We’ve all stared at those dated, cracked or just plain old boring tiles and felt a wave of DIY dread. But what if you could skip the demolition and turn your renovation dreams into reality without needing to break out the hammers and chisels?

Panelling over tiles is the ultimate shortcut in home renovation. Installing wall panels directly over your existing tiles is a faster, cleaner and fuss-free way to transform your space with a professional finish - all without the hefty price tag of re-tiling.

The benefits of panelling over tiles

Wall panels are easy to install without having to spend time removing the tiles, and are a great way to give your room a cost-effective facelift. 

Panelling over tiles comes with many practical benefits, including:  

  • Easy installation: Fitting panels over tiles means you can save time, effort and the mess of demolition.
  • Cost-effective: Panels are an affordable way to transform your space without the need for specialist labourers to re-tile. 
  • Waterproof and durable: Wall panels are 100% waterproof and designed to withstand a variety of high-traffic areas, making them ideal for walk-in shower rooms, bathrooms and as an alternative to kitchen tiles. 
  • No grout involved: Say goodbye to scrubbing dull grout and mildew stains, with panels just needing a quick wipe-down with warm, soapy water to stay sparkling.
  • Seamless look: Panels click together using a tongue-and-groove fitting system, allowing them to sit flush and eliminate join lines for a sleek, seamless finish. 
  • Tailor to your style: Wall panels come in a range of finishes, from timeless marble to sparkle-effect and chic patterned options.  

Materials needed for fitting your wall panels

Having the right tools on hand transforms a stressful DIY project into a smooth and satisfying renovation. Here’s what you need to fit your wall panels in your tiled room: 

  • PVC wall panels of your choice 
  • Adhesive
  • Silicone sealant
  • Electric drill with drill and screwdriver bits 
  • 3mm x 12mm screws 
  • Spirit level
  • Measuring tape
  • Pencil or marker
  • Fine-tooth saw or a sharp craft knife
  • Cleaning supplies (soapy water, sponge and cloth)
  • Trims

A step-by-step guide to panelling over tiles

Prepare your tiled surface

The secret to flawlessly wall panelling over tiles is all in the preparation. Your existing tiles must be:

  • Clean and grease-free
  • Firmly fixed with no loose sections
  • Completely dry 

If any of your tiles are cracked or wobbly when you tap them, you must refit them with adhesive or replace them before your panelling project begins. 

Alternatively, if your existing tiles are stable but uneven, place foam tape behind the panels when installing in the areas where your tiles stick out to create a flat surface that the panels can adhere to.

Measure your room layout

Before you spring into action, be sure to measure your wall width and height at multiple points, particularly in bathrooms where walls are rarely perfectly square. Spending time measuring and planning out your panels before getting started will save you time further down the line.  

Plan where your wall panel joins will fall, especially if you have a patterned or faux tile-effect panel style, and remember to factor in your corners and trims, too. 

Cut the panel to size

Using your measurements, mark the back of the panel with a pencil, allowing for openings where your room has pipework, light switches and sockets. 

For a clean cut, use a fine-toothed handsaw or a craft knife.

Apply adhesive and position

Now to fit your panels and watch your room come to life!

Apply a strong, waterproof adhesive to the back of each wall panel in snaking zig-zags or dots, and avoid applying it too close to the panel edges to prevent squeeze-out. 

Press your panels firmly against the tiles, starting from the bottom and working upwards to eliminate air bubbles. Use a spirit level to ensure each panel is perfectly flush before the adhesive sets. 

As you’re adhering the panels to the wall, be sure to secure them with screws. Place the screws along the tongue, with the next interlocking panel covering the screws. To make installation as easy as possible, position the screws in the existing grout lines where possible.

Seal the joins

The beauty of the tongue-and-groove system is the watertight seal it creates. 

Slide each panel into the groove of the previous one to create a smooth, flat join. You should hear or feel a firm click as you connect the two panels together.

Finish with trims

Trims are the frame that makes your panelling project look professional while hiding raw edges.

  • Corners and edges: Slot your panels into internal corner trims at angle joins, and use end caps where the panelling meets a door frame or stops mid-wall.
  • Final seal: Run a neat bead of silicone along the base where the panel meets the shower tray or floor, and around any pipework, to ensure the panelling is 100% watertight.

Things to remember before installing panels over tiles

Although panelling over existing tiles brings many time and cost-saving benefits to your renovation project, there are a few things to bear in mind before getting started to futureproof your panelling. 

  • Pay attention to wall condition: If tiles are loose or uneven, or there’s still grease and suds on your wall, you’ll need to fix these before panelling over them. 
  • Reduced room size: Panelling over tiles adds a slight thickness to your walls due to the panel depth, which is especially important to consider around door frames and fixtures.
  • Trapping moisture: Without proper prep before installation, unsealed wall panels can allow moisture to get behind them, harbouring mould and wreaking havoc on your walls.

Final thoughts

Upgrading your tiles doesn’t have to involve days of dust and chisels. By choosing to install wall panels over your existing tiles, you get all the aesthetic benefits of seamless panelling tailored to your style without the high-maintenance headache of grout.

Browse our collection of wall panels, adhesives and trims, and revive your tiled walls with ease today!

FAQs

What is the best adhesive for applying PVC wall panels to tiles?

As tiles are non-porous and often have a glossy finish, you need a high-strength, waterproof adhesive to panel over them.

Our range of adhesives is specifically designed to bond PVC panels to a range of surfaces, including tiles, to provide a long-lasting, waterproof finish.

What are the benefits of wall panels vs tiles?

While tiles are a traditional choice for kitchens, bathrooms and showers, wall panels offer practical advantages over tiles that make them a firm favourite for DIY novices and professionals alike:

  • No grout: Without porous grout lines, there is nowhere for bacteria or mould to grow, making panels much more hygienic and easier to clean.
  • Fast installation: You can panel an entire bathroom in a single day, whereas tiling the same space could take up to a week or more once you factor in drying times, grouting and specialist labour.
  • Affordable renovation: Panels are generally cheaper and can be installed over existing tiled surfaces, saving a fortune on professional labour and tile removal costs.
  • Seamless aesthetic: Panels provide a smooth, continuous look that can mimic expensive materials like marble at a fraction of the price.

Can wall panels be cut to fit around existing fixtures?

One of the best things about PVC panels is that they can be easily cut around existing fixtures, making them a hassle-free option compared to tiles and stone slabs. 

A simple fine-toothed handsaw or a sharp utility knife can be used to make precise cuts, allowing you to cut openings for pipework, shower valves, light fittings, and plug sockets with ease. 

Are wall panels waterproof?

PVC wall panels are 100% waterproof and create an airtight seal using a tongue-and-groove locking mechanism. This makes them ideal for panelling bathrooms, wet rooms and kitchens where moisture can damage walls and allow mould to develop.