Tile trends are evolving fast and for housebuilders, keeping bathrooms current while keeping costs down is more important than ever
From herringbone layouts to large-format designs, and from classic metro brickwork to bold XL offset looks, today’s tile styles offer strong visual impact and real buyer appeal. But traditional tiling comes with its own set of challenges. Long lead times, high labour demands, and a need for skilled trades make delivery of these trending finishes costly and complex. That’s where Multipanel comes in.
Multipanel
Multipanel by Grant Westfield offers a smarter solution for housebuilders who want on-trend bathroom designs without the time, expense or risk associated with tiles. With a wide range of tile-effect panels available in multiple layouts, including herringbone, metro, large-format and XL offset, the range delivers maximum visual appeal with minimum hassle.
Among the most sought-after styles is the herringbone pattern. While it offers a striking and dynamic aesthetic, the layout is notoriously complex to achieve with real tiles. It requires meticulous measuring, precision cutting, and a highly experienced tiler. Even a small mistake can throw off the entire wall and lead to costly rework. That level of complexity adds time to the programme and cost to the budget.
Multipanel solves this by offering herringbone as a pre-finished wall panel, giving the look of expertly laid tiles without the need for complicated installation. Panels are installed with tongue-and-groove joints, using the proprietary Hydrolock system to create a seamless, watertight surface. There’s no grout, no drying time, and no requirement for specialist tilers. That means faster installations, lower snag rates and a more consistent finish across multiple plots.
There’s a financial incentive too. When installation is simpler and less time-consuming, labour costs fall. With no need for a specialist tiler and fewer materials required, overall savings of around 30% are achievable. That equates to approximately £30 per square metre per bathroom installation. It’s a welcome figure at a time when cost control is front of mind across the industry.
Style
Beyond herringbone, the Multipanel Tile Collection offers a broad palette of styles. Large-format tile effects can be used to create a luxury spa-like atmosphere, ideal for master ensuites and premium plots. Metro-style tile panels provide a familiar and timeless layout, while the XL offset designs bring bold, geometric energy to wet rooms and downstairs bathrooms. Housebuilders can mix and match these looks to create variety across house types and customer profiles, without the need for multiple trades or suppliers.
Because the panels are 100% waterproof and require no grout, long-term maintenance is reduced too. There are fewer points of failure and no risk of discolouration or mould build-up in the joints. The system is easy to clean, durable, and backed by a 30-year warranty. For specifiers and technical teams, full data sheets are available including sustainability credentials. Multipanel is manufactured in the UK, is FSC certified, and supports housebuilders’ environmental messaging without compromising on quality or speed.
Incorporating these high-impact tile-effect panels into your showhomes not only elevates the perceived value of the bathrooms but also supports faster build schedules and smarter cost control. They are especially effective in open market homes where buyers expect a more design-led feel and where first impressions count. The combination of strong aesthetics, installation efficiency and cost savings make Multipanel a compelling choice for any forward-thinking housebuilder.
To view the full range of finishes and formats, or to download specification data and request samples, visit multipanel.co.uk.
