Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the FAQs page for Panel Company! Here, we've compiled answers to the most common questions about our products, services, and policies. Whether you're curious about our extensive range of wall and ceiling panels, seeking information on installation, or wondering about delivery options, we've got you covered. Our goal is to ensure your experience with Panel Company is seamless and enjoyable, so if you don't find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our friendly support team. We're here to help you transform your spaces with ease and confidence.

Delivery & Returns FAQs

How much does delivery cost?

We offer a FREE delivery service for all orders over £75. For all orders under £75 our delivery charge is £15.00 which includes VAT.

How long does delivery take?

All of our orders are dispatched by Tuffnells Express Delivery and are generally delivered the next working day after they have been dispatched from our Warehouse - which can take up to 4-7 working days. Or if you are located within one of our own delivery zones - you will receive your goods from one of our own fleet of vehicles again within 4-7 working days.

Can I track my order?

You will receive an email notification the day before delivery with an estimated time of arrival. If you have have any questions about your order delivery please ring our customer service team on 01709 828339.

Can I pre-order?

Yes you can select a specific delivery date for your order, given that we have enough notice to do so, there may be reasons beyond our control which may impact upon our delivery service. Please ring us on 01709 828339 to see if we can help with your request.

Can I collect from store?

If you want to collect from one of our stores you can do so by leaving a collect from store note in the checkout. When your items are ready for collection we will send you an email.

What happens if I miss my scheduled delivery?

Your order will be sent back to the depot and will be arranged to get re-delivered either the next day or when it is next best convenient

Do you deliver on bank holidays?

Note that our delivery service is affected over the bank holiday and public holidays - no deliveries will made on such holidays as previously stated.

I'm not ready to use my panels yet how can I store them?

Once you have received your wall panels, if you are not ready to use them right away you can store the wall panels using the following guide. Please fully inspect the wall panels for any damages and report them within 24 hours.

- Store Shower panels & Wall Panels indoors in a cool dry place. Panels Can not be stored outside. ( Although the panels are waterproof to clean drinking water they are not protected against weather elements such as acid rain)

- Ensure they are stored flat to prevent the boards from flexing.

- Try to protect the corners from knocks or bangs.

How do I return my order?

You have the right to change your mind and return your product to us, unused, within 30 working days of receiving your order. Onus is on the customer to organise the return with a courier service - alternatively you can return to one of our showrooms free of charge in either Durham, Huddersfield, Rotherham or Bristol.

Can my order be changed or canceled after it has been placed?

Any amendments to your order should be acted upon quickly if the goods have not already been sent out our customer service team will be able to look into your order and arrange any amendments.

My order arrived damaged - what should I do?

All orders should be checked as soon as received - if any of the items are are damaged get in touch with our customer services team straight away via telephone or email (01709 828339 OR damages@panelcompany.co.uk) You will need to state your order number and list the item(s) that have been damaged - we will ask you to send us photographic evidence of damage - then we will get the item(s) re-sent out to you as soon as possible.

Can I exchange an order?

How long will it take to receive a refund?

Wall Panels FAQs

Can bathroom cladding be used in kitchens and other rooms around the home?

Interior cladding is widely used in all types of spaces - the room application options are limitless. Any room in your house can benefit but also office spaces, shops, spas, salons, bars, showrooms, gyms, commercial kitchens and so on.

The low maintenance and easy fitting benefits of PVC panels are equally applicable in the kitchen, the bedroom and the feature wall.

Can bathroom wall panels be installed on ceilings?

Yes all of our wall panels that are no more than 300mm wide can be installed onto ceilings, however some designs look better than others - see our ceiling panel collection page for neutral tones to tie in your bathroom. On installation ceiling panels are more commonly installed first and the surrounding wall panels secondly - this is to give a little more leeway for error in cuts as panels on the wall thickness will cover up small discrepancies - this is if you are sealing with silicone however if you are finishing with trims either ceiling or wall panels can be installed in any given order.

Can spotlights be incorporated with ceiling panels?

