With the pain of finding (and paying for) a professional tile setter (not to mention the cost and maintenance hassles of tile showers), grout free shower wall panels are growing like weeds in your front lawn during the rainy season.
And with this growth the number of companies selling shower wall panel systems in the United States is exploding as well.
And if you’re thinking about wall panels and are tired of the thin bathroom panels in the ‘bargain basement section’ of a local home center, or available through high-pressure ‘bath-in-a-day installation contractors,’ you might be researching more stylish, yet simple to install alternatives like the 3/8” thick shower surround panels from Fibo (a Norwegian manufacturer) or WetWall panels from Wilsonart.
And if you’re looking to compare these options you may be asking:
Are Fibo or WetWall panels better?
What advantages would I get choosing either system?
And what are the disadvantages and/or things I should be careful about if I choose either system?
In this article it’s my goal to provide simple answers to these questions and more. And if you’re wondering, do I (the guy writing this article) have a ‘stake’ in this wall panel comparison, I’ll come clean and tell you yes I do.
You see the company I lead – Innovate Building Solutions – has been selling Fibo shower wall panels since 2018 (as well as 3 other lines). In addition, I’ve also evaluated selling Wilsonart WetWall panels as well.
And while I could say (although it wouldn’t be true), everything about Fibo is wonderful and WilsonArt would get an ‘N.I.’ (like the grade they used to give kids in kindergarten which means ‘Needs Improvement’) this WOULD NOT be true.
But here’s what I WILL tell you – and what I tell anyone asking my advice about the best wall surround panels …..
WALL PANELS ARE LIKE PEOPLE. THEY ALL HAVE THEIR OWN STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES!
And with wall panels you need to take the infamous advice of Johnnie Cochran (who represented O.J. Simpson back in the day), and “If it don’t fit (the shower wall panels that is), you must acquit.”
Towards this end I’ll do my best to give you unbiased input on Fibo and WetWall and where they’re a ‘fit,’ and where they aren’t a fit depending on what’s important to you in a shower surround system.
To accomplish this goal, this article will be split into 5 sections:
Section 1 – Where are Fibo panels better than Wilsonart WetWall panels?
Reason #1 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– 41 years of experience.
Tried and true. This phrase describes Fibo.
And even though many people in the United States haven’t heard of these 3/8” thick laminate wall panels – they’re the dominant brand in Europe and were developed well before Wilsonart launched WetWalls panels in December of 2020.
Reason #2 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– A residential lifetime warranty (and a 25 year commercial warranty).
What’s the saying, “Put your money where your mouth is!”
And when it comes to manufacturer warranties that’s where the ‘pedal hits the metal’ (sorry I’m on a roll with catch-phrases – ha! ha!).
And while I don’t know about you, but when I purchase building materials I want to know I won’t be ‘re-remodeling’ (yes, it’s not a word, but it happens ALL THE TIME). Fibo has a lifetime residential warranty and a 25 year commercial warranty.
With WetWalls you’ll get a 10 year warranty (which may be enough if YOU’RE not holding onto the home too long) and a 3 year warranty for commercial spaces (which isn’t good even for hotel shower surround projects where they’re looking to redo spaces every 7 years, not every 3 years!).
Reason #3 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– A wider range of colors and patterns
Reason #4 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo panels DO NOT have a plasticky look
One of the complaints you’ll read online is WetWalls have a plasticky look and feel.
With Fibo you can get textures which have a wood-look tile appearance, and even herringbone or chevron tile designs in a matte finish.
If you want a higher end, yet grout free wall panel look, Fibo deserves serious consideration.
Reason #5 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo is a more rigid, solid product
Fibo panels are 23.6” wide x 94.4” tall, weigh 26 lbs. and feel solid with their waterproof marine grade plywood backing system. This allows this product to be shipped effectively and not crack during installation (unlike what you’ll see with cultured stone or thin plastic systems).
The WetWall panels have a lighter weight composite core which includes wood based materials, glass fibers, polypropylene, and bonding agents, and is solid but not as much so as fibo.
Reason #6 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo panels (no matter where you buy them) can be used effectively with any custom sized shower
If you’ve been researching wall panels for your odd-sized shower you may be wishing you had the ‘standard builders-grade’ 60” x 36”, 48” x 36” shower – or a 60” x 30” tub surround where standard kits are as common as people griping about politics on Facebook. But maybe this just ain’t your reality!
With Fibo you simply need to know how many 2’ wide panels you need for each wall. No matter how big or small the shower or tub size is, you’re good to go.
And while it’s not hard to get standard WetWalls shower kits at your local home center, good luck sourcing them at the home center if you need a weird size.
