Tiles are Out - Panels are In!
From innovations including a completely waterproof panel range and quick installation that doesn’t require specialist tooling, through to saving time on installations, to panels that don’t require any trims and endless design options, bathroom panels are fast becoming a rival to the traditional look of tiles.
We’re proud to be at the forefront of industry innovation with the recent introduction of our Elite range that offers 28 decors that provide our most technically advanced and diverse range of bathroom wall panels to date.
Enriched with patented technology the Elite range enables you to create a completely seamless , premium look and finish in your bathroom or shower room with a rapid installation solution as well giving you that luxurious look.
Key points to think about when considering using panels over tiles on your next project.
1. They are quicker to install and
save you time
Instead of individually placing, potentially hundreds of smaller tiles using adhesive and grouting, panels in comparison can cover a much larger m2 in a fraction of the time. On average installing panels can be up to 5 times quicker than tiling. This is good news as panels can be fixed securely and directly to existing surfaces including plasterboard and even existing tiling. Bathroom panels can be used in the shower, as bath panels, and on walls in the bathroom, not just in the shower as some may assume.
As an installer the time-saving element means less time spent on projects, no more outsourcing to an external tiler to complete your jobs, it can all be done quickly and efficiently by you. Of course, shorter projects allow you to maximise your time and income, completing more bathroom fit-outs in a matter of days. And for consumers, this helps enormously as it means their bathroom gets completed sooner.
2. No grouting means less hassle for all!
Bathroom panels are individual sheets, fixed to the wall using adhesive and finished with either trims or colour compatible sealant. There is no need for the use of grouting, so that’s one less thing to purchase and use when installing panels. Specifically, with our Elite Range, the tongue and groove system and post-formed edges mean you don’t need trims, creating a seamless sophisticated look, no trims mean no compromising on your ideal bathroom design and offer a much cleaner streamlined finish.
3. Easy maintenance
If your customers are looking for something that is easier to maintain panels are the perfect choice. One of the worst things about tiles is the constant need to clean those grout lines for fear of discoloration and mould developing. With panels, no grout lines mean no mould. With their non-porous surface, bathroom panels can be cleaned using normal soap, water, and a soft cloth. A selection of our panels are also available in our patented Mermaid Antibacterial Coating which further enhances cleanliness. All of our panels come with a 15-year guarantee, peace of mind for you as a fitter and your customers.
And hey, if you are still an avid fan of tiles, watch this space! Our Mermaid Elite range now has a small collection of tile-inspired panels available with further new tile patterns emerging in the future, meaning you/your customers can still achieve the tile look but with all benefits and perks of panels!
How we are working with Installers and Retailers
As a business, we’re focusing on ensuring our product is of a high quality and easy to install. With an ongoing labour shortage, it’s important for our product to be usable by all trades and not restricted to just specialist fitters. In addition to wanting to be part of industry-wide support to overcome the installer shortages, we believe there should also be a focus on creating products that more fitters can install.
We now offer access to more digital support and assets, a new retailer finder tool on our website, as well as new wall-hung displays – whether that’s to help retailers optimise space in their showroom, or provide suitable displays for those now operating on a more mobile basis. For installers our aim is to include a more comprehensive base of tools online to assist consumer choices, making business for you (the installer) as efficient and professional as possible! Including free samples, simply direct your customers to our website and we’ll have them out within a matter of days.
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