Yes you can fit spotlights into the panels - any lights used when installing into cladding must have low wattage transformers, low wattage bulbs or LED’s

Is bathroom cladding insulating?

Yes wall panels will help to add an extra layer of warmth to which ever room you choose to fit them in. Especially helpful in bathrooms in winter!

What is the difference between shower panels and wall panels?

Really there is no difference - both have the same functionality of being 100% waterproof— wall panels are more commonly bought to install on any wall outside of the shower area where they can be installed literally in any interior area including the ceiling, whereas shower panels are more commonly bought to install in shower areas due to them being wider - a PVC shower panel is basically a tough and hardwearing wall covering - ideal for shower areas where there is high functionality use and high traffic.

How waterproof are wall panels and can they sustain condensation?

Water resistance is so important in a bathroom, install interior cladding and forget about problems with damp and mildew on your walls and ceilings

Can the panels be used in a shower or wet room areas?

Yes all of our wall panels are 100% waterproof making them the ideal solution for all your bathrooms requirements. They are also the more cost effective alternative in comparison to tiling.

How do I know which panels are the correct ones for my project?

When deciding on which wall panels are best for you, you will want to consider the space you are working with - measure up the designated area you are wanting to install panels and then consider which depth and width panel would be suit your room.

Where do I start when selecting wall panels?

There are so many colours and styles to choose from. Its a lot easier than you initially think, we have developed this four stage guide to narrow down your choices and help you visualise your perfect new room.
Colour – You will have a colour theme in mind when designing your room, I would recommend considering…
Are you looking for a flat colour or a pattern?
One colour for the whole room, contrasting colours on opposing walls or a feature wall?
Finish – Are you looking for a gloss, high gloss or matt finish for your panels? This is often overlooked but can change the look of your room significantly with regards to light and reflective surfaces.
Type/Style Of Panel - Hollowcore or solidcore? Decorative panels come in two main types, a hollow panel is just that and the strength comes from the internal ribs. Solidcore panels, look like hollowcore but have a greater density and weight.
Size Of Panel - 250mm, 400mm, 1000mm? There are a bunch range of sizes available; each with a purpose/benefit.
Panel Profile - Are you looking for a flush finish, a flat panel or a V groove on the side or centre of the panel. A flat panel will give you a solid smooth effect whereas a V groove will create a repeat pattern.

How do I measure up to work out how many wall panels I would need?

Measure each wall individually and sketch out a floor plan. Measure the length and height of each individual wall you will be installing panels on - Repeat the process for remaining walls. Note - the width of the panel refers to the printed face. Once you have your measurements, divide the length of the wall by the width of your chosen panel - Again repeat the process for each wall.

Are the PVC wall panels tongue and groove or do I need a H-Join trim?

All of our wall panels have a built in tongue and groove interlocking system that is watertight and creates a flush finish - there is no need for a H-Joining trim this is purely for decorative purposes.

How do I clean wall panels?

Wall panels wipe clean easily - all you need is warm water and a bit of soapy water and they will look as good as new every single day for years to come, no matter what you throw at them.

Are wall panels flame resistant?

All of our interior cladding products come with a Class 1 Fire Certification, no matter what the finish or design. All of our wall panels are fire retardant.

How durable are interior wall panels?

Our wall panels will look as fresh as the day you bought them, always. Stain and scratch proof and fully water resistant they are tough enough to deal with serious commercial usage meaning that domestic use will see the panels last and last for years to come.

Can wall panels be fitted at different angles?

Yes wall panels have a universal design that allows you to install them horizontally or vertically, or at any other angle for that manner. No joining up edges to make sure the pattern fits, you can mix and match and every design is bespoke.

Why should I choose wall panels over paint or wallpaper?

The days of only covering your walls with paint or wall paper are over - with developments in the wall panelling industry and its rapid evolvement in major changes in HD printing, better quality panels, easier fitting and the products moving beyond the bathroom - there really is more choice. Paint and wallpaper are a great fix to some problems however moving beyond that wallpaper and paint do not last as long as wall panels - due to their durability and longevity - with wall panels you really only need to fit and forget.

