Panels are not usually considered a good choice for the bathroom. As a rule, the belief is that increased moisture exposure will relatively quickly make them only suitable for throwing away. So are we doomed to bathroom tiles? Of course not. Here are waterproof bathroom panels.
The term ‘waterproof panels’ is an example of a mental shortcut that has entered everyday language to such an extent that it is no longer questioned. In practice, this type of panels does not exist – each type of such products absorbs water and moisture, but they have a very different rate of absorption. If we want to use fully precise language, we should talk about floor panels with a higher level of resistance to moisture
The advantage of floor panels is that during the last several years products in this category have been greatly improved. This evolution has taken place in many ways. In the beginning it was, of course, about giving them a more interesting and varied look, but over time they also got down to improving their physical properties. Giving them water resistance greatly changed the possibility of using this product, which started to be chosen also for bathrooms and kitchens. Additionally, waterproof panels are relatively easy to install. With a bit of skill and patience we can do it ourselves. With bathroom tiles the case is not so simple – although there are systems that allow for easier installation, not everyone will be able to cope with it
Visually, waterproof panels do not differ much from ordinary laminate panels, which we can buy at a lower price and successfully install in the living room or bedroom. The secret of their success in the struggle with even long-term exposure to moisture is the surface covered with a hydrophobic coating, but also the density of the HDF board, from which they are made. This element is one of the key ones. Models with a density of at least 900 kg/m3 are recommended. Some waterproof panels are mounted in a special system, which additionally leads to the sealing of their edges. The best quality materials sometimes allow a well-designed product to withstand even 24 hours of water. It is worth remembering that ordinary floor panels cannot be turned into waterproof ones – it is not enough to impregnate them or create a protective layer in some way
There are very different models of waterproof panels offered on the market. Some of them are made with special anti-scratch technology. Thanks to it, the products offered to customers have very high resistance not only to abrasion, but also to mechanical damage. They can withstand dropping heavy glass objects on them, as well as long-lasting walking on them in high-heeled shoes
Thanks to waterproof panels used in bathrooms instead of ceramic tiles, you can give the interior a cozy feeling, which is unusual in such a place. Yes, you can use wood-like tiles, but they will be cold to the touch. They will probably not be a perfect imitation of wood either. Additionally, thanks to the use of waterproof panels, it will be easy for us to maintain the same line of panels on the floors throughout the house
First of all, the element that discourages many investors is the relatively high price. Costs are often higher in this case than when choosing floor tiles. It is also worth noting that damage to the panels (still possible despite the use of special systems) can reduce their properties and negatively affect their aesthetics
