Can you use wet wall as a bath panel?

Author: Osborne Hermiston  |  Last update: Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Wetwall™ is a patented, waterproof, tongue-and-groove bathroom panel system that locks water out without the grout. It's a revolutionary design material that transforms bathrooms quicker, cheaper and easier than shower tile.

What can you use instead of a bath panel?

If you're looking for bath panel ideas for DIY, wooden planks can be something you can try your hand at. The image here isn't quite a bath panel, but the wooden sauna look might be the new look for your bathroom. And, it doesn't have to be expensive either.

What are the disadvantages of wetwall?

Disadvantages Of Wet Wall Panels

Their seamless finish and waterproof qualities make them a star in this space, but they might blend differently from the rest of the bathroom. While the panels can sometimes be used for bathroom walls, certain designs might be too short for high ceilings.

What is the best material to use for a bath panel?

The best material for this bath panel is MFC, moisture-resistant MDF, or water-resistant MDF. Measure the bath and cut to size, cut the strips of wood for the panel. Leave a bit of room at the edge of the panel to create a lip for fitting into the bath.

How long do wetwall panels last?

Our Panels Perform for 35 years. We always talk about our bathroom and shower panels as being high performing. As you'd expect, given that we use clever, cutting-edge technology and a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure optimum performance and a waterproof wall.

How to Install Wet Wall Panels

Is wetwall cheaper than tiling?

That said, wet wall panels are much easier and cheaper to replace than tiles, as well as require less effort to install.

What is the disadvantage of a shower panel?

Some of the demerits of these panels include: These classy ones can be quite expensive. Depending on the model, their limited water flow may mean that you can't have all the shower heads on the panel running at once.

Can I use plywood as a bath panel?

You can use mdf or ply for the boards of the panel, but it's very important – especially if the timber isn't water resistant – to paint it with several layers of primer, undercoat and waterproof topcoat (i.e. satin or gloss).

What do you stick shower panels with?

Polyurethane Adhesive: Known for its strong bond and flexibility, polyurethane adhesives are also moisture-curing, making them ideal for wet environments. They adhere well to many surfaces, ensuring a tight seal.

How thick should a bath panel be?

Bath panels are traditionally made from two materials - acrylic and wood, usually MDF. Wooden bath panels will be between 5 - 18mm in thickness while acrylic bath panels feature a fibreglass core wrapped in plastic. They are often cheaper than MDF panels and can be easier to cut as they are thinner.

Are wet wall panels any good?

Advantages. 100% waterproof – wet wall panels are 100% waterproof making them ideal for use in bathrooms, shower rooms, and ensuites. Ease of installation – wet wall panels can be installed in half the time it takes to fit traditional tiles.

Can you paint wet wall panels in a bathroom?

If you have shower wall panels installed in your bathroom and fancy a refresh without the hassle of installation, then painting the panels may be the answer for you.

Why is my wet wall peeling?

As a result of continuing damp issues, the levels of moisture within your walls will increase as a result. More moisture can cause wallpaper or paint to peel away from the wall. This can be most noticeable around the skirting board or in the lower section of the wall.

Can I use MDF as a bath panel?

MDF bath panels are the most popular option in both new bathroom installations and as replacement panels. All of our MDF panels are 18mm thick which means they're sturdy and don't flex when you or anything else leans up against them – they're also a lot more resistant to cracking than a standard acrylic panel.

What is behind a bath panel?

Some bath panels, particularly wooden ones, have plinths. A plinth is a separate piece of wood which overlaps the main bath panel. It will either sit behind to give depth or in front for a skirting board effect. They can also help level out uneven bathroom flooring.

How do you fill gap between bath panel and floor?

It's best not to use a wooden bath panel as it'll expand and contract, eventually cracking the grout. Check out this handy guide to fitting a bath panel for more details. You'll need to leave space for an expansion gap and you can fill the gap between the panel and the floor with flexible silicone.

What should I put behind shower panels?

Cement Board Installed behind Tile and Panel Tub and Shower Enclosures. Install cement board behind tub and shower enclosures. Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints.

What is a shower flipper panel?

This wetroom flipper panel acts as a deflector to minimise water splashes, pivoting through 180o for ease of access.

What can I use for a bath panel?

There are various bath panel materials to choose but the most common are acrylic and wood.

Can plywood be used behind shower walls?

Plywood panels are vulnerable to moisture damage if not adequately protected. Avoid installing plywood panels directly in contact with water sources or near open showers without proper waterproofing measures such as manufacturer recommended trims and sealants.

Can you panel a wall with plywood?

Plywood makes an excellent choice for wall lining by creating a natural and interesting surface. We specialise in high quality European Birch plywood, Decorative Pine Plywood and Veneered Plywood, suitable for wall panelling in commercial spaces. The popular face grade for birch plywood wall lining panels is B/BB.

Is it cheaper to tile a shower or use panels?

Apart from being up to twenty-five per cent cheaper than tiles, shower panels have a lot going for them. They take less time to install and are much easier to maintain. If you are looking for a hygienic solution for a shower, it is worth noting that panels do not require any grouting.

Are frameless shower panels safe?

While rare, frameless shower doors have been known to shatter. Such breakage is usually the result of damaged glass, defects in the glass, improper installation, or severe or abrupt changes in temperature or humidity. While the glass is tempered to prevent jagged shards, it can still cut you.

How thick should a shower panel be?

3/8” thick shower wall panels – The better panels on the market are 3/8” thick. You'll find cultured granite panels and laminate wall panels are popular products in this thickness.

Previous article
What is the hardest water based polyurethane?
Next article
Do all shower drains screw in?