Where panels win
Speed. A shower area can be panelled in a day rather than several.
No grout lines, so no grout discolouration and less cleaning.
They can often go over existing sound tiling, which cuts strip-out time.
Lower labour cost, which matters most on tight budgets.
Where tiles win
Lifespan. Properly laid porcelain over a sound, waterproofed substrate lasts decades.
Damage repair. A cracked tile can be replaced. A damaged panel usually means replacing the whole sheet.
Design range, including large-format porcelain, patterned floors and feature walls.
Perceived value. Buyers read a tiled bathroom as the better specification.
How to choose
Rental or sale within a couple of years: panels in the shower, tiles on the floor.
Long-term family home: full porcelain, floor-to-ceiling in the wet zone at least.
Awkward angles, dormers or unusual shapes: tiles cope better than large panel sheets.
Whichever you choose, the waterproofing behind it matters more than the surface itself.
Frequently asked questions
Are panels cheaper overall?
Usually yes on labour, less so on materials. Good quality panels are not cheap, and poor ones show their joints quickly.
Can panels go over old tiles?
Often, provided the existing tiling is sound, flat and firmly bonded. We check before quoting it.
Do you fit both?
Yes. We tile as a specialism and we fit panels where they are the better answer for the room and the budget.