The easiest, quickest, cheapest and most robust shower enclosure wall covering that's also easy to clean? Opinions and experiences please.

[SimonD]

I know this probably doesn't exist, so maybe it's about finding a balance, but I need to find and expedient way to build a shower enclosure for a family bathroom that stands up to two teenage boys who seem to be able to wreck most things without trying.

 

I've done microcement, and will probably tile another bathroom, but not sure about the general family one...

 

So what would you use and why?

[Russell griffiths]

Large format tiles 600x1200, minimal grout lines. 

[Redoctober]

Take a look at these - we have them in our shower cubilces - 5 years on still looking great. Loving the fact that I don't have to regrout etc👍

 

https://www.multipanel.co.uk/

 

Sorry, forgot to include link 🤷‍♂️

Edited January 19, 2024 by Redoctober

[ProDave]

Another vote for multipanel.  Used them for several bathrooms and not had a problem.

[SoldierDog]

multipanel as well, would never go back to tiles. Solid, looks good and super easy to clean.

[joe90]

I have tiled for years but used multi panels on my build and would never go back to tiles 🤷‍♂️

[Mike]

Tiles with epoxy grout.

 

Although the technology and materials are vastly different now, multipanels still remind me of the tacky-looking plastic versions in that I encountered in the occasional old bathroom the 80s - so probably installed in the 60s or 70s.

[SimonD]

Thanks all for the input all. The panels I'd previously come across were at a self-build show and were made of plastic/pvc or something so hadn't come across these multipanels with the timber core. I will get some samples and find somewhere to have a look at them.

 

However, talking to my wife last night the suggestion of large format porcelain tiles from @Russell griffiths has gone down the best, especially with the addition of thin epoxy grout joints.

[Iceverge]

I would consider a shower tray with an upstand too. Should make the floor to wall junction more robust. 

 

 

 

[SimonD]

27 minutes ago, Iceverge said:

I would consider a shower tray with an upstand too. Should make the floor to wall junction more robust. 

 

 

 

 

Thanks, good shout, you've anticipated my next step and question. I have one stone shower tray for the guest bathroom already so will need to remind myself of the best waterproofing process - I know it's been covered to death so I'll try and do a search before asking for a repeat😊 

[Iceverge]

Its something to do with smothering @Nickfromwales in a layer of silicone with a spatula. 

[SimonD]

7 minutes ago, Iceverge said:

Its something to do with smothering @Nickfromwales in a layer of silicone with a spatula. 

 

Rubbed down by lots of baby wipes too IIRC. But he's a bit slippery mind you, impossible to get hold of due to supply chain problems right now.

Edited January 20, 2024 by SimonD

[Beau]

 

Is Multi Pane still the preferred option on here?

 

The shower enclosure will be 900x1400 so I would need one edge to edge joint on show if using panels. Other option I've glanced at is micro cement which I had never heard of until recently. Having just dismantled an old shower room I was taken aback by the quantity of none recyclable waste when tiles are used hence looking at other options

 

Thanks

[MikeGrahamT21]

Use the hydro lock panels if you need extra width

[Beau]

5 hours ago, MikeGrahamT21 said:

Use the hydro lock panels if you need extra width

So is the joint pretty near invisible? 

[MikeGrahamT21]

4 hours ago, Beau said:

So is the joint pretty near invisible? 

As good as you’ll get. I’ve seen it used on a pure white panel and it’s visible, but a coloured panel will be as good as can be, almost invisible. Not sure how good the pattern matching is from one sheet to the next so you’d have to ask manufacturer about that

[Beau]

1 hour ago, MikeGrahamT21 said:

As good as you’ll get. I’ve seen it used on a pure white panel and it’s visible, but a coloured panel will be as good as can be, almost invisible. Not sure how good the pattern matching is from one sheet to the next so you’d have to ask manufacturer about that

Much appreciated 🙂

[Alan Ambrose]

Anyone have more info on their experience with epoxy grout? Application, lifetime, replacement etc?