MirroFlex Tub and Shower Walls are ideal for wet areas. These robust wall surfaces are an attractive, economical alternative to traditional ceramic tiling. In fact, MirroFlex Tub and Shower Walls are a home renovator's dream thanks to their durable, non-porous, grout-free properties and easy installation and maintenance.
They are suitable for residential and commercial environments with wet-area wall surfaces, including shower recesses and laundry walls. The standard kit includes two tub side panels with folding corners (adjustable size; fits most 30 to 40 tubs, one 60 wide tub back panel) and finishing trim for side panels (can be easily cut to size with scissors). Additional finishes and sizes may be available.
Before we get too far into it, let’s look at the difference between wall panels and shower panels so you know what we are talking about. A wet wall panel doesn’t require grout as traditional ceramic tile would. Shower panels can be installed using an adhesive.
Shower panels also retain more heat, while tiles can get cold and allow heat to escape. So, if you find yourself having to shower on a cold winter’s day, think about the material you want to surround yourself with in your shower enclosure. Chilly bathroom tiles or shower panels?
If you have decided to step away from traditional ceramic tiling for your tub and shower, tub and shower wall panels are an affordable and attractive alternative ideal for wet areas.
Whether you choose these panels for a residential or commercial space, you will find they carry many advantages and have the baggage of a few myths you will need to contend with.
The only tub and shower wall panels you can purchase are made of acrylic material. While this is a common material, it isn't the best to choose for your tub and shower because acrylic can be extremely thin, and it can actually expand and contract while you are working with it, which makes it much harder to properly install.
MirroFlex tub and shower walls are textured and have a very decorative and aesthetically pleasing surface, making them a smart choice for many remodels. MirroFlex is durable and design flexible and is available in several different size options.
It is also the ideal option for anyone looking to install the panels themselves because it makes for a relatively easy and straightforward DIY home renovation project.
You will need special tools to complete the installation yourself. This is not the case at all. You can purchase a standard kit that includes the panels with folding corners and the finishing trim for the side panels. The sizes are adjustable, and you can easily cut the trim for the side panels to the appropriate size for the bathtub or shower with just a pair of scissors.
You cannot find wall panels that don't require grout when working with a custom-sized shower or tub. Again, these wall panels can be adjusted to the appropriate size and are non-porous and grout-free, making installing and maintaining the tub and shower wall panels quick and easy.
When you decide on tub and shower walls for the bathroom, there are a few points you will want to consider before making a purchase. First, the walls need to be made of a water-resistant material since they will be utilized in a place with a lot of water contact.
Next, you will want to find a style and design that you love that can seamlessly fit into your décor and offers the aesthetic you are looking to achieve. You may also want to consider the maintenance required after the panels are installed, the initial installation process, and how easy or difficult it may be to complete the project independently.
Finally, the materials you choose for the tub and shower walls should be durable, long-lasting, and non-porous, so no water will leak under the panels and cause a mold or mildew problem or other extensive damage to your bathroom.
The easiest tub and shower walls to install in the bathroom require no grout and are easily adjustable to fit the size you need for the tub and shower surround.
As previously mentioned, there are many advantages to using MirroFlex tub and shower walls for your next bathroom renovation project:
Affordable: installing a tub and shower surround is a cost-effective way to update or remodel the bathroom. It is a simple installation process that you can do yourself, and you can save what you would have spent on a contractor.
Easy Installation: installing these walls is a lot easier than putting up tile in the bathroom and can be done yourself easily if you take the time to read the instructions and make sure everything is done properly.
Minimal Maintenance: maintaining these MirroFlex walls are also a lot easier than tile and grout. However, if a part of the wall is damaged, the whole unit will need to be replaced. Due to the durability of these walls, though, that is very unlikely.
Grout Free: one of the biggest advantages you will find with this kind of wall surround is that you don’t have to worry about replacing the grout down the line. Shower and bathtub wall panels are grout-free. When sealed properly, they are also 100% waterproof. When the grout in a regular surround becomes worn out or cracked, it can cause leaks. You don’t have to worry about this with our wall panel options.
Before installing your shower or bathtub wall panels, install a cement board or something equivalent that is proven to be made with a moisture-resistant backing material to prevent mold. Never use paper-faced backer board, paper-faced drywall, or behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
If you are in the middle of a bathroom remodeling project and want to install your wall panels over existing tile, this is a possibility. Start by cleaning the surface of your existing tile with a microfiber cloth and an all-purpose cleaner.
Next, determine the placement of your waterproof shower panels. Mark the placement of each shower wall panel on the existing tile and then apply adhesive to the tiles. Position each shower wall panel carefully over the ceramic tile in your shower enclosure.
It is a pretty straightforward process and isn’t difficult to accomplish. The most important thing to keep in mind during a shower panel installation is to measure the tile area accurately before installing the bathroom wall panels. If you measure incorrectly, it can lead to issues with your installation down the line.
Also, when applying the adhesive, you want to make sure to apply it around the perimeter of the edges of the wall tiles in your shower enclosure. There should be no openings where water could get behind the paneling. This can cause extensive water damage over time. Use a trowel or caulking gun to apply the adhesive.
To get started, you need to gather your materials. For this DIY project, you will want to have the following items within easy reach:
Click here for a more detailed instruction guide on how to install MirroFlex Tub and Shower Panel Surrounds.
Overall, you will find that these wall panels may be a bit more expensive than traditional ceramic tile in terms of square footage. However, the initial cost is covered over time as this kind of material requires far less maintenance and repairs than ceramic tile.
At Decorative Ceiling Tiles, we have a variety of MirroFlex Tub and Shower Wall Panels you can pick from in different colors, styles, and textures.