Recent research indicates that growing homeowner demand for bathroom wall panels is reshaping the market and creating a clear commercial opportunity for retailers. A study of 250 professional bathroom fitters, commissioned by Wetwall, found that bathroom wall panels are becoming a preferred choice among consumers. The majority of installers (59%) say they first adopted wall panels because a homeowner specifically requested them, signalling a shift in consumer awareness and purchasing preferences.

Interest in the category has risen in recent years, with 87% of installers reporting increased uptake over the past 1-2 years. Every fitter surveyed has used panels, and adoption is growing across a wide range of projects; refurbishment, new-build, and commercial applications alike.

The research shows 58% of fitters cite quicker installation and better all-round value as the reason they started using panels, while 55% adopted the product purely because wall panels allow them to complete projects faster than traditional tiling. For retailers, this highlights the key benefits to communicate to customers.

Installers report that durability and reliability are top priorities for homeowners (62%), followed closely by a premium finish and visual appeal (59%). Price ranks third (50%), showing that even in a cost-conscious climate, retailers can respond to a willingness to invest in long-term performance and design freedom. While residential refurbishment remains the largest area of use, installers report strong uptake across commercial and contract projects.

Joanne Mailen from Wetwall – a Wilsonart brand – said: “Today’s wall panels are no longer being considered purely as an alternative to tiles; they’re increasingly being specified as a first-choice solution. Installers are responding to a much more category-aware customer, with greater expectations around design, durability and ease of maintenance. As a result, wall panels are becoming an increasingly important part of the bathroom sales conversation.”

This tallies with the findings of MRA Research. A recent survey by the market research company found that Waterproof Wall Panels have become increasingly popular as a substitute for tiles in bathrooms, and have taken market share from the tiles market in recent years. MRA found that the sector has seen strong growth, particularly in the residential refurbishment sector, over the past 2-3 years. Reasons for this growth include a broader range of materials becoming available, offering a wider choice in terms of designs, patterns, and textures. For more about this report, visit https://mra-research.co.uk/waterproof-panels-report/

More about Wetwall at: https://www.wetwall.co.uk/

Source: https://kbbfocus.com