Creating tile-look finishes with water resistant surfaces

The introduction of a refreshed collection of wet area panels is allowing for extended versatility - and they’re being used in a much wider context than just in bathrooms and shower cavities - from firebox surrounds to kitchen islands.

Seratone panels have been around for some years, and they continue to be used widely, especially in new builds for bathrooms and laundries and in bathroom renovations. However, a recent refresh of the range has seen two new collections launched - a tile-look offering and a collection of metallic finishes in elegant neutral hues. 

 “Because Seratone is a prefinished panel, it’s a sought-after solution for both builders and specifiers as well as DIY renovators - to whom the ease of installation appeals in comparison to the labour and time required for tiling,” Placemakers’ Rebecca Collier-York says.

For Rebecca, who heads the group’s internal linings category, the updated Seratone collections were an instant choice when fitting out a new Placemakers store in Wairau Park, Auckland. “We wanted to show customers what can be achieved with this versatile and now contemporary collection of wet wall linings,” she says. 

“The Seratone Aqua range in particular is a drawcard because of the tile-look options, including subway tiles, a herringbone pattern and a matt concrete-look tile design. “While they are designed for wet areas, these new offerings have diversified the range of uses we’re seeing. Many of our customers are using Seratone for a variety of settings, from firebox surrounds to kitchen islands.”

By creating a realistic tile-look finish, without the ongoing maintenance tiles require, and without the initial investment tiling requires, this sleek finish is appealing to a wide range of people and projects. The Seratone Speciality collection offers a metallic range of colours in neutral tones - finishes particularly suited to feature walls and areas where an element of texture and colour is needed, such as hallways and entrance ways, Rebecca says.

Seratone panels are sold in three sheet sizes: 2400 x 1200mm; 2700 x 1200mm; and, 2400 x 900mm. They are installed using either a colour-matched aluminium jointer or with silicone around the edges of sheets. “The main consideration with Seratone is if you're using it for large expanses of wall then where the joins will be needs to be planned out,” Rebecca says.

Find out more about the latest in Seratone finishes.