Available in a wide range of colours and finishes
This type of panel is manufactured in large sheets, typically 2.4M x 1.2M as a standard available sheet or the smaller size of 2.4M x 0.6M . The construction is a back board of plywood or MDF with a high-pressure laminate bonded onto the face, offering a multitude of choices of colour and texture. The material is similar to a laminate kitchen worktop, but thinner, a typical overall sheet thickness is 11mm or 12mm.
Laminate panels can be easily cut and installation is fairly simple. Often they can be installed on top of existing finishes such as ceramic tiles. Attention needs to be given to sealing any joints and corners, but a properly installed laminate panel will provide a waterproof and easily cleaned surface and as such is ideal for shower enclosures and bathroom installations in general. Some of the ranges are available with a waterproof edge joint ready cut which simplifies the connection of panels together along a wall, but they can also be butted together although care is needed with sealing the joints, especially in wet areas.
Laminate panels have no grout in the joints, and those with a tile effect finish are also grout free making for a really easy-clean surface.