Reason #7 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo has an eco-friendly core material
The layered marine-grade plywood core for Fibo is eco-friendly and the manufacturer is transparent about what’s in the panels. I haven’t been able to find the mix – and exact composition of the core of WetWall panels so it’s hard to know exactly how eco-friendly it is.
Reason #8 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– The HPL (High Pressure Laminate) Fibo top surface is durable, impact resistant, and scratch resistant
Fibo is tough yet also enjoys the style advantage of various textures surfaces.
WetWall is a softer material and more prone to denting or scratching.
And if you’re looking to install wall surround panels in a rental unit, apartment complex, hotel, or (and maybe this is the worst) your teenage boy’s bathroom, you know these wall surfaces need to be tough to compete against the people using these bathrooms!
Reason #9 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo has realistic tile looks, WetWall does not
Wouldn’t you love to get a tile look WITHOUT nasty grout joints, mold, and the installation expense?
With Fibo this is possible. Fibo’s manufacturing process (where a CNC – computer numerical control machine mills the faux grout joints) is one of the most realistic wall surround systems for tile looks on the market. And if you’re asking, ‘doesn’t it take more time to line up these faux grout joints,’ the simple answer is yes it does, but it’s worth it for the finished look you’ll get (and you’ll still save a large amount of time and installation costs vs. tile).
WetWall panels, on the other hand, are smooth and don’t have tile patterns.
Reason #10 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo has multi-layer waterproofing below the surface along with it’s patented Aqualock system
Fibo is an engineered system which has been continually improved in its 41 years.
Today you’ll not only find a multi-layer plywood backer system, but there’s a patented Aqualock tongue and groove design (developed in 2002) and a hybrid polymer sealant used between the 2’ panels.
WetWalls is a newer wood plastic composite system (WPC).
Reason #11 why fibo panels are better than Wetwall panels– Fibo panels are sold – and supported – by specialty distributors
While it’s nice to go into a home center store (which on average has 35,000 stock keeping units) and look for WetWall panels, it’s impossible to find big-box store staff members who knows the ins and outs of all these products (including wall surrounds).
And that’s why buying a product like Fibo panels from a specialty distributor who not only sells Fibo panels but also installs them can be a big bonus. They can go beyond leading you to the manufacturer’s written installation instructions (or a ‘studio-created’ installation tutorial) and tell you ‘real world’ things you need to do to make your project work.
Since we’ve just talked about where Fibo is better, let’s turn the tables and identify where WetWalls has the leg up in section 2.
Section 2 – Where are Wilsonart WetWall panels better than Fibo panels?
Reason #1 why WetWall panels are better than Fibo– They’re easy to find.
Finding building materials can be challenging. And I’ll bet anyone who loves inspirational bathroom project pictures on Pinterest has run into situations where they’ve seen something they love – only to strike out finding where to buy their top choice.
And when it comes to WetWalls you’ll be happy to know you’ll find standard sized shower and bath surround kits at Lowes and Menardsstores.
Image Credits: www.menards.com
Reason #2 why WetWall panels are better than Fibo– There will be less panels in a shower or tub surround kit… generally.
It’s (usually) nice to have less pieces in a shower kit. And in a common 60” x 32” x 80” WetWalls shower kit you can order at Lowes or Menards you’ll get 4 panels to complete the project (which includes 2 side panels – and 2 back panels).
When it comes to Fibo wall panels (where most patterns are stocked in 2’ wide panels) you’ll generally need a 6 or 7 panel kit (depending on if it has a grout joint look or not) to do the same shower or tub surround. Although you’ll want to note there are a growing number of 41” and 48” wide Fibo panels which can equalize this difference (if you can find the pattern you want which is stocked in these sizes).
Reason #3 why WetWall panels are better than Fibo– Standard shower kits (if those sizes will work for you) are cheaper with WetWall at the home centers than the Fibo panels
When it comes to getting ‘deals’ you often can’t beat the home centers and their buying power. And with WetWalls panels this is no exception. WetWall will be slightly cheaper than the Fibo system when you get them through a local home center store. However, also understand the after-sales service (or installation assistance) will likely be non-existent, and if you need a non-standard size is may be challenging.
Reason #4 why Wilsonart WetWall panels are better than Fibo– It’s a well-known U.S. brand
While bigger isn’t always better, there can be comfort buying from the ‘big guy/gal’ on the block. And WilsonArt is a well known United States brand. And even though it’s a privately held company – it’s sales of laminate and solid surface tops and wall panels is estimated to be between $1 to $5 billion. They’re a big company in the United States.
