If you’re planning a bathroom renovation in Devon, one question that comes up time and time again is:

Should I go for traditional tiles or install shower panels?

We’ve been working on bathrooms from Exeter to the South Hams for years now, and this choice is one of the biggest sticking points when people want a sleek, modern look — but also something practical and long-lasting.

Here’s what we tell customers when they ask.

What’s the Difference?

Tiles are the classic option — ceramic or porcelain squares fixed with adhesive and grout, offering lots of design flexibility.

Shower panels (also known as wall boards or shower boards) are large waterproof sheets, often made from acrylic, laminate or composite, and are installed as full sections with no grout lines.

Appearance: What Looks Best?

Tiles are hard to beat when it comes to variety. You’ve got endless choices — colours, patterns, textures, shapes. If you want a statement wall or something truly unique, tiles give you that creative freedom.

Panels, on the other hand, offer a cleaner, more modern look. There are still loads of finishes available now — marble effect, stone, gloss, matte — but the overall style is simpler. If you’re aiming for a hotel-style or minimal feel, panels might win on aesthetics.

Our take: If you’re doing a high-end bathroom and want texture and detail, tiles will give you more options. But for a smart, low-fuss finish? Panels are tough to beat.

Installation Time & Disruption

Tiles take longer. There’s surface prep, adhesive, grouting, drying time. It’s a skilled, step-by-step job, and the cost reflects that.

Shower panels can often be installed in less than a day — fewer materials, less mess, less time off work or without a working bathroom.

If speed is important, panels often make more sense.

Cleaning & Maintenance

This is a big one. We’ve lost count of how many times we’ve been called out to deal with black, crumbling grout or mould issues in tiled showers. Grout is porous — it gets dirty, it discolours, and it needs resealing over time.

Shower panels? No grout lines. A quick wipe down with a soft cloth and they’re done. They’re ideal if you want to cut back on bathroom upkeep.

Busy family? Limited mobility? Shower panels are often the more practical option.

Durability & Lifespan

Tiles, when installed well, can last decades. But they can also chip or crack if knocked hard, and any grout deterioration can lead to water ingress.

Shower panels are more impact-resistant and have fewer joints where water can get in. But cheaper panels can scratch or fade over time — especially in hard water areas (which, to be clear, isn’t an issue in Exeter or most of Devon).

Choose good-quality materials either way, and both should serve you well for many years.

Cost Comparison

Tiles usually cost more — not just for the materials, but for the labour. The finish is often worth it, but you’ll need to budget accordingly.

Panels tend to be cheaper overall and can save significantly on labour time.

Here in Devon, we’ve done complete bathroom panel installations for hundreds of pounds less than a comparable tiled setup — especially when speed and simplicity were the priority.

Can You Mix Both?

Yes — and we’ve done it plenty of times. Some homeowners choose tiled feature walls around the bath and panels in the shower, or vice versa. It’s your bathroom. A good installer (like us!) can help you blend both for the best of both worlds.

Final Thoughts from the EPM Team

If you’re going for a luxurious, highly designed space — and you’re happy to maintain grout over time — tiles might be the right choice.
If you want something cleaner, faster, easier to maintain, and a bit more budget-friendly — go with panels.

Or ask us. We’ve installed both across Exeter, East Devon and into the South Hams — and we’ll always give you an honest opinion on what will suit your space and your goals.

Need help planning your bathroom renovation?
We offer honest advice, fast turnaround, and no-pressure estimates.
📍 Based in Exeter, covering Devon from Exmouth to Totnes.