How to fit PVC wall panels

What you need

The steps

1. Gather tools and materialsCollect your panels, solvent-free adhesive, trims, tape measure, spirit level and a fine-toothed saw or sharp utility knife before starting.
2. Measure the wall heightMeasure floor to ceiling at several points. Walls are rarely perfectly square, so work from the tightest measurement.
3. Cut panels to heightCut each panel to match the wall height. Wear safety gear when cutting.
4. Fix the first end trim and panelPosition and fix your initial end trim first, then apply solvent-free adhesive to the back of the panel and press it into place.
5. Continue along the wallWork along the wall, using the tongue and groove to lock each panel into the last. Check plumb with a spirit level as you go.
6. Join any cut panelsIf a panel has been cut to width, use an H join trim to join it neatly to the next panel.
7. Finish the cornersUse an internal or external corner trim to connect two panels at a corner.
8. Check the finishCheck the joints are fully seated and the trims are seated square. The installation is complete.

Three ways to fix panels to a wall

Which method you use depends on what is already on the wall.

A — Onto plaster or plasterboard

Apply solvent-free adhesive directly onto a clean, dry and primed surface.

B — Straight over existing tiles

Lightly sand glossy tiles so the adhesive grips, then apply solvent-free adhesive directly on top of the tiles. No strip-out, no skip. See fitting panels over tiles.

C — Onto battens, for uneven walls

Install wooden battens horizontally at 600mm centres and apply adhesive to the panel to stick to the batten. This is the method for walls that are out of true.

Cutting panels

A fine-toothed saw or a sharp utility knife both work. Cut face-up, support the panel close to the cut line, and wear safety glasses and gloves. Cut panels to height before fixing, and use an H join trim wherever a panel has been cut to width.

Linea panels are supplied at 2700mm rather than 2600mm specifically so the scored lines can be staggered between panels — that is what stops a tile-effect finish looking machine-set.