If you’re on a budget, Acrylic and PVC panels from Reco Surfaces are a clever way to save money on traditional tiling without sacrificing style or functionality. Available in classic and contemporary designs, our panels help you create a modern kitchen, luxury bathroom or striking feature wall anywhere in your home.
Whether you prefer the look of shiny tiles, textured wood or tactile stone, Reco panels provide the effect you want at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. And the savings don’t end with the materials. You can complete your makeover in just a few hours, saving time, skilled labour and the stress of a long renovation project. Here’s why you should use Reco panels, and how they save money…
What are Reco wall panels?
The technology employed by Acrylic and PVC wall panels has transformed the home improvement market. At just 3-5mm thick, our engineered panels have exceptional strength and rigidity, providing the same structural integrity as much thicker materials. This slimline profile allows them to be fitted over existing tiles, or applied directly to concrete block or plasterboard walls. Either way, they can be cut with regular tools, reducing the need for specialist equipment and expensive labour.
Reco panels are available in a variety of stylish designs from the ever-popular ‘subway tile’ to contemporary ‘concrete’. They come in two main sizes: 1220 x 2440mm or 905 x 2495mm, and their thin profile makes them quick and easy to cut to length. Each large, lightweight panel is fixed to the wall with specialist adhesive to create a seamless, 100% waterproof alternative to traditional tiles. With no grout to discolour, and an easy-to-clean hygienic surface, using a bleach-soaked toothbrush to scrub away mould and mildew is a thing of the past!
How are Reco panels cheaper than traditional tiling?
Reco panels offer a smart, convenient and durable alternative to tiles. And they can be fitted by a competent DIY-enthusiast in a matter of hours. But are they cheaper? Here’s a breakdown of the relative costs
- Reduced material costs: The upfront cost of Reco panels is about 40% cheaper than basic tiles and up to 70% cheaper than high end or bespoke tiles. And because the panels don’t require grout (which is porous), you don’t need to fit waterproof membrane or backer boards behind them.
- Cheaper installation costs: There’s no need for specialist tools or expensive tradespeople to fit Acrylic or PVC panels. In fact, they can be installed by competent DIYers in about a quarter of the time of traditional tiling. Once cut, the panels only need three products in order to be fitted (Reco seal tape, adhesive & silicone) versus up to twelve for tiles.
- Fewer finishing costs: Reco panels come with a rounded edge which means you’ll rarely need additional edge trims. For external corners, a clever backing strip allows the rounded edges to neatly butt up against each other, while cut edges can be used for internal corners.
- Speedy installation: Because our panels can be fitted over existing tiles, you can save the time and labour costs of stripping out and disposing of old tiles. When applied to bare walls, entire rooms can be completed in a matter of hours with minimal down time between first and second fix.
- Less wastage: Unlike ceramic and porcelain tiles that are easily broken in transit, or chipped while being cut to size, Acrylic and PVC panels are incredibly robust. Simple to cut and join at any tile divide, they produce very little wastage. A 10% allowance is usually more than enough.
When compared to traditional tiling, Reco panels offer overall savings in the region of 70% on material costs and 85% on fitting time. And, once installed, they’re 100% waterproof and require far less ongoing maintenance – a quick wipe with warm, soapy water keeps them looking as good as new for many years to come.
In addition to significant cost savings, Reco panels are quickly becoming the first choice for those who dislike the noise, mess and disruption of major renovation projects. In a single weekend, you can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom, wetroom or kitchen, and all at an affordable cost. For more information on how to measure and fit Reco panels, and to see our full range of designs, visit our shop.
