PVC Wall Panel Delivery
PVC Wall Panel Delivery | Everything you need to know
You plan your new bathroom, you order your panels and accessories, now you just have to wait for the delivery. Thats the easy bit, right?
It should be but there are a few things to consider when it comes to delivery of your wall or shower panels. We will explain the issues you can face and how to work around them.
What is the typical size of wall panels packed for delivery?
There are four main package sizes when it comes to PVC Panels…
- Shower Panels (1000mm)
- Large Wall Panels (500 > 600mm)
- Wall & Ceiling Panels (200 > 250mm)
- Trims
Each package will be over 2.5 Metres long and this is where the issues begin. The courier network is not designed for XL packages of this size and weight.
You can see a rough guide of panel weight and dimensions to the graphic below or to the right (depends on device)
Which couriers ship PVC Panels?
For the purposes of this article we are focusing on National couriers, there are smaller local based couriers but the Cladding suppliers typically use the Nationwide networks.
Most courier companies do not ship PVC Wall Panels due to their size restrictions. There are two Courier companies that do ship PVC Wall Panels – Tuffnells and DX (at time of writing) with both covering the bulk of the UK.
Why is the size of PVC Panels an issue?
Writing from hard won experience, the courier networks are built for smaller goods. The XL parcels found in the cladding industry are at the limit of what their infrastructure can handle. The problems can occur at any stage in the delivery process, at the transport hub, moving between depots or on the last stage – out for delivery.
The typical damage is crushed corners where the parcel has been dropped or damage from within the vehicle where another parcel has impacted the panel(s)
PVC Wall Panel Delivery | 5 Tips for a smooth delivery
#1 Choose a supplier that delivers with their own vehicles
There are a number of cladding suppliers that deliver using their own vehicles, they do tend to be the larger more established suppliers but the key advantage is they know how to handle panels in transit.
The couriers struggle with handling panels, especially shower panels hence the lottery when using them.
We will add a list of online suppliers that deliver with their own drivers and vehicles at the bottom of the page but we would always recommend contacting the supplier and check as it often dependent on the postcode.
#2 Order way in advance of starting work.
This seems obvious but ordering with a just in time mindset is common. This is fine if your supplier has their own vehicles but if you are ordering from a supplier that relies on couriers this is really important.
Why order way in advance?
If you receive your order and the panels are damaged you will need a block of time to rectify this. It takes longer than you may think. You will need to contact the supplier, arrange for replacement panels, you are relying that they have them in stock, you are relying/hoping that they have the same batch in stock and then its a case of the supplier arranging the delivery.
If you have a fitter booked or you have arranged time off work, you can imagine the stress levels.
Order way in advance.
#3 Do not book a Fitter until you have received your panels
This was referenced in #2 and the reasoning may not appear obvious. Ordering and receiving panels takes time, depending on your location and the panels you order it can take longer than what is advertised.
If you order panels and there is any delay, this could be caused by damaged panels or simply the supplier may not have all the panels you require in the same batch (very important) you are relying on the panels being ready for the fitter and that is typically a hard date.
The fitter arrives and you dont have the panels so you need to re-arrange and then you are at the mercy of their diary.
You need the panels on site, checked and in good order before your fitter arrives. Please do not open and check them on the day.
#4 Shower Panels are the most difficult to Deliver (by Courier)
We have discussed the four different parcel types in cladding and as a general heads up you have more issues ordering Shower Panels than the other three – mainly because they are the most difficult to handle.
Why are Shower Panels more difficult to deliver?
Dimensions and weight. Couriers that are not used to handling shower panels will drag them or lift them in such away they will inevitably get knocked.
Another factor is the surafce area. When Shower Panels are in a delivery vehicle they are far more vulnerable to damage by other parcels moving in transit and impacting the panel.
#5 Keep a note of the batch number.
When you receive your panels. Before unpacking and certainly before fitting them to the wall – make a note of the batch number.
Why do I need the batch number?
All panels are produced in batches so their colour and tone is set within that batch, If you want to order more panels to match your installation you will want them from the same batch. It is very rare to match two panels from different batches.
If you require additional panels, contact the supplier straight away as there is a window of opportunity as they work through the batch they have.
Tip – Order more than you need, it makes the job a lot easier.
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Glen Coulson
Glen is one of our expert bloggers in bathroom design, cladding and all things DIY. If he isn’t fitting PVC panels, he’s talking or writing about PVC Panels and really should get out more.
Read his posts for the latest coverage of style trends and easy to follow guides.