UK Wall Panelling Costs 2025: Complete Material & Labour Guide

Wall panelling has become one of the most popular home improvement trends across the UK — and for good reason. It’s a simple yet stunning way to transform plain walls into stylish focal points, adding both texture and character to your living spaces. Whether you’re planning a kitchen upgrade, bathroom renovation, or a modern feature wall in your living room, panelling offers a sleek, durable, and cost-effective solution.

In this guide, we’ll break down UK wall panelling costs in 2025, covering both materials and labour, plus some affordable and stylish alternatives like splashback wall panels, splashback tiles for the kitchen, and splashback for bathroom designs.

1. What Is Wall Panelling?

Wall panelling involves installing decorative panels or sheets on your walls to add depth, warmth, and texture. It comes in diverse forms — traditional wood panels and MDF boards, and contemporary acrylic and PVC wall panelling that are ideal for moist spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Apart from aesthetics, wall panelling also safeguards your walls against moisture and normal wear and tear, which makes it a convenient option for busy areas.

2. UK Average Wall Panelling Prices (2025)

The overall price of wall panelling will vary based on the material type, complexity of the design, and whether you pay a professional or DIY.

Here's a brief cost breakdown for 2025:

Type of Wall Panelling	Average Material Cost (per m²)	Average Labour Cost (per m²)	Total Estimated Cost (per m²)
MDF Panelling	£15 – £30	£25 – £50	£40 – £80
PVC Wall Panels	£20 – £35	£20 – £40	£40 – £75
Acrylic Wall Panels	£40 – £80	£40 – £70	£80 – £150
Wood Wall Panels	£30 – £60	£40 – £80	£70 – £140
Laminate Wall Panels	£25 – £45	£30 – £50	£55 – £95

Tip: Basic flat panels are cheaper, but custom moulded or slatted panels may increase the price due to the additional cutting and fitting work required.

3. Cost of Kitchen Wall Panelling

In kitchens, wall panelling is both decorative and functional. Most homeowners now prefer splashback wall panels over tiles because they are easy to clean, waterproof, and require minimal maintenance.

• Material Cost: £40–£80 per m²

• Labour Cost: £40–£60 per m²

• Total Estimated Cost: £80–£140 per m²

These panels are ideal for contemporary kitchen styles. They are available in several finishes — shiny acrylic to textured stone effects — and can be made bespoke to blend with your cabinets or countertops.

Or, if you prefer a more traditional look, splashback tiles for kitchen are always a classic choice. Tile splashbacks will set you back anywhere from £70–£120 per m² (labour cost included), depending on the material and style.

4. Costs of Bathroom Wall Panelling

Wall panelling is a perfect substitute for bathroom tiles. Splashback for bathroom spaces, particularly acrylic or PVC panels, is fully waterproof and less work to fit compared to tiles.

• Material Cost: £50–£90 per m²

• Labour Cost: £50–£80 per m²

• Total Estimated Cost: £100–£170 per m²

They produce a smooth, grout-free finish that appears chic and stops mould from developing — perfect for showers and wet rooms.

If you’re looking for budget-friendly yet stylish panels, PVC options are the best value for money. For a premium finish, acrylic panels give a glass-like effect at a lower price.

5. Labour Costs for Wall Panelling

Labour costs in the UK typically range from £150 to £250 per day, depending on location and the complexity of the project.

Factors affecting labour costs include:

• The number of panels and cuts required

• Type of material (some require accurate handling)

• Preparation of the walls (sanding, plastering, or smoothing)

• Accessibility of the area (e.g., near sockets, windows, or corners)

If you are handy at DIY, you can save a lot by fitting wall panels yourself, particularly with click-lock or adhesive solutions.

6. Extra Costs to Consider

When planning your budget, remember some extra or hidden costs:

• Adhesives or fixing kits: £10–£20 per pack

• Sealant and trims: £10–£15 per set

• Surface preparation: £50–£150 depending on wall condition

• Removal of existing materials: £30–£70

For long-term savings, opt for quality panels with an easy-clean and damp-resistant finish — particularly in bathrooms and kitchens.

7. Comparison of Cost: Wall Panels vs Tiles

Feature	Wall Panels	Tiles
Installation Time	Quick (1–2 days)	Slow (3–5 days)
Maintenance	Easy (no grout)	Requires cleaning grout lines
Water Resistance	Excellent	Good, but grout can absorb moisture
Cost	£40–£150 per m²	£70–£180 per m²
Finish Options	Gloss, matte, marble, wood	Ceramic, porcelain, stone

Wall panels are becoming increasingly popular because they're easier to fit, simpler to clean, and can actually be fitted over existing tiles — saving both time and money.

8. Saving Tips on Wall Panelling

• DIY fit: Acrylic and PVC panels can be easily fitted with adhesive, which saves labour costs.

• Buy online: Online retailers often offer discounts on multi-panel packs.

• Pre-cut panels: Saves wastage and trimming cost.

• Compare quotes: Always obtain a minimum of three quotes before hiring an installer.

With proper planning, you can have a top-of-the-line appearance without breaking the bank.

Final Thoughts

Wall panelling is one of the simplest ways to upgrade your home's style without damaging your walls. No matter whether you go for splashback wall panels for your kitchen, splashback tiles for the kitchen for an old-world finish, or aluminium splashbacks for kitchen​ panels for a sleek, seamless finish, the proper option will upgrade your home's looks and usability.

For top-quality, long-lasting, and fashionable wall panels for UK residences, go to Perfect Splashbacks — your go-to expert for high-class kitchen and bathroom splashback solutions.