Shower Boards | Water Proof Shower Board Panels
Our waterproof shower boards are a practical but stylish choice for any bathroom finish. Designed to create a fully sealed, moisture-resistant surface, they protect walls from water penetration, reducing the development of mould or dampness behind the panels. Made from durable, high-quality materials like PVC or composite, these boards are easy to install and help to redesign your bathroom effortlessly.
Perfect for both new builds and renovations, waterproof shower boards have designs, colours, textures, and finishes to suit any bathroom style. They are simple to clean and maintain, providing a smooth, sleek surface that keeps your wet areas hygienic and looking pristine. Browse our full range today to find the ideal waterproof shower board to enhance your bathroom.
What are shower boards?
Shower boards are large, waterproof wall panels which are specifically manufactured for shower enclosures, wet rooms, and bath surrounds. Sometimes also referred to as shower panels or wet walls, they are a popular alternative to traditional waterproof wall tiles. Important qualities include being waterproof, seamless and grout-free, providing easy installation and being aesthetically pleasing.
Due to their large format, which is usually 2400mm high x 1000mm wide (like the Kartell PVC Wall Panel 2400mm High X 1000mm Width X 10mm Depth - White Marble), there are fewer joints, which reduces mould and mildew build-up. While playing a role in preventing water penetration, shower boards are also highly decorative with bold colours, stone-effect and other contemporary options being available.
The top materials for making waterproof shower boards are PVC, laminate, acrylic, porcelain or composite material. They all have the benefit of a sealed surface that stops water from getting in. They are easy to install, too. You can place them over existing tiles or even bumpy walls.
Features of our shower enclosure boards
The highlights of our range of shower boards are:
• Brands – choose from Aqua I, Kartell UK and Roma
• Colours – available colours are beige, black, graphite, grey, silver, white
• Height – 2400mm
• Shape - rectangular
• Width – 1000mm
Why buy PVC shower boards?
Listed below are some of the main benefits of buying PVC shower boards. These are only PVC-specific and not the benefits common to all shower boards:
• Cost-effectiveness - PVC is more affordable than materials such as acrylic and porcelain
• Durability - PVC is a tough material, which resists chipping, cracking and staining
• Hygiene - PVC is a non-porous material, which discourages bacteria and mould growth
Common to all bathroom shower boards, PVC shower boards are available in a range of styles & designs and are also highly waterproof, grout-free, easy to install and easy to clean (just a wipe down is needed).
Are luxury bathroom waterproof boards available?
Certainly, luxury products are available. All shower wall panels have basic waterproofing qualities. The “luxury” aspect tends to centre around aesthetic appeal and the board being visually stunning, as can be seen in these three examples:
1) Aqua i PVC Shower Panel 1000mm wide x 2400mm High x 10mm Depth - White Marble Matt / Grey Veined
2) Aqua i PVC Splash Panel 1000mm wide x 2400mm High x 10mm Depth - Milano Matt
3) Aqua i PVC Splash Panel 1000mm wide x 2400mm High x 10mm Depth - Mosaic Graphite
Luxury shower boards feature qualities such as anti-bacterial surface treatments, authentic material appearances, customisable sizes, enhanced impact resistance, and premium coatings. These high-end bathroom waterproof boards also incorporate integrated trim profiles, seamless joint systems, textured finishes, thicker construction, and UV-stable colours and patterns.
FAQs
1. What are the best shower wall boards to use?
What is considered "best" is subjective, but certainly the price and style are major factors. Consider the following for each material type of shower wall boards:
• Acrylic - sleek and highly durable, acrylic shower boards are heavier and cost more than PVC
• MDF/Laminate - these mimic natural materials excellently and provide high durability through a waterproof laminate layer over an MDF core
• Porcelain - provides an authentic marble/stone appearance. They provide a premium, seamless finish, but demand a higher budget
• PVC - the most budget-friendly option, PVC shower boards are light and available in a large selection of designs (e.g. marble, tile-effect, wood, etc.)
2. Are shower waterproof boards effective?
Yes. Provided a high-quality board is bought and it is professionally installed, it will be effective. Although they provide a quick and easy installation, cut shower panels need to create a continuous, impermeable surface that stops water from penetrating into the wall structure. Look to buy well-made boards from reputable brands that are manufactured from non-porous materials such as PVC, acrylic, or composite panels with sealed joints.
The effectiveness of shower waterproof boards depends on:
• Board quality - buying a high-quality shower board
• Proper sealing - ensure that sealing at edges and joints is professionally installed with appropriate trims, waterproof tapes, and adhesives
3. Do you need to waterproof behind shower panels?
Shower bathroom wall panels have a totally waterproof finish, but you should provide additional waterproofing behind the panel. Consider this as a second line of defence. Known as "shower tanking", this involves adding an extra layer of protection in case the primary board seal gives way. Some “lax” installers might consider this overkill, but the reality is that the joints and the silicone seals are always the weakest links.
If at some point in time a silicone seal at the shower tray or a corner joint gets damaged or cracks, then water will seep behind the panel. Without waterproofing, that moisture gets trapped against the wall, and it leads to a load of hidden rot and mould. If walls in the bathroom are plasterboard or plaster (which they usually are), then these materials are 'hydrophilic', and they deteriorate in damp conditions. If left to itself, the wall will start to lose its structure.
It is much cheaper to add a waterproof layer under the shower board than to replace your whole stud wall or ceiling in the room below because the damp got to it. One area to focus on is the seal at the bottom of the panel where it meets the shower tray or floor; this is where most failures happen.
4. Is it cheaper to tile a shower or use waterproof shower boards?
Yes, generally, shower enclosure boards are cheaper than tiling. We summarise this in the table below:
| Factor | Waterproof Shower Boards | Tiling |
|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Generally lower per m² | Often higher, especially for designer tiles |
| Installation speed | Quick and easy | Slower due to cutting, grouting, and sealing |
| Labour requirement | Less specialist labour is needed for shower enclosure boards | A skilled tiler is usually required |
| Maintenance | Minimal, no grout to seal | Grout and sealants require ongoing maintenance |
| Complexity | Simple layouts are handled easily | Complex layouts increase cost and time |
| Long-term cost | Reduced due to low maintenance | Higher due to upkeep of grout and tiles |
5. Can I install boards for shower walls myself?
Yes, we think that with decent DIY skills, you could install shower bathroom panels yourself. These panels are designed for DIY installation and cannot be compared in complexity to traditional tiling. Generally lightweight, the panels can be cut to size with minimal effort, provided you have the right tools. Boards from our wide selection are supplied with clear fitting instructions, and can be fixed directly to studs, battens, or existing walls using adhesive and screws. The main challenge comes in the professional sealing of joints and corners with a waterproof sealant to prevent leaks. An electronic or spirit level should be used to measure boards for shower walls levelness during and after completion of the installation.
6. Can you place a waterproof shower board over tiles?
Yes, as part of a bathroom renovation, a waterproof shower board could be placed over tiles. The existing tiled surface, though, must be flat, securely fixed and free of cracks, uneven areas and loose tiles. If, upon inspection, there are any issues, then these need to be fixed before placing the waterproof shower board over the top. A high-strength panel adhesive is needed to bond the board to the tiles.