This question cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no” — it depends on your needs. However, we can make a comparison between these two types of paneling to help you clearly understand their material properties and applications. This will guide you to make the optimal choice.

1. Materials & Structure

• Tiles: Made from ceramic or porcelain materials, fired at high temperatures, with glazed or unglazed surfaces.
• SPC Wall Panels: Extruded from stone powder + PVC resin, with a UV coating and wear layer on the surface.

2. Appearance

Includes pattern diversity, gloss level, texture, and size specifications.

2.1 Pattern Variety

Both tiles and SPC wall panels use printing for their designs, so in theory, patterns can be made identical. However, tiles can also be made as through-body porcelain, which gives them a slight advantage in diversity.

2.2 Gloss Level

Both materials can achieve ultra-matte (0–3°), semi-matte (3–5°), matte (5–8°), and high-gloss (>8°) finishes.

2.3 Texture

Tiles, fired at high temperatures, have a natural clay texture. SPC wall panels can emboss patterns on the wear layer, offering more texture options. Since SPC is made of plastic, it feels warmer to the touch, especially in winter. That said, some people prefer the natural feel of clay — so this comes down to personal preference.

2.4 Size Specifications

Common bathroom tile sizes are under 300×600 mm, with a density of about 24 kg/m². SPC wall panels typically measure 600×2400 mm, with a density of about 8 kg/m². This means that for the same bathroom area, fewer SPC panels are needed, resulting in fewer visible seams and a more seamless appearance.

3. Cost

Includes material and labor costs, combined calculation.

3.1 Material Cost

According to the formula from “Is SPC Wall Panels Cheaper than Tiles?”, SPC wall panels are priced at around $6/m², while tiles cost about $14/m², giving SPC a clear price advantage.

3.2 Installation Cost

Tile installation usually requires removing the existing wall surface, hiring a professional construction team, and a longer construction period, resulting in higher costs. In contrast, SPC wall panels can be installed without removing the original wall — just use silicone and double-sided tape. With their click-lock structure, they are highly suitable for DIY projects. A typical bathroom can be completed in just one day.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Waterproof & Mold Resistant

Tiles have seams that require grouting, which can easily become a breeding ground for mold. SPC wall panels can be installed seamlessly with click-lock systems, and with silicone applied to the back for waterproofing, they can achieve excellent waterproof and mold-resistant performance.

4.2 Regular Maintenance

SPC wall panels require care to avoid damaging the UV coating and wear layer, which are relatively delicate. Tiles, with their harder glaze surface, are simpler to maintain.

4.3 Repairs After Damage

When damaged, tiles can be replaced individually. SPC wall panels, however, often require replacing the entire panel section.

4.4 Durability & Lifespan

Both tiles and SPC wall panels have good durability, with a lifespan of over 10 years.

Conclusion

We analyzed each item on a 1–5 point scale, as shown in the table below.

Comparison Dimension	Subcategory	Tiles	SPC Wall Panel
Materials & Structure	—	Clay, fired at high temperatures	Stone powder + PVC, hot-pressed forming
Appearance	Pattern Variety	5 (Printing + Through-body porcelain)	4 (Printing, embossing possible)
	Gloss Options	5	5
	Texture	5 (Natural clay texture)	4 (Warm feel, embossing possible)
	Size Specifications	3 (Small size, more seams)	5 (Large panels, fewer seams)
Cost	Material Cost	3 ($14/m², higher)	5 ($6/m², lower)
	Installation Cost	3 (Professional labor, longer time)	5 (DIY-friendly, shorter time)
Maintenance	Waterproof & Mold	3 (Seams prone to mold)	5 (Seamless, waterproof, mold-resistant)
	Daily Maintenance	5 (Hard glaze)	4 (UV coating can be damaged)
	Repair After Damage	5 (Replace individual pieces)	3 (Replace whole panel)
	Durability & Lifespan	5 (10+ years)	5 (10+ years)