC panels contributes to their superior durability, making them a wise investment for any homeowner looking for long-lasting quality.

Weight

The weight of a panel can significantly impact its installation process. Our PVC wall panelling weighs between 9 and 11 kg per panel (4.5 kg/m2), a testament to their substantial build and quality materials. In comparison, composite panels weigh 7.5 kg/m2. This means that not only are PVC panels sturdier, but they’re also more manageable and safer to handle during installation. This weight difference may seem small, but it can significantly impact the overall process when dealing with large panels and multiple installations.

Installation Ease

Speaking of installation, we understand that ease of installation is a major consideration for any DIY enthusiast or professional installer. PVC bathroom panels are designed with ease of installation in mind. They are straightforward to handle and can be installed over tiles, making them a convenient option for renovations or updates. Composite panels, while also versatile, require slightly more effort to cut due to their material composition and weight, which could add time and complexity to your project. With PVC panels, you’ll find the installation process to be a breeze, allowing you to achieve a professional finish without the hassle.

Explore our DIY Installation Guide.

Fire Safety

Lastly, but certainly not least importantly, is the aspect of fire safety. At Wet Wall Works, your safety is our top priority. Our PVC panels have achieved a Group 1 class in the fire safety classification (in accordance with AS/NZS 13837:1998), indicating a superior level of protection against the spread of flames. Composite panels, on the other hand, have achieved a Group 2 class fire safety classification (under specification A2.4 of the BCA). While still safe, the Group 1 classification of PVC panels offers an added layer of reassurance, knowing that your home is stylish and meets high safety standards.

Making the Right Choice for Your Space

Choosing the right materials can make all the difference in achieving your desired outcome. PVC wet wall panels from Wet Wall Works are an exceptional choice for those who value cost-efficiency, durability, and a broad design range. Our panels offer a seamless blend of practicality and aesthetics, ensuring your space looks stunning and is built to last. Unlike composite panels, which may have their own modern appeal, PVC panels offer practical advantages that can’t be overlooked. With features like resistance to caustics, mineral oil, foodstuffs, and even hard water scale, it’s clear that our PVC panels are designed with real-life use in mind. They’re built to withstand the rigours of daily life, making them perfect for various spaces, from bustling family bathrooms to stylish commercial settings.

Conclusion

At Wet Wall Works, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about the wet wall panel material you choose for your space. That’s why we firmly believe in the comprehensive benefits of our PVC panels. Their durability, ease of maintenance, and superior fire safety ratings make them an outstanding choice for any renovation project. But it’s not just about the practicalities; our wide range of designs ensures you don’t compromise on style to get the needed performance.

We invite you to explore our selection of PVC bathroom wall panels and find the perfect match for your renovation goals and style preferences. Whether you’re seeking a sleek, modern finish or a classic, timeless look, Wet Wall Works has something for everyone. Visit our showrooms in Gold Coast/Brisbane, Melbourne, or Perth, or shop online for fast Australia-wide delivery, including to Sydney, Canberra, and Adelaide.

±Compared with Metaline® Bathroom Panels