Acupanel® Hydro Oak Waterproof Wall Panels

The Acupanel® Hydro panels are fully waterproof. The clear coat PVC layer creates a sealed surface that can handle direct water contact, making it suitable for use inside showers, wet rooms, and other areas of prolonged moisture exposure.

Yes, you can purchase a sample by clicking here. Our sample service is the perfect way to make sure you choose the right colour for your project. We offer a full sample refund upon your Acupanel® Hydro panel purchase — simply email us after placing your panel order to claim this.

Acupanel® Hydro panels use a tongue and groove system — each panel slots neatly into the next for a clean, seamless finish. Panels should be fixed to the wall using a suitable grab adhesive only. We recommend the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive, which is formulated for use in wet and humid environments. Do not use screws, as these will detract from the seamless finish. Apply sealant along the tongue and groove edge to close the small gap between panels and prevent moisture ingress. Always ensure the substrate behind is dry, flat, and structurally sound before installation.

Yes — that is exactly what they are designed for. The Acupanel® Hydro range is built to withstand the steam, humidity, and direct water contact found in shower enclosures. Ensure all panel edges and joins are properly sealed with the WVH^® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant during installation, and apply sealant along the tongue and groove edge to prevent water and moisture from getting behind the panels.

No. Unlike natural wood products, the PS core and PVC coating means the Acupanel® Hydro panels will not swell, warp, or degrade when exposed to moisture — making them a far more reliable choice for wet environments than standard timber slat panels.

You can mount the panels on all solid, flat surfaces, including brick, concrete, and plasterboard. The surface must be clean, dry, and free from dust or grease before applying the adhesive to ensure a strong, lasting bond.

Yes — the Acupanel® Hydro panels can be cut using a fine-tooth saw or multi-tool to fit your space. When installing a cut panel — for example, fitting around taps, fixtures, or other wall penetrations — ensure you seal thoroughly around all exposed cut edges with the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant. This is essential to maintain the waterproof integrity of the installation and prevent moisture from entering behind the panels at any exposed point.

The Acupanel® Hydro panels are available in standard sizes only. However, the panels can be easily cut to fit any space — please refer to the cutting guidance above.

For a neat, professional finish at panel edges and terminations, we recommend using the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant — available in black and white. It can be used to create a clean seal at the perimeter. Colour-matched sealant is particularly effective at delivering a tidy edge where the panels meet tiles, shower trays, or adjacent walls.

No — the Acupanel® Hydro range is designed for interior use only. Whilst the panels are fully waterproof, they are not intended for exterior applications and should not be installed outdoors.

Simply wipe down with a damp cloth or mild household cleaner. The PVC clear coat makes the surface non-porous and resistant to soap scum, limescale, and general bathroom grime. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemical cleaners, which could dull the surface over time.

The oak, walnut and grey oak colours feature a printed wood grain effect that gives a convincing, natural-looking finish with real depth and character — without the maintenance requirements of real timber. The white colour has a smooth, clean face with no wood grain print — ideal for a more contemporary or minimalist aesthetic.

Yes — the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant is a two-in-one formula. Use it to bond the panels to the wall, and then apply it along all tongue and groove edges, cut edges, and panel perimeters to create a continuous waterproof seal. You do not need a separate adhesive and a separate sealant — this product handles both.

Apply the product to the back of each panel to bond it securely to the substrate, then use it to seal along the tongue and groove joint between panels, around any cut edges, and at the perimeter where the panels meet adjacent surfaces such as shower trays, tiles, and wall returns. Apply sealant beads using a standard caulking gun and smooth to a neat finish with a damp finger or smoothing tool.

The tongue and groove system creates a neat, seamless join between panels, but there is a small gap at the joint. Applying the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant along this edge closes that gap and prevents water and moisture from working their way behind the installation — which is essential for maintaining the waterproof integrity of the finished wall.

When a panel is cut to fit — for example, to accommodate taps, shower fixtures, or other wall penetrations — the cut edge exposes the panel core, which is not waterproof. Sealing thoroughly around all exposed cut edges with the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant is essential to prevent moisture from entering behind the panels at those points.

Black works well alongside the oak, walnut and grey oak panels, as it blends into the black slat gaps for a seamless finish. The white pairs naturally with the white colourway, blending into the white slat gaps effortlessly. As the product is used both behind the panels and at visible joints and edges, choosing a colour that complements your panel will give the neatest overall result.

Whilst other moisture-resistant grab adhesives and bathroom sealants may be used, we recommend the WVH® Waterproof Adhesive & Sealant as it is specifically formulated for use with these panels in wet environments. Using the recommended product ensures the best bond, the most reliable waterproof seal, and helps maintain the long-term integrity of your installation.

The Acupanel® Hydro panels are formulated to resist mould and mildew growth at lower levels, as long as the panels are cleaned regularly.

The product is formulated for wet and humid environments typical of bathrooms and shower enclosures. For steam rooms or saunas with extreme and sustained heat, please get in touch with our team to discuss suitability before ordering.

We do, and we offer free delivery to mainland UK for the Acupanel® Hydro range! You are also welcome to collect directly from our Leighton Buzzard warehouse.

You can return unused panels within 30 days after delivery. If you have any questions about the panels before installing them or encounter a defective product, please reach out to our customer service team — we're here to help!