Are wall panels really cheaper than actual tiles?

Yes they are! An average cost for wall panelling is around £11.98/m² whilst the average cost of tiling is around £25.97/m². The cost of installation is cheaper too as you can install yourself as a DIY project or get a bathroom fitter to install for you in half the time it takes to install tiles!

Are Wall panels sold in batches?

Yes they are. But don't worry we will take care of all batch issues when shipping so all your order will be in the same batch. We advise you to keep note of your batch numbers so we can get the correct product to you should you require any additional panels after your order has shipped.

How To Choose Trims FAQs

What is the depth of panel?

This will determine the size of trims you require.

If you are choosing a trim where the panel slots in to the panel (end cap, internal corner, external corner or H trim) an 8mm panel will require an 8mm trim.

This isn't relevant for trims that fit on to the panel such as rigid angle or quadrant as they are universal i.e. a quadrant will fit on to any size of panel 5mm, 8mm or 10mm.

What is the layout of the room?

The layout of your room will determine the type and quantity of trims you require. For example, if you are fitting panels to your whole room we would recommend four internal corner trims.

Factors to consider…

how many internal corners are there?

How many external corners?

Do you have window(s)?

As an example. If your room has four internal corners, two external corners, a window and you are fitting ceiling panels.

You would require -

4 X internal corner trim

2 X external corner trim

2 X rigid angle (for a standard UK bathroom window)

4 X coving (for ceiling - standard UK bathroom size)

The layout of the room determines the type of trim you require. If you go through the options you can then calculate how many you require of each.

What colour trim?

Your choice of panel will point you towards the trim colour. It really does come down to personal preference and the design aesthetic you are working with. Our advice is when selecting the colour of your trim use that same colour throughout the room. Consistency really does make a huge difference.

In PVC you can choose between white, black or silver.

There is an aluminium trim option to consider as well.

This three step process is a good starting point when choosing trims, please see below a list of common questions.

What type of trim would I use for a ceiling?

There are three types; quadrant, coving or end cap. Quadrant can be fitted after you fit your wall and ceiling panels. Coving and an end cap are fitted when you fit your panels.

What type of trim do I use for a corner?

Again, there are three types: internal corner, external corner or rigid angle. Internal and external corners are fitted when you fix the panels and the rigid angle is fitted after you fix the panels.

What type of trim do I use for around the bath or shower tray?

We always recommend a cladseal trim, this will give you a watertight seal and doesn’t expose any sealant. It offers a very neat finish.

Wall Panel Installation FAQs

What tools will I need to fit wall paneling?

Pencil
Ruler
Tape Measure
Fine Tooth Saw (14 teeth per inch is ideal) or Jigsaw
Stanley Knife

- Skeleton Gun

- Adhesive (MUST BE SOLVENT FREE)

- Silicone

- Pins, Staples or Screws (if using in installation)

- Spirit Level

- Double Sided Tape

How do I cut wall panels?

To cut PVC wall panels you will need - pencil - ruler - tape measure and your chosen cutting tool. Options for cutting tools include -
- Tenon saw or Hand Saw (You can use either but please ensure the saw has a fine tooth pattern for a clean cut)
- Jigsaw (A jigsaw is great for cutting curves or patterns but we do recommend a fine tooth blade)
- Stanley Knife (A sharp Stanley knife will give a perfect clean cut, please ensure you are using a stable flat surface when cutting)
- Circular Saw or Chop Saw (Both can be used but the blade can often give a coarse/rough cut so please test first)

CUTTING A 10MM DEPTH SHOWER PANEL

STEP 1
○ TAKE YOUR PANEL AND STABILISE ON A FLAT AND STURDY SURFACE IN PREPARATION FOR CUTTING
○ FLIP THE PANEL OVER SO THAT THE FACE OF THE PANEL IS FACING DOWNWARDS

STEP 2
○ TAKE YOUR TAPE MEASURE & PENCIL
○ MARK OUT YOUR REQUIRED MEASUREMENT'S ON THE BACK OF THE PANEL
○ MAKE SURE YOU MAKE TWO MARK'S AT BOTH ENDS OF THE PANEL