Reason #5 why Wilsonart WetWall panels are better than Fibo– These wall panels are made in the United States and more insulated against tariff costs
No matter what your views are about tariffs, the indisputable truth is the cost of imported products can be subject to tariff costs paid by the importer when products are bought into this country.
And since WetWall panels are manufactured in the United States they (generally) would have less exposure to the risk of tariff fees. Although right now it’s good to note Norwegian-made Fibo wall panels are not burdened with tariffs.
Reason #6 why Wilsonart WetWall panels are better than Fibo– They’re available with bullnose edges
If you’d like a wall surround system with prefinished edges, WetWall can be the right choice for you. There are specially made panels with prefinished edges which save cutting edge pieces and/or adding trim profiles.
Now, in section 3 let’s turn our attention to the advantages of both systems.
Section 3 – What are the advantages of Fibo AND WetWall wall panel systems vs. tile or other wall surrounds?
What’s to like about Fibo AND WetWall? Reason #1 – They’re both NOT tile, have zero grout, and are simple to maintain!
If you hate grout both systems are right up your alley. While Fibo and WetWalls has sealants to waterproof corners and between the shower pan (or tub deck) and the bottom of the panels, neither system uses grout.
And if you’re sick of your scrub brush – or paying for a ‘Grout Doctor’ grout cleaning franchise again – you can get your dream of a simple to maintain shower or tub surround with either panel system.
What’s to like about Fibo AND WetWall? Reason #2 – They’re both 3/8” thick.
If you’ve looked at cheap, plasticky panels in home centers or being peddled at UNBELIEVABLY high prices from the bath-in-a-day contractors, you may by now be sick of 1/8” thick (‘er I mean thin) shower surround panels.
With Fibo and WetWall you’ll get panels which are 3x thicker than the stuff most people associate with grout free wall panels.
What’s to like about Fibo AND WetWall? Reason #3 – Both can reach the top of an 8’ ceiling (assuming you know where to buy them).
Most people hate repainting – and fighting mold – which grows above their fiberglass one piece surround the builder slapped in years ago.
So, the desire to go to the ceiling – and eliminate this maintenance hassle is high.
With 94.4” high Fibo panels when they’re put on top a shower pan or tub surround you’ll reach the top of a bathroom with an 8’ ceiling and eliminate exposed drywall above your surrounds.
And with WetWall panels you can get a 96” high system (although note, it’s not available in all retail locations).
What’s to like about Fibo AND WetWall? Reason #4 – One person can install these surrounds
If you’ve ever tried to install cultured marble or cultured granite shower wall panels – while they’re built like a tank, you know there’s no way you’re installing them without help given their weight and how awkward they are to handle.
With Fibo and WetWalls they’re both rigid – and strong enough to be installed in by one person.
What’s to like about Fibo AND WetWall? Reason #5 – They’re both far more time-effective to install than tile and don’t kick up massive amounts of dust in the process
Tile shower installations are messy, dirty, dusty, and time-consuming. And if you’re not DIYing this job and/or don’t own tile cutting tools – you’ll find tremendous time (and money) saving with Fibo and WetWall installations. This is a main reason not only consumers – but contractors are gravitating towards grout free panels like these two systems.
Now in section 4, let’s look into some of the finer details about using either system.
Section 4 – Where do you want to be careful (and thoughtful) using either Fibo or WetWall panels?
Where to be careful (and thoughtful) using Fibo or WetWall? Situation #1 – When you’re working around a window
So many of the (supposed) systems you’ll find in home center stores have no solution to work around windows. And while there’s not specific statistics about the percentage of windows used in showers or tubs, in Houzz studies it’s estimated 15-25% of residential tub and showers have windows in them.
With Fibo and WetWalls the common approach is to use trim profiles on the sides and top – and a stone sill at the bottom.
Where to be careful (and thoughtful) using Fibo or WetWall? Situation #2 – Know the right backer board you should use
The material used behind the wall panels is not only critical for how well the systems look – but also can impact your ability to add shower accessories like fold down seats or grab bars if they’re needed if you’re looking to age in place.
With Fibo choose between mechanically fastening the panels to OSB (Oriented Strand Board or plywood) or glueing (and screwing) them onto moisture resistant greenboard. Note – the OSB (or plywood) method gives you an excellent backer system for accessories you want to add down the road. Learn more in the Fibo installation video below.
WetWalls can be applied using the same backer systems as Fibo, and they also can be installed over cement board.
Where to be careful (and thoughtful) using Fibo or WetWall? Situation #3 – Know how to store the panels
Just like most shower surround systems – Fibo and WetWall panels should be stored flat, so they don’t bow before installation.
