Why More Trades Are Switching to Cladding Over Tiles

For years, tiles have been the go-to choice for finishing bathrooms, kitchens, and even commercial interiors. They’re durable, attractive, and practical. But in recent years, a shift has been happening across the industry. More and more builders, installers, and even homeowners are moving away from traditional tiles and embracing cladding.

And it’s pretty clear to see why. Cladding offers quick installs, cost-effectiveness, and a modern finish with a wide variety of cladding colours and styles that makes it an appealing alternative.

What is Cladding?

Cladding, by contrast, is a modern alternative to tiling that’s quickly becoming the first choice for many trades and homeowners. Wall cladding panels are designed to cover surfaces with ease and are available in a wide range of materials, including PVC, composite, and stone-effect finishes.

The appeal of cladding comes from its many benefits. It’s quick and straightforward to install, requires little to no ongoing maintenance, and comes in a huge variety of designs, colours, and textures to suit any style.

The Benefits of Cladding Over Tiles

Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits of choosing wall panels (cladding) for a home or work space over traditional tiles:

1. Size and Coverage - Cladding panels are much larger than individual tiles, meaning they can cover a significant area in a single sheet. This reduces the number of joins and creates a sleek, seamless finish. With fewer gaps, there’s also less opportunity for dirt, mould, or bacteria to build up, a common issue with grout lines in tiled surfaces.

2. Cost - When factoring in both materials and labour, cladding often works out as the more budget-friendly option. Tiles themselves may not seem expensive, but the extra costs of adhesives, grout, and skilled trades can quickly add up. Cladding simplifies the process, cutting down on hidden expenses.

3. Installation - Unlike tiles, which require precise measuring, cutting, and grouting, cladding panels are designed for speed and ease. Many systems use simple tongue-and-groove or click-fit mechanisms, allowing even large areas to be covered in a fraction of the time. This means faster project completion and less disruption, whether at home or in a commercial setting.

4. Maintenance - One of the biggest advantages of cladding is its low-maintenance nature. Without grout lines, there’s no need for constant scrubbing, resealing, or mould treatment. A quick wipe-down with a cloth is often all that’s needed to keep panels looking fresh, making them an ideal solution for busy households and high-traffic spaces.

Why are Trades Making The Switch?

One of the biggest drivers behind the switch to cladding is speed. For tradespeople, time is money, and cladding is far quicker to install compared to traditional tiles. Panels can be fitted directly onto walls, even over existing surfaces, without the need for the lengthy preparation and grouting process that comes with tiles.

Cladding also offers cost savings. Reduced labour time naturally lowers installation costs, and the panels themselves are often more affordable than high-end tiles. This combination makes cladding a smart financial choice for both professionals and their clients.

Another advantage is how much cleaner the job is. Installing cladding creates far less mess compared to cutting tiles and mixing grout, which makes it especially appealing for installers who want quicker turnaround times with less disruption for their customers.

From a design point of view, cladding provides a modern, versatile finish. With options ranging from sleek marble effects to rustic wood and stone-look panels, trades can offer their clients stylish solutions that feel contemporary and fresh.

Finally, customer demand is playing a huge role. Homeowners are increasingly looking for low-maintenance, hygienic, and stylish alternatives to tiles. Cladding ticks all of these boxes, which means trades that embrace it can meet, and even exceed, customer expectations.

Cladding: The Smarter Choice for Modern Spaces

To summarise, while tiles have held their place for decades, cladding is quickly proving to be the smarter, more practical alternative.

It’s faster to install, easier to maintain, more cost-effective, and offers a modern, seamless finish that appeals to today’s homeowners and trades alike.

With its wide range of styles and the added benefit of minimal upkeep, cladding isn’t just a passing trend, it’s becoming the preferred choice for transforming bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial spaces with efficiency and style.

For more information on how to get started with supplying cladding to your customers, get in touch with our team who will be happy to answer any questions.