Tongue and Groove Bathroom Panelling
Tongue and Groove Bathroom Panelling
Tongue and Groove Bathroom Wall Panels can transform a bathroom quicker and for less cost than any other waterproof wall covering. Their enduring appeal is in part due to the tongue and groove interlocking system found on all hollow core panels – Wall Panels, Shower Panels and Ceiling Cladding.
Why use tongue and groove panels? What are the advantages? Are they easy to install? Are they waterproof?
We will answer all of these questions and more in our guide below and hopefully explain why the advantage of a tongue and groove joint makes bathroom wall panels incredibly effective.
What are Tongue and Groove Panels?
A PVC Wall Panel has a tongue and groove on each panel, they interlock creating a solid, waterproof* joint. This joining system helps create the waterproof* wall that you would use in any area of the house where there is increased levels of moisture. The fact that they have this joint means you are using individual panels to cover a wide expanse.
The way the joint works means you only have a slight visible seam when the two panels are joined together. Some panels have a micro bevel which makes the seam more visible but generally it is a very fine line between panels. The images illustrate how the T & G works in practice.
*for the most effective waterproofing, apply a fine bead of sealant in the T&G joint before fitting the next panel.
Why use Tongue and Groove Cladding?
Tongue and Groove Panels are an easy installation waterproof wall covering. It is this ease of installation that has propelled their popularity – fast for an experienced fitter to handle and well within reach of a DIY enthusiast. The precision manufactured edges make alignment straightforward so a homeowner using these panels for the first time can fit them easily and quickly.
Waterproof Wall Covering
The panels have a push fit tongue and groove joint and I always recommend a fine bead of sealant within that join before pushing home to add another layer of waterproofing. Tiles have an inherent waterproofing weakness because of the grout whereas correctly installed bathroom panels do not. This is the waterproof wall covering homeowners purchase after they have had leaks with tiles.
Fast Installation
When the panels are cut to size, it really is a case of fitting the first left hand panel, make sure it is plumb then adding the remaining panels in a repetitive manner.
How to Install Tongue and Groove Panels?
Fitting Tongue and Groove Wall Panels is a case of lining up the first panel to the left then fitting each subsequent panel by pushing the tongue of the next panel into the groove of the fitted panel…and so on.
You would first make your cuts for height and around any obstructions and then prepare to fit your first panel. It is better to work from left to right.
Remove the tongue from the first panel, apply adhesive to the rear and fit into the corner. Check for plumb and then push the panel firmly to the wall and secure with three screws or staples in the rear tab of the groove on the right hand side of the panel.
Apply adhesive to the rear of panel #2 then angle the tongue so it slots into the groove of the fitted panel #1, push firmly to the left to ensure the tongue is firmly seated into the groove of panel #1..then push firmly against the wall so the adhesive gets a grab – secure with three screws or staples in the rear tab of the groove.
Repeat the process with the remaining panels.
What Tools & Accessories are required to fit PVC Wall Panels?
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.