Shower panels and tiles can both form part of a bathroom refurbishment. Compare complete, specified wall finishes. Setting the price of a panel against the price of a box of tiles does not compare the same work. The background, junctions, fittings and preparation can change the scope substantially.
Compare the selected products
Start with a specific panel range and a specific tile choice. Collect samples and look at them in the room, alongside the tray, floor and lighting. Record the product reference, finish and intended wall coverage. A broad description such as marble effect does not identify the product the installer needs to assess.
Panels may reduce the number of individual surface joints, and tiles offer a different range of sizes and setting-out options. Neither description tells you whether the particular installation is suitable. Ask how the chosen system deals with corners, cut edges, penetrations and connections to adjacent finishes.
Find out what is behind the existing finish
Photographs help describe the room but do not prove that the existing wall is sound. Ask the installer to assess the background and any signs of moisture or movement. If tiles are to remain, record that as a proposed approach that needs assessment. It is not an agreed saving until someone has checked them.
Multipanel publishes guidance about installing its panels over existing tiles. That is a manufacturer-specific option, not permission to cover every damaged or unsuitable background. Use the current instructions for the exact chosen range. The separate waterproofing brief should identify any preparation and system responsibilities.
Put both quotations on the same basis
Use the comparison sheet below for the same walls and the same retained fittings. Mark an item as included, excluded or awaiting assessment. Separate the cost of the chosen finish from removal, background repairs, plumbing changes and decoration outside the shower.
A lower supply price may come with a different preparation allowance or unfinished edges. Ask each quotation to explain its handover condition, including what happens to disturbed adjoining surfaces.
Panel and tile comparison sheet
| Record | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Wall and background | Wall reference, dimensions, existing finish and assessed preparation. |
| Selected finish | Panel range or tile reference; supplied quantity, pattern and orientation. |
| Edges and fittings | Corners, trims, tray junction, pipe penetrations and fittings to remove/refit. |
| Supply and handover | Who orders each component, finishes adjoining areas and provides care information. |
Decide how the finish will be maintained
Ask for the cleaning and maintenance information for the selected products. Record which cleaning products are suitable and how seals, joints or trims should be checked. Avoid choosing on a blanket claim that an entire material category never needs attention.
Keep spare tile or panel references, colour names and the installation documents with the bathroom records. If a fitting later changes, that information helps the next installer understand the existing finish.
Example: refreshing the shower without replacing the whole room
In this unpriced example, the owner wants to retain the tray and replace three wall finishes. The first question is whether the tray, background and adjoining seals are suitable to retain. One option may need more removal and repair than the other. Compare both after the assessment, using the same wall extent and agreed fitting interfaces.
For a quotation, send the postcode, wall dimensions, photographs, chosen products and which fittings you want retained. Identify any leak history and whether this is the only bathroom. Final suitability and the work sequence follow the assessed room and selected systems.
Useful next steps
Sources and product information
Have a project in London or the surrounding areas? Send us your project brief, with photographs and the decisions you have already made.