Bushboard Nuance Wall Panels: The Complete Buying Guide

Bushboard Nuance is a waterproof, grout-free wall panel system for showers, wet rooms and the walls around a bath. This guide explains what Nuance is made of, the panel types and sizes in the range, how to pick a decor and matching sealant, and what you need to order for a complete job.

What is Bushboard Nuance?

Nuance is made by Bushboard, a British surfaces manufacturer that is part of Wilsonart. Each panel has a 100% waterproof core with a decorative laminate face, so it can go straight onto the wall in a shower area instead of tiles. Because the panels are large – up to 2420mm high and 1200mm wide – a typical shower wall is covered with one or two boards, which means no grout lines to clean, stain or re-seal.

Panels join with a tongue & groove system and are finished with postformed (rounded) edges, so exposed edges look neat without a separate metal trim. Joints and corners are sealed with Wilsonart Complete colour-matched sealant.

Why choose wall panels instead of tiles?

• No grout. The surface wipes clean, and there are no grout lines to discolour or let water through.
• Fewer joints. A 1200mm wide board covers the same area as dozens of tiles, so there are far fewer places for water to get behind the wall.
• Quicker fitting. Panels are bonded to the wall with panel adhesive and can be cut on site, which usually makes a shower refit faster and less disruptive than tiling.
• Looks like stone, marble or timber. The decors include marble, stone, concrete, terrazzo, wood and plain colours, in gloss, matt and textured finishes.

For a wider look at the pros and cons, see our guide to bathroom wall panels vs tiles.

The Nuance panel types

Every standard Nuance decor is available in five panel types. All are 10mm thick and 2420mm high:

As a rule of thumb, a two sided shower corner uses two postformed panels, and a three sided recess adds a tongue & groove panel for the back wall. If you would rather not work it out panel by panel, the Nuance panel kits bundle the right panels, adhesive and sealant together.

Choosing a decor

The Nuance range covers several looks, and the finish name tells you the surface texture:

• Marble – Calacatta Statuario Glaze, Bianco Carrara Shell, Calacatta Volegno Shell, Turin Marble Ultramatt, Carnico Marble, Misuo Marble Shell, Grey Onyx Gloss and White Onyx Gloss.
• Stone, concrete and terrazzo – Natural Greystone Roche, Platinum Travertine Riven, Light Travertine Roccia, Alabaster Quarry, Light Portland Mineral, Warm Plaster Mineral, Basalt Mineral, Magma Riven, Lumiere Ultramatt, Doux Lime Quartz, White Lightning Fossil Roccia, Terrazzo White Shell and Light Terrazzo Roche.
• Wood – Driftwood Timber, Chalkwood Riven and Native Oak Timber.
• Plain and sparkle – Arctic Gloss, Petra Gloss, White Quartz Gloss, Vanilla Quartz Gloss, Frost Glaze and Alhambra Glaze.

Gloss and glaze finishes reflect more light and suit smaller bathrooms; ultramatt, riven and roche finishes have a softer, more natural feel. Textured finishes such as Riven and Roche have a slight surface texture, much like real stone.

Matching the sealant colour

Bushboard recommends a Wilsonart Complete sealant colour for every decor, so the sealed joints blend into the panel. Each Nuance product page on our site shows its recommended colour, and the panel kits come with the matching sealant. Here is the full list for the standard Nuance range:

Adhesive, sealant and the Nuance guarantee

Nuance panels are fixed with Wilsonart Complete neutral panel adhesive and sealed with Wilsonart Complete colour-matched sealant. Bushboard's guidance is:

• Adhesive: one 290ml tube per 1200mm panel.
• Sealant: one 290ml tube seals about 20 linear metres at a 5mm bead.

Bushboard offers a lifetime guarantee on Nuance when the panels are fitted with Wilsonart Complete adhesive and sealant, so it is worth using the matching products rather than a general-purpose silicone. For fitting advice, see how to fit bathroom wall panels.

What about Nuance Fusion?

Nuance Fusion is a slimmer 4mm panel in 600mm, 900mm and 1220mm widths (2440mm high), with matching vanity splashbacks and its own set of trims. It is lighter and easier to handle, and offers a matching vanity splashback. We compare the two in detail in Nuance or Nuance Fusion.

How much will I need?

1. Measure the width of each wall you want to cover, and the height you want the panels to reach (most showers run panels floor or tray to ceiling, up to 2420mm).
2. Work out how many 1200mm and 600mm boards each wall needs, using a postformed panel wherever an edge will be on show.
3. Allow one tube of adhesive per 1200mm panel and one tube of sealant for every 20 metres of joints and edges.

Not sure? Send us your measurements through our contact page and we will help you put a list together.

Products in this guide

Nuance Arctic Gloss Shower Wall Panel by Bushboard (All Sizes) From £67.50 View product Nuance Calacatta Statuario Glaze Shower Wall Panel by Bushboard (All Sizes) From £93.00 View product Nuance Native Oak Timber Shower Wall Panel by Bushboard (All Sizes) From £82.99 View product Nuance Pack A Small 2 Sided Shower Wall Panel Kit by Bushboard From £578.00 View product

See the full Nuance Wall Panels by Bushboard range

Frequently asked questions

Are Nuance panels fully waterproof?

Yes. Bushboard describes Nuance as a 100% waterproof core panel, designed for use inside the shower area as well as around baths and on general bathroom walls.

Can I cut Nuance panels to size?

Yes. Panels are supplied at 2420mm high and can be cut to height and width on site to suit your room.

Do I need special adhesive and sealant?

Bushboard's lifetime guarantee applies when the panels are fitted with Wilsonart Complete adhesive and sealant, so we recommend using those. Both are available individually, and the panel kits include them.

Related guides

• Nuance Panel Kits Explained: Which Pack Do You Need?
• Nuance or Nuance Fusion: Which Bushboard Wall Panel Should You Choose?
• Bathroom Wall Panels vs Tiles: Which Is Right for You?