Most people first hear about PVC wall panels in the context of bathrooms. That makes sense, since bathrooms are where grout and moisture cause the most grief. Kitchens and laundries have exactly the same problems though.
Grease behind a cooktop. Splashes above a sink. Damp air around a dryer. All of it lands on walls that were never designed to cope.
Here is how panels solve it, room by room.
Kitchen Splashbacks
The splashback takes more abuse than any other surface in the kitchen. Oil, steam, sauce and water hit it daily.
Tiled splashbacks look fine until the grout goes. Then you are scrubbing thin lines of grease with a toothbrush. Glass splashbacks avoid that, but they are expensive and need a professional measure and install.
Panels sit neatly in between. The surface is seamless, so grease wipes straight off. In addition, they cost a fraction of what glass does.
Which Finishes Suit Kitchens
Lighter finishes keep a kitchen feeling open. Venetian White and Alpine Marble both work well behind benches.
For a warmer look, Sahara Marble pairs beautifully with timber cabinetry. Meanwhile, Industrial Slate suits darker modern kitchens with black tapware and handles.
One thing to note. Keep panels a safe distance from open gas flames and check your local requirements around cooktops. We can advise on this when you order.
Feature Walls in Open Plan Kitchens
Open plan living means the kitchen is part of the lounge room. Consequently, the walls need to look good from every angle.
A panelled wall behind a breakfast bar or along a dining nook adds texture without renovation dust. Pewter Marble and Coastal Stone both do this nicely.
Because panels install over existing surfaces, there is no demolition involved. Therefore the room stays usable throughout.
Laundry Walls
Laundries are small, damp and usually ignored. That combination causes mould faster than anywhere else in the house.
A dryer pushes warm moist air into a tiny room. Over time that moisture sits in painted plasterboard and grout lines.
Panels give you a fully waterproof wall. There is nothing for mould to feed on and nothing to reseal every few years.
Above and Behind the Trough
The wall behind a laundry trough is the worst spot in the room. It gets constant splashing and rarely dries out properly.
Running panels from the trough up to the ceiling fixes it permanently. Similarly, panelling the wall behind a washing machine protects against leaks and drips.
Because the panels are lightweight, this is a quick job. Most laundries take half a day.
Butler’s Pantries and Nooks
Butler’s pantries are popular in newer Gold Coast homes. They are also usually finished cheaply compared with the main kitchen.
Panels lift the space without a big spend. For example, matching the panel to the main kitchen splashback ties both areas together.
Coffee nooks and appliance cupboards benefit too. Anywhere steam collects is a good candidate.
Installing Around Cabinetry
Panels can be cut to fit around power points, taps and cabinetry. A sharp blade and a steady hand is usually enough.
Silicone seals the edges where panels meet benchtops and cupboards. As a result, water cannot get behind the panel.
If you are unsure about a tricky layout, send us a photo of the space and measurements.
Cleaning Kitchen and Laundry Panels
Kitchens deal with grease rather than soap scum. A degreasing spray and a soft cloth handles it easily.
Laundry walls usually just need warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive scourers in both rooms, since they dull the finish.
See Them in Person
Photos never quite capture the texture. It is worth seeing the panels in real light before you decide.
Visit our wesbite or Bundall showroom on the Gold Coast, or get in touch for advice and a free quote.
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