PVC Marble Wall Panels vs Ceramic Tiles
Wall finishes must be able to withstand water, splashes, multiple cleanings, and daily use in the bathroom and kitchen. Meanwhile, homeowners are looking for these areas to be modern, well done, and aesthetically pleasing.
That's why the PVC marble wall panels are becoming increasingly important in comparison with ceramic tiles. While both can help to make stylish walls, they have a lot of differences when it comes to installation, maintenance, appearance and day-to-day use.
If homeowners are thinking of using PVC wall panels for their bathroom or marble wall panels for their kitchen interior, they will be able to make their decision a lot easier because they will have an understanding of these differences.
What Are PVC Marble Wall Panels?
PVC marble wall panels are decorative wall panels that are engineered to mimic the natural marble. New Era Wall Panels supplies 4x8 PVC marble sheets in various white, gray, black, gold and veined colors.
There are a number of existing panels on the market that are 3 mm thick and have a surface area of approximately 32 sq ft per panel. With more surface area they can provide wider areas of uninterrupted wall and thus lessen the number of visible joints than smaller wall coverings.
Ceramic Tiles at a Glance
Ceramic tiles are still a well-known material for bathrooms and kitchens. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, textures and patterns, offering homeowners lots of design options.
Tiles, however, are installed one-by-one and typically will need adhesive, grout, careful placement and additional work around edges and corners. The final look will also be a lot to do with the installation quality.
Faster Wall Coverage
The great feature of PVC marble wall panels is its huge size. With a single New Era panel covering approximately 32 square feet, the large walls are completed with fewer panels.
Typically ceramic tiles need to be in multiple pieces to cover the same area. This can result in additional measuring, cutting, spacing, adhesive and grouting during installation.
Large format panels may then be a desirable choice for renovation applications where time and continuity are critical.
Better for Bathroom Walls?
Moisture performance is particularly vital in the bathroom. New Era PVC marble panels are claimed to be waterproof or water and moisture resistant, and can be used on bathroom walls, shower walls, bathtub surrounds, and vanity walls.
This makes PVC wall panels for bathroom interior wall an ideal compromise to the use of bathroom tiles.
But the wet-area installation has to be performed correctly, too. Any seams, corners, transitions and edges should be well-sealed and the substrate behind the panels should be suitable for wet areas.
A Practical Kitchen Option
Also, easy-to-clean and moisture-resistant surfaces are good for kitchens. Kitchen marble panels can be used as backsplashes, or as a wall finish for the entire height of the space.
New Era's PVC marble sheets come in a variety of kitchen backsplashes and interior wall uses. They have smooth surfaces that can be cleaned with a damp cloth and routine maintenance is not too difficult to do.
It can be particularly beneficial in hectic kitchens where walls are frequently splashed and marked with fingerprints.
Fewer Grout Lines
Ceramic tiles are based on the grout lines between the tiles. The lines are incorporated into the overall design, but they also increase the number of joints connecting the wall.
Larger PVC marble wall panels will allow for a smoother surface that is less likely to show breaks. This is especially beneficial for homeowners who are looking for a more natural appearance with a marble finish.
Patterns can also be made with continuous-vein and 3-D designs if the panels are properly arranged before installation so that the patterns flow across two or more sheets.
Easier Everyday Cleaning
Another factor to take into account in the comparison of the two materials is the cleaning. Ceramic tile surfaces are simple to clean, but depending on the location and condition, grout lines may need extra care.
PVC panels have smooth surfaces that are easy to clean in most cases and can be wiped with a damp cloth. The present panels are directly targeted for simple cleaning for daily interior applications, specifically by New Era.
This might be a good benefit for homeowners looking for a reduced maintenance schedule.
Design Flexibility
There are a lot of different patterns and designs that can be used with ceramic tiles, ranging from classic patterns to large geometric designs. Where the tile format is integral to the design, they are still a good option.
PVC marble panels are more about having a large-format stone appearance. New Era currently has designs like Calacatta White, Calacatta Oro Gold, Black and White Marble, Caramel Vein, Blue Mist and more marble-inspired finishes.
They are particularly helpful in contemporary bathrooms and kitchens where an elegant and luxurious look is desired.
So, what's better for renovating?
PVC marble wall panels are attractive options for renovation projects with their ability to cover a wide range of walls and adhesive-based installation systems.
The installation of ceramic tile may require more individual steps, especially if previous finishes must be removed or multiple cuts and grout lines are needed.
It will depend on the type of wall you have, the project needs and the installation environment but PVC panels can sometimes make decorating a wall easier.
Which Should You Choose?
Opt for ceramic tiles for their traditional tiled appearance, designs, small tile sizes or when the grout lines are seen as part of the design.
When you need a larger clean marble-like surface, with minimal seams and joints, easy-to-clean and ideal for wet interior spaces, use PVC marble wall panels.
PVC panels are great for appearance and usage in the daily life, and a lot of modern bathroom and kitchen projects make use of PVC panels.
Conclusion
There is a choice of ceramic tile and PVC marble wall panels depending on the look, maintenance and installation method you desire.
While ceramic tiles are a reliable classic, PVC panels provide a number of practical benefits for contemporary interiors such as large tile coverage, marble-inspired designs, easy to clean and resistant to moisture.
New Era Wall Panels provides a wide range of decorative 4'x8' PVC marble slabs ideal for modern residences and commercial buildings, for homeowners who are looking for PVC wall panels for their bathroom or stylish marble panels for their kitchen walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PVC marble wall panels suitable for bathrooms?
Yes. Using PVC marble panels, designed for moisture-rich interior areas like bathroom walls, shower walls, bathtub surrounds, and vanity walls (when properly installed and sealed), New Era can turn every surface into a beautiful centerpiece.
Can PVC marble panels be used behind a kitchen counter?
Yes. Existing New Era PVC panels can be used for kitchen backsplashes, and can be used in decorative wall spaces, around counters and cabinets.
Are PVC panels easier to clean than tiles?
The surface of PVC panels is smooth and easy to clean and is usually wiped with a damp cloth. They also have fewer joints than small ceramic tiles, making regular cleaning easier.
How large are New Era PVC marble panels?
Many New Era PVC marble sheets are currently available in 4 x 8 ft, about 3 mm thick and provide about 32 sq. ft. per sheet.
Do PVC marble wall panels look like real marble?
The latest PVC panels feature printed marble patterns, shiny surfaces, and intricate veining to achieve a stone-like look. There are 3D and continuous-pattern options, which are specially developed to achieve greater visual depth for larger walls.
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