Where to be careful (and thoughtful) using Fibo or WetWall? Situation #4 – Be careful if you want to apply the panels over existing tile
The worst thing you can do is apply any type of grout free wall panels over tile when there could be moisture (and a future place for mold to grow) behind them.
It’s for this reason, I’d only recommend putting Fibo or WetWalls panels over tile if they aren’t in a ‘wet’ area that could already have moisture behind the wall.
Where to be careful (and thoughtful) using Fibo or WetWall? Situation #5 – Use manufacturer approved sealants and adhesives so you’re safe, not sorry.
Just like in the conversation about backer boards, it’s also true with sealants and adhesives what you don’t see (behind or between the wall panels) can make or break your project.
If you want to keep your butt out of ‘hot water’ (and sorry for the bad shower pun there!) use only manufacturer approved sealants and adhesives.
And now let’s turn to the last section of this article.
Section 5 – Why does Innovate Building Solutions sell, stock, install, or recommend contractors who use Fibo wall panels?
Reason #1 – This product has a proven track record of performance
Our company has been debt free for years. We’ve also worked for over 220,000 customers in our history. So – quite frankly the last thing we want to do is buy, sell, install, or build a contractor dealer network with shoddy shower products. This would be the quickest way to destroy the reputation we’ve built since 1977.
We invested 6 figures in our initial inventory investment in Fibo in 2018 because it was a product with a proven track record, offered a good value, and was more stylish than competitive products. And to this date we’ve only had one warranty claim on the thousands of showers we’ve sold and installed. The product works, simple as that.
Reason #2 – It’s easier to inventory a wide range of patterns and styles
The reason we’re able to stock – and sell – 31 different patterns of Fibo as a wholesale distributor is because you only need one SKU per pattern (and our 23.6” wide x 94.4” tall panel can be used in any sized wall by clicking and locking them together and finishing the edges and corners with trim profiles). This is a B-I-G reason we can offer a wide selection.
Learn more about shower wall panel shipments and choices in the video below.
Reason #3 – Fibo IS NOT sold in home centers
I’ll be honest with you and say an important reason we sell Fibo is because it’s NOT offered in home centers. Not that I’m morally opposed to home centers – but IMHO they cheapen products with poor support. And sometimes good products bought in home centers (then improperly installed) end up equating to owners as being a bad products.
We know how to support installation questions. We know how to help people order. We know not only how to make sure you get the right wall panels – but also how to make sure the panels are installed properly with your shower pan as well. Learn more in the video below.
Reason #4 – Fibo has technical installation support in the United States and people ready, willing, and able to answer your questions…no matter how big, or small, your job is
Have you ever bought a product and the installation seemed ‘easy-peasy’ when you watched the ‘studio’ installation video? Then, unfortunately, you brought them into your ‘version’ of This Old House and Your Old (and Weird) Bathroom, and it was an absolute nightmare.
I wish I could say installation challenges were a once in a blue moon situation, but they’re not.
This is where products (and manufacturers) who are not only customer service reps, but also technical installation support are critical. Fibo not only has a United States presence, but also a fun/knowledgeable guy named Tommy Ellis who not only provides technical support to ‘big’ companies and big jobs – but also homeowners with single shower DIY jobs (that is if our team can’t answer your questions first).
Reason #5 – There are programs (and contractors) to help you see, select, and install Fibo wall panels
Nobody likes to have buyer’s remorse. You see a product on-line, or are inspired on Pinterest, then you buy it sight-unseen. However, when you get it, it doesn’t look anything like you thought it would. The quality is NOT what you expected. Then, to top it off, you can’t find anyone to put it in or are unable to return it. Do these woes sound familiar?
Well – this is where programs, samples and competent bathroom contractors are essential.
With Fibo wall panels there’s a growing network of installing contractors to do the entire job for you – the panels, shower pan, glass door – or a complete bathroom remodel if that’s what you need.
There’s no need to get unpleasant surprises after the fact.
I hope this article has helped you compare Fibo to WetWall to see which (if either) may be right for you.
I know shower and tub surround selections aren’t simple. And while Fibo and WetWall panels have their strengths and weaknesses, the key for you is to make an informed decision – and make sure (as Johniee Cochran might say) – “if they (the wall panels that is) don’t fit, you MUST acquit!”
And if you want help sifting through the overwhelming number of choices call a Shower Specialist at 877-668-5888 to learn about shower wall panels and/or to get wholesale pricing. Or if you’re looking for a referral to a shower remodeling contractor these shower specialists can help with that also.
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
