Substitutes for FRP Boards in Toilets

PVC

• Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC, wall panels don’t cost as much as FRP panels, and they come in a variety of sizes and patterns, such as marble or wood grain, which aren’t available in fiberglass reinforced plastic panels. PVC panels can be installed quickly over existing tiles, and they’re waterproof and mold-proof. In addition, they have fewer problems with condensation. PVC panels are also known as plastic tongue and groove.

Beadboard

• Traditional beadboard paneling is made from wood, but plastic beadboard is available for damp areas such as bathrooms. Beadboard is made from PVC and is 100 percent waterproof. It also resists mold, mildew and ultraviolet rays. Like other types of PVC paneling, it’s easy to clean. The panels come in 4-by-8-foot sheets that can be cut with a table saw. Beadboard paneling, which is also known as beadboard wainscoting, is usually only installed on the lower half of a wall. It works well in areas subject to a lot of scuffing.

Polyethylene

• High-density polyethylene panels are made from recycled household materials such as milk bottles. These panels are 100 percent waterproof, and mold, mildew and bacteria won’t grow on them, which makes them a suitable choice for bathrooms and toilets. You can also use a variety of cleaners on them, because acids or chemicals do not affect them. Non-fiberglass reinforced plastic is also made from polyethylene. Like high-density polyethylene, it’s waterproof and doesn’t support mold, mildew or bacteria. It’s also scuff-resistant and is mainly used in commercial and industrial settings such as commercial restrooms and showers.

Faux Stone

• Artificial, or faux, stone is made from polyurethane that’s molded from real stone and colored and detailed to give it the appearance of actual stone or brick. In addition to being waterproof, faux stone is scratch-resistant, impact-resistant and mildew-resistant, making it a suitable choice for wet areas such as toilets and bathrooms. Install faux stone with basic carpenter tools, glue and screws, and clean it with soap and water.