The Top 5 Waterproof Bathroom Wall Materials You Can Use

Are you looking to renovate your bathroom? Maybe your existing bathroom wall panels or covering doesn’t cut it anymore – or you simply want to jazz things up a little bit. Whatever the reason, one of the most crucial things to consider is finding the right wall covering. Fortunately, there are several waterproof bathroom wall options. To help you decide, we have listed down the most popular choices below, including their pros and cons.

The Best Waterproof Bathroom Wall Materials

Bathrooms have special needs. You can’t just use any material that you would typically use in other areas of the home. Since your bathroom will get exposed to heavy moisture and water droplets, waterproof walling materials are a must. Creating a watertight seal also protects your wall from moisture damage, ensuring that it remains in tip-top condition for years to come.

Bathroom walls need to be relatively easy to clean and maintain. This makes it easier for you to keep your bathroom pristine and hygienic at all times. Meanwhile, factors like patterns, textures, and finishes are mostly just a matter of preferences and style. In any case, whether you want to go for a traditional or a contemporary bathroom renovation, the materials below have got you covered.

1. Tiles

Tiles are perhaps the most popular option for bathroom walls – and for a good reason. They are affordable, widely available, and come in a vast range of sizes, colours, and designs. Aside from being classy, they are also reliable and fully functional.

Several types of bathroom tiles exist. However, ceramic and glass tiles are your best bet if you want a waterproof material for your bathroom walls.

• Ceramic. Typically made from fired clay, ceramic tiles have a hard, rigid surface and are known for being durable. Plus, they are impervious to water and don’t attract dust and other allergens. You will also love that they come in hundreds of sizes, colours, designs, textures, and even finishes. Being easy on the wallet, they are an excellent choice for larger surfaces like walls and ceilings. One notable downside to ceramic tiles is that the solidity and weight can make them difficult to install.
• Glass. Transparent and reflective, glass tiles are a great option for making a space appear brighter and more spacious. They are also durable, low-maintenance, and fairly easy to clean. On the flip side, the translucent nature of glass means that it will accentuate dirt, stain, and other imperfections even more. However, frosted glass tiles, which also help with privacy, are always an option. Finally, keep in mind that glass tiles tend to be pricier than ceramic, and can be more challenging to install.

Rest assured that as long as the tiles are properly installed, you won’t have to worry about leaking and other moisture-related issues. A correct installation also ensures that they won’t crack, get damaged, or deteriorate in quality for years to come. For best results, rely only on skilled and experienced professionals to install your tiles. Of course, tile quality does matter as well, so try to stick with reputable brands.

Related Article: How To Choose A Bathroom Remodeling Contractor

2. Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl is a man-made plastic material that is prized for its durability and functionality. It has long been used as a wall covering and can create a nearly impermeable layer, protecting the walls against splashes and spills. When it comes to vinyl wallpaper for bathrooms, you have two options – vinyl-coated and solid vinyl ones.

• Vinyl-coated. This consists of a paper base that has been treated with vinyl for extra protection against humidity and moisture. This also makes it long-lasting, waterproof, and easy to clean. However, vinyl-coated wallpapers are generally not ideal for heavy moisture environments such as the shower and bathtub areas. They also tend to tear and scratch easily. For these reasons, they are best used for indirect, ambient moisture, such as the upper section of bathroom walls.
• Solid Vinyl. As the name suggests, this material is made completely of vinyl. Aside from being thick and durable, it is also scrubbable, as well as scratch- and tear-resistant. In other words, it could withstand a fair amount of abuse. If you want an even more heavy-duty material, opt for rolls that are labelled “extra-washable” or “highly wash-resistant.”

Vinyl wallpapers – particularly solid vinyl ones – have a bad reputation of appearing cheap and unattractive. This rings especially true for products at the lower end of the price range. Thankfully, manufacturers are already stepping up their game, and you can now find a wide variety of sophisticated wallpapers that could spruce up your bathroom.

Be aware that not all surfaces are compatible with peelable vinyl wallpapers. They are generally less sticky than regular permanent wallpapers, which means that matte, flat, and rough surfaces are off the table.

This type of wallpaper is an absolute breeze to install. All you have to do is unpeel it and stick the adhesive side to the wall. Vinyl-coated ones will usually require the purchase of a separate glue, while most solid vinyl wallpapers are already pre-pasted. Another benefit of vinyl wallpaper is that you can buy a sample to try out. This way, you could experiment to see which style best matches your bathroom, and which material is suitable for your existing wall surface.

3. Acrylic

Acrylic is a transparent plastic material known for its durability and stiffness. It is constructed to endure the wear and tear of daily use, which means that it won’t scratch or form dents and scratches easily. Being non-porous, it doesn’t readily attract or hold onto soap suds, dirt, mould, mildew, and other grime. Another fantastic benefit of acrylic is that it is incredibly versatile and comes in varying opacity, designs, and colours. Plus, it is generally inexpensive.

Typically, acrylic wall panels are cut into different shapes and sizes to suit your specific bathroom needs. You could also have them customized to mimic the appearance of glass or conventional tiles, although this likely comes with additional costs.

To install, the panels are glued on the wall surface using a heavy-duty adhesive. While fairly easy to install, the process is still best left to professionals.

4. Laminate

Laminate panels – or simply laminate – are made of several layers of thin wooden sheets that are glued together. They have a plastic, protective coating on one or both sides, making them waterproof. Furthermore, they are resistant to impact, abrasion, scratch, and stain. Despite being lightweight, this material is also extremely strong, durable, and long-lasting.

Although more commonly used as a flooring material, laminate panels are fast becoming the go-to option of many homeowners, and unsurprisingly so. Aside from being classy and elegant, laminate wall panels are also widely accessible and won’t break the bank.

Laminate wall panels are easy to install and come in a myriad of colours, designs, textures, and finishes. They are also available in varying sizes and thicknesses. Like acrylic panels, they require a powerful adhesive and are glued firmly to the walls. Some products even feature a lock and seal system for a more fuss-free installation.

Related Article: Deal with the Do’s and Don’ts: Bathroom Renovation Decorum

5. Paint

This might come as a surprise, but yes: you could simply paint your bathroom walls. Although the most straightforward of the bunch, there are still a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, oil-based paint is recommended. It is durable and meant to stand up to constant heat and moisture exposure. Plus, it could endure rigorous and repeated scrubbing. However, some water-based latex paints are also washable and moisture-resistant, so make sure to do your research first.

Steer clear of paints with a flat or matte finish at all costs, as these tend to trap moisture. Instead, go for a semi-gloss bathroom or regular interior paint, which causes the water to bead up on the surface.

For best results, opt for a designated bathroom paint, which typically boasts mould- and mildew-inhibiting properties for added protection. Just keep in mind that these could cost twice as much as regular paints. Still, they are relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to the other options in this list.

The Waterproof Bathroom Wall Material of Your Choice

Modern homeowners are in luck because they have several options at their disposal. If you want waterproof materials for your bathroom shower and bathtub walls, for instance, you could choose from tiles, vinyl wallpaper, acrylic, laminate, and even the good old paint. Each material has its respective pros and cons, so it is important to understand the qualities of each.

When choosing, make sure to factor in your needs, preferences, and even budget. Also, keep in mind that you don’t have to stick to just one type of product. Feel free to mix and match them to achieve your desired look and functionality. Once you understand these, you should be able to find the ultimate wall material for your bathroom in no time.