STEP 3
○ TAKE YOUR RULER
○ MAKE A CLEAR STRAIGHT LINED MARK WITH THE RULER IN PREPARATION OF CUTTING THE PANEL

STEP 4 - FINAL STEP
○ TAKE YOUR SAW AND CUT AN INCISION AT ONE END OF THE PANEL
○ SLOWLY START TO CUT THE PANEL IN A STRAIGHT LINE DIRECTLY THROUGH THE PANEL FOLLOWING YOUR LINED MARK PRECISELY
○ ONCE YOUR PANEL IS CUT DOWN TO SIZE IT IS READY TO BE INSTALLED AS RECOMMENDED

Can wall panels be fitted over existing tiles?

Yes, wall panels can be fitted over existing tiles. This makes installation much faster as in most cases you wont need to remove tiles.

We recommend that you flatten any high spots on the tiles before installation, clean the tiles thoroughly and use a good quality clear silicone sealant.

What adhesive do I need to install the panels?

The majority of wall panels tend to be installed directly onto a plastered wall or ceiling, or directly on top of tiles. To save time and mess the panels can also be installed directly on top of ceramic tiles using silicone. If you are going on top of a porous surface such as plaster we recommend using a solvent free adhesive (Pink Grip).

Should I fit the shower tray or the panelling first?

We always recommend you install the shower try first - this needs to be fitted correctly so that there is no movement when you stand on the tray. Seal the tray using silicone to the surrounding walls securely so that no water can seal though where the tray meets the wall(s). Secondly fit the PVC wall panelling on top of the tray surface and a seal again using a second bead of silicone along the join between the panels and the shower tray - alternatively use a cladseal trim to give a nice finish - simply install the cladseal trim after the shower tray installation using a bead of silicone behind the trim - once secure install the panels on top of the trim so that they are sitting on top of the cladseal - again using silicone to seal.

Should I fit the bathroom suite or the panelling first?

Technically it will be a bit of both. If you are doing a complete refurbishment of your bathroom the typical recommended order should be - install bath/shower - install wall panelling - install the basin and toilet.

What installation methods for wall paneling are there?

Our panels can be installed using one of the following methods –
(Please note installation method is personal choice and preference, you should chose the best method that will suit your specific renovation)
Adhesive & Silicone –
The majority of wall panels tend to be installed directly onto a plastered wall or ceiling, or directly on top of tiles. To save time and mess the panels can also be installed directly on top of ceramic tiles using silicone. If you are going on top of a porous surface such as plaster we recommend using a solvent free adhesive (Pink Grip).
Adhesive & Pins, Screws Or Staples –
You can pin, screw or staple the panels at either side of the boards where the tongue and groove interlocking system is located (pins will be hidden once another panel is slotted into place) this will hold the panels in place whilst the adhesive sets in.

How do I install PVC ceiling panels?

TIP: Before you cut any panels to length, measure the width of the ceiling. If you are installing a panel with a silver feature strip, you may need to cut the first and last panel along its length to achieve a 'balanced' look. This will avoid finishing off with a thin strip when you come to fit the final panel.

Measure the length of your ceiling using the tape measure, and transfer it to the panel, marking a straight line across it with the pencil. Cut to size with the saw or jigsaw.

Remove any protective film from the front of the panel.

Run a generous amount of adhesive/sealant on the back of the panel, and secure to your ceiling using the screws, staples or pins through the tongue of the panel approximately every 30cm.

Repeat the process for each panel, pushing them firmly together using the tongue and groove profile for a neat finish.

To trim around the edge of your ceiling, you can use Quadrant, Coving, or End Caps.

TIP: The Coving Trim is easier to fit by removing the lip from the back with a Stanley Knife and discard it. Fix to the ceiling and wall directly using a combination of silicone and double-sided tape (run a bead of silicone along the wall, and position the double-sided tape to the edge of the trim that will stick to the ceiling). The double-sided tape holds the trim in place while the silicone sets.

Should I fit the bathroom suite or the panelling first?