Question 1

Are SPC wall panels really 100% waterproof?

Accepted Answer

Yes, completely. The mineral stone-polymer core absorbs no water at all – it doesn't swell, rust or warp, even with constant moisture. With the Drop-Click joint system and a sanitary-silicone seal around the edges, the panels also suit showers and bathtubs. Important: in wet areas such as the shower and around the bathtub, the substrate behind the panels must be professionally waterproofed – the panels do not replace this waterproofing.

Question 2

Can I install the panels directly over old tiles?

Accepted Answer

Yes, in most cases. The existing tiles must be firmly bonded and the surface largely flat – unevenness of more than 3 mm should be levelled first. At 4 mm the panels add very little thickness; doors, mirrors and fittings usually don't need to be moved. Removing the old tiles is unnecessary, which saves time, noise and rubble.

Question 3

Will mould form behind the panels?

Accepted Answer

No – provided it's fitted correctly. Mould needs three things: moisture, warmth and organic material. SPC provides none of them – the mineral core absorbs no moisture, and the closed surface lets no water in or stand behind it. One fitting detail matters: leave a 3–5 mm ventilation gap above and below the panels, between the panel and the floor/ceiling (later covered by the skirting board and ceiling trim), so any residual moisture can dry out, and make sure the bathroom has working ventilation (a window or an extractor fan). Even with years of steam-shower use, this keeps a mould-friendly environment from developing. Note: if water is actively leaking from faulty plumbing, no wall covering helps – fix the cause first.

Question 4

How long does it take to fit out a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

A typical bathroom with 6–8 m² of wall area is clad in 3–5 hours – faster with some practice. There is no mixing of adhesive and no waiting for curing: measure, cut, connect with Drop-Click, fix with construction adhesive, seal the edges with silicone – done. Important: in the shower and around the bathtub, the substrate must be professionally waterproofed first – allow for the waterproofing's drying time. Once the waterproofing is done, the bathroom can be used again the same day.

Question 5

Do I need special tools?

Accepted Answer

No. Most DIYers already own what's needed: a sharp utility knife or a circular saw for cutting, a tape measure, a spirit level for the first row, construction adhesive and sanitary silicone for the edges. No chisel hammer, no tile drill bit, no levelling laser – far less effort than laying tiles.

Question 6

Are the panels suitable for a steam shower?

Accepted Answer

Yes – provided the substrate is professionally waterproofed and all edge joints are carefully sealed. One detail matters here: use only fungicide-treated sanitary silicone, never window silicone or general-purpose DIY-store silicone – window silicone can grow mouldy black spots within a few months in the warm, humid climate of a steam shower. The SPC core itself does not react to steam and the surface stays dimensionally stable. We do not recommend SPC wall panels for saunas running continuously above 60 °C, as deformation is possible at such temperatures. Infrared cabins with moderate temperatures below 50 °C are usually no problem.

Question 7

What warranty and guarantee apply?

Accepted Answer

NordPaneele gives a warranty of up to 10 years on the print and surface quality of the SPC panels. In addition, the statutory 2-year warranty for defects under German law applies. As a private customer you also have a 14-day right of withdrawal, within which you can return the goods without giving a reason. NordPaneele is Trusted Shops certified – all guarantee terms and buyer reviews can be viewed there.

Question 8

Can I order free samples?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can order up to 3 samples free of charge with no minimum order. Delivery within Germany usually takes 2–3 working days. The samples show the real feel, weight, gloss level and look of the panels – far more telling than product photos. This lets you judge colour and surface in your own bathroom lighting before you order.

Question 9

What does a bathroom renovation with wall panels cost in total?

Accepted Answer

NordPaneele SPC wall panels cost from €49.00/m² depending on the decor (see current prices in the shop). A typical bathroom with 8 m² of wall area therefore comes to about €423–553 in material. Add construction adhesive (about €20–30) and sanitary silicone (€5–10). For comparison: a classic tile renovation by tradespeople typically costs €1,000–1,500, natural stone €2,000 and up. With DIY installation, cladding the walls with SPC costs roughly a third to a half of a professional tile renovation.

Question 10

How long do SPC wall panels last in a bathroom?

Accepted Answer

With proper use – a dry, firm substrate and correct installation with waterproofing in wet areas and sealed edges – a service life of 15–20 years and more is realistic. NordPaneele gives a 10-year warranty on print and surface. The SPC core itself needs no maintenance: no sealing, no impregnating, no regrouting as with tiles. The PU wear layer protects against scratches and cleaning agents. Individual damaged panels can be replaced at any time without renewing the whole wall.

Question 11

What fire classification do the panels have?

Accepted Answer

NordPaneele SPC wall panels meet fire class B1 (flame-retardant) under DIN EN 13501-1. That is the second-highest fire class for building materials in Germany – a requirement in many commercial and public buildings. For a private bathroom, B1 is well above average: wood-panel alternatives often only reach B2 (normally flammable).

Question 12

How do I clean SPC wall panels in the bathroom?

Accepted Answer

With a damp cloth and an ordinary bathroom cleaner – nothing more is needed. The closed PU surface does not take up limescale or soap residue and is fully clean with a single wipe. No grout cleaning, no mould remover, no impregnating. Avoid abrasive cleaners and pressure washers, as they can dull the surface over time.

CriterionCriterion	Tile renovationTiles	NordPaneele SPCPanels
Duration	1–2 weeks of works	A single afternoon
Mess & noise	Dust, rubble, drilling	Clean & quiet
Old tiles	Laborious removal

Sample pack

Sample pack

Bathroom Wall Panels – done in a single afternoon.

Our wall panels for the bathroom.

Travertino Naturale

Tile renovation or NordPaneele?

Six reasons your bathroom has been waiting for wall panels.

100% waterproof

Mould-free

Mounts over old tiles

4 mm build-up

Warm to the touch

Individually repairable

Real bathrooms. Real transformations.

Four steps to a new bathroom.

Measure & order

Check the substrate

Click & glue

What does a new bathroom really cost?

Traditional tiles

NordPaneele SPC

Natural stone

Why SPC panels don't encourage mould.

What our customers say.

Everything you want to know.

Samples first, then the wall

Champagne Stein

Beton SPC

Pietra Grigia

Cemento Chiaro

Cemento Scuro

Beton Naturale

Ardesia

Done – enjoy

Wall panels for every room