Do bathroom walls have to be tiled? 3 tiles alternatives

Bathroom renovations are an excellent way to boost the potential value of your home. In fact, they can add as much as 4% to the value of a UK property and allow you to charge a higher rate for rentals or holiday lets.

When redecorating your bathroom (for yourself or your tenants), you may be wondering whether a fully tiled bathroom and tiled floor are the right options. If so, here are our thoughts on tiles in the bathroom and what the other alternatives are.

Can You Have No Tiles in the Bathroom?

Many landlords and homeowners in Tonbridge opt for tiles because of their long-lasting structure, water repellent nature and wide range of designs. But it’s not essential to have tiles on your bathroom walls.

Tiling is considered an inexpensive way of renovating your home, but you can still find cheaper solutions. You can find more expensive options, too, if you want something even more luxurious for your bathroom walls.

The Benefits of Tiled Bathroom Walls

Having a tiled bathroom doesn’t necessarily have an impact on the value of your home, but they do provide many benefits for homeowners and landlords.

Tiles are typically:

• Anti-mould: Your walls are 100% protected from moisture
• Easy to clean: Particularly beneficial for rentals or holiday lets
• Inexpensive: Even though there are expensive alternatives, tiling is considered a cheaper way to renovate
• Long-lasting: Tiles are strong and don’t break easily, so you can usually expect them to last a long time
• Universal in style: You can find tiles in all different designs, so you have a wide-ranging choice

What Can You Use Instead of Tiles in a Bathroom?

Paint

A cheaper alternative to tiles is to simply paint the walls of your bathroom. This can look particularly sleek if your bathroom is half-tiled or half-painted – which can actually be more desirable for some people since you can hang shelves and pictures on the painted space.

Just remember that paint may not last very long. It can easily be splashed with water or start to flake away from the moisture of the bathroom if it isn’t kept well-ventilated, so you may need to repaint regularly.

Marble

Instead of tiles, you can add marble to your bathroom walls. It’s harder to come by and is often much more expensive than the cost of tiles, but marble can provide a more high-end look.

The only downside to having marbled bathroom walls is that they can be harder to maintain. It’s a natural mineral, so the marble absorbs water and therefore requires regular squeegeeing after showering and routine sealing to keep it looking fab – both of which might put potential buyers off when you eventually sell.

Panels

Whether it’s plywood, acrylic or PVC, you can find a range of panel designs to line your bathroom walls. Panels are usually more cost-effective and very easy to install. You can even fit them directly over a tiled wall, reducing removal time.

Some high-end panels can last a long time and provide a flawless finish, with no need to clean grouting regularly. Many designs are waterproof, too, so you won’t have an issue with flaking as you may do with paint.

Are You Renovating?

If you’re renovating your Tonbridge home to prepare for a sale, our expert agents at Tonbridge Property are happy to help provide a valuation of your home.

Get in touch today for a chat with our friendly team by calling us on 01732 783503 or sending us an email at info@tonbridgeproperty.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bathroom Tiles and Alternative Materials

What alternatives can I consider for shower walls besides tiles?

While tiles are a common choice for shower walls due to their durability, exploring alternatives like panels with brass fittings or natural materials can provide a stylish and unique shower enclosure, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your wet areas.

Is fully tiling a small bathroom the best option?

While fully tiling a small bathroom is a traditional choice, exploring alternatives such as appropriate paint, panels, or natural materials can create an illusion of space and add a touch of uniqueness. Consideration of the wet areas, like the shower enclosure, is crucial for both functionality and style.

How can brass fittings enhance the aesthetics of a shower area?

Incorporating brass fittings in a shower area, whether with tiles, marble, or panels, can add a touch of luxury and elegance. This can be a cost-effective way to upgrade the shower enclosure without resorting to expensive tiles.

Are expensive tiles the only option for a stylish shower cubicle?

While expensive tiles are a classic choice, exploring alternatives like marble or panels with intricate designs can provide a stylish and unique look for your shower cubicle. Consider natural materials to create a visually appealing and functional space in wet areas.