Supporting the Bathroom Panel Industry with MEDITE EXTERIOR

The growing market

Over the last few years, the UK wall-panel market has grown considerably, with it forecast to reach £324 million by 2029 (up from £238 million at manufacturer selling prices in 2024), with waterproof wall panels accounting for approximately 72% of that market. [1]

This demand is being driven by homeowners, installers and developers as they seek practical and cost-effective alternatives to tiles. Panels tick the right boxes here; their large format can reduce the number of joints required, installation can be quicker, and the finished surface avoids the upkeep associated with grout. The steady growth of panel prints and textures, and improving technology and durability, have also opened up wider design possibilities for both bathroom manufacturers and consumers. [2]

Their benefits are particularly relevant on refurbishment projects, where minimizing installation time and disruption is paramount. They also respond to the pressures currently faced, such as constrained budgets and the decline of specialist tilers. [3]

The role of exterior grade MDF

Exterior-grade MDF is an ideal alternative core material for shower and bathroom panel systems; whilst it should not be described as a waterproof panel, it can provide a stable and consistent substrate within a correctly designed and manufactured system; this typically means that the MDF is bonded to decorative, water-resistant surfaces and supported by the correct backing, edge treatment, jointing, sealing and installation method to ensure maximum performance.

A number of UK shower-panel manufacturers are now using exterior MDF in production, with some now actively advocating for use of MDF, asking the industry to re-think the stigma around the use of MDF, citing that it is equally as high performing and more sustainable than the previously used plywood. [4]

MEDITE EXTERIOR; Supporting the change

MEDITE EXTERIOR is an exterior-grade MDF panel developed for exposed applications and for interiors subject to high humidity, making it ideal for use as backing panels for tiled surfaces such as shower enclosures and bathroom wall systems. It offers several benefits to manufacturers, including:

• Consistent density and thickness to support accurate cutting, routing and profiling.
• A smooth, uniform surface that provides a dependable base for appropriate finishing or bonding processes.
• Dimensional stability that helps systems perform in demanding environments when processed, sealed and finished in line with the relevant guidance.

Manufactured in Clonmel, Ireland, with FSC-certified source material, MEDITE EXTERIOR is an ideal solution that can be readily supplied to the UK, Irish and European markets. At a time when supply chain disruption and scrutiny around material provenance remains high, relying on regional manufacturing bases not only reduces manufacturers’ reliance on problematic materials, but it also gives the confidence that they are using sustainable and responsibly sourced material. 

A strong foundation for continued growth

The boom of the bathroom panel market shows that there has been a fundamental shift in how bathrooms are designed, manufactured and installed, and this shows no sign of slowing down. However, the loss of established plywood supplies has made material availability and traceability of paramount importance in supporting this continued growth. 

The use of MEDITE EXTERIOR not only gives manufacturers the peace of mind of a dependable supply chain and compliant, trusted material, but its superior technical qualities ensure that manufacturers can maintain the production of their high-quality products well into the future.

1.  The Future of UK Wall Panels: Market Forecast and Emerging Opportunities, BarbourABI
2. Ibid.
3. Futureproofing the Flooring Industry: Addressing the Skills Challenge, Building
4. Multipanel, Multipanel Asks the Industry to Re-think MDF; Showerwall, Laminate Shower Panels; Rearo, Selkie Bathroom and Shower Panels; Perform Panel, Product Specification.