Wall Paneling Vs Tiles: Which Design Is Best For Your Bathroom

As the place where you get ready for the day or wind down for the night, your bathroom deserves a thoughtful design that transforms it into the relaxing oasis that it's meant to be. Choosing the right bathroom fixtures will get you a long way in achieving the look and feel you want for your bathroom, but a lot more goes into landing on the ideal design for your space. One of the main elements of a successful design is the material you pick for your bathroom walls, as it sets the tone for the rest of the space. If you're stuck between choosing wall panels or tiles, considering each option's cost, durability, installation requirements, ease of maintenance, and style possibilities might help you make a more confident decision.

While tiles have long been the go-to material in virtually any bathroom, wall paneling has started gaining more attention as a worthy alternative. Still, no option is inherently better than the other. Whether you're designing your bathroom from scratch or planning for a remodel, what matters is what works for your space.

Tiles have long been a bathroom staple for a good reason. First off, they're incredibly durable and water-resistant, making them a great choice for a room that's meant to be moisture-friendly and withstand a lot of wear and tear. When you choose the right tile for your space, you can confidently expect many years of reliable performance. Compared to wall paneling, tiles are the more expensive option, especially because they require professional installation– but they may be well worth it as a long-term investment.

Grouting is where tiles get dicey, as it can make installation and maintenance a headache. As dirt accumulates in their grout lines, tiles require constant and meticulous cleaning to stay looking their best and maintain a high level of hygiene in your bathroom. Besides, grouting calls for precise installation, as any slip-ups will be painfully obvious. That's why tiles might not be the best choice if you like to DIY and hate to clean (unless you're a professional tiler and/or a cleaning enthusiast).

On the other hand, tiles are available in an endless range of styles and materials to suit anyone's taste. They're also more customizable than wall panels, making them the better option for bathrooms that are truly one-of-a-kind. Still, as a bathroom classic, tiles might work best in homes with traditional aesthetics. If this describes your interior design direction, and you don't mind shelling out a bit more money for a long-lasting option with a high-end feel, tiles might be the way to go.

It's no accident that bathroom wall paneling has been attracting more customers in recent years. While it might not be as strong and long-lasting as tile, and you should plan to replace your paneling every 10 to 15 years, it's still a decently durable bathroom wall material. And as it's the more affordable option, even replacement costs shouldn't break the bank as much as getting tiles installed might.

Ease of installation and maintenance are where this bathroom wall option truly shines. With no pesky grout lines to worry about, cleaning the surface requires much less effort than tiles. Plus, with bigger panels and no grouting that requires precision, sprucing up your bathroom walls with paneling is something you can do yourself. If hassle-free installation and easier cleanup are your priority, wall paneling might be the ideal choice.

Compared to the stylistic versatility of tiles, wall panels might be a bit more limiting. Most of the time, wall panels imitate some kind of natural material, like marble or wood. While this can be a good way to achieve a certain look without splurging for the real deal, it can often come out feeling inauthentic. Still, the sleek look of wall panels makes them a great contender for contemporary spaces. If you have a modern bathroom and appreciate the money and effort savings, wall paneling might be the best option for your space.