How To Fit A Bath Panel
Do you own a bathtub already but the plumber is overcharging to install the panel for it? Or maybe you are just unable to find a helping person to rescue you.
Do not panic! Because why to fear when we are here to help you out. In this article, you will guide you on the proper and entire mounting process of your bath panel.
You have to install panels on each of the exposed sides of the bathtub. The number of meetings you will need to fix will depend on the position of type of the bathtub.
The setting of panels around the tub serves many purposes like hiding the basement of the bathtub, covering the piping, preventing the tub from water intrusion and preventing of mould building.
It hides all the plumbing placed underneath and also protects it from water splashes. So, it helps to make the actual bathtub and its surfaces durable, disinfectant and healthy.
Types of Bath Panel
There are many kinds, sizes, shapes and materials of bath panels are available in the market. Moreover, bath panels can also be functional other than just being decorative. You can use it as storage space by installing cabinets with it.
Bath Panel usually relates to the straight baths. Any bathroom has minimum one and maximum of three bath panels to install. You will have to match the bath panel with the existing surrounding décor, for example, flooring, walls, or vanity cabinet.
There are various kinds of bath panel like acrylic, mirrors, wood (usually MDF) etc. the thickness of wooden boards is 5 mm to 18 mm. The acrylic ones are cheaper than the MDF panels. Moreover, the prior one is thinner, so it is easier to cut to them than the MDF ones.
Various sizes of Bath Panel
Generally, you will get front bath panels of these following most extended lengths:
- 1500 mm
- 1600 mm
- 1700 mm
- 1800 mm
Here in the UK, the most standard size of bath panel is 1700 mm length.
The available side bath panel sizes are:
- 700 mm
- 750 mm
- 800 mm
Most of these panels are not adjustable. If you require to customize the size, then you will have to cut it down by yourself.
Installation Process: Wooden Bath Panel
Tools you will need:
- Gloves
- Spirit level
- Hacksaw
- Drill or screwdriver
- Screws
- Measuring tape
- Adhesive
- Sealant
- Brackets
- Wooden battens
Measure: First of all, measure from the bathtub’s rim to the floor to get the height of your panel. Then measure the length.
Cutting: If there is any need to trim any surplus panel off, then use the hacksaw. Push and pull and saw gently to avoid any uneven cut or any other types of damages.
Consider any skirting boards and pipes while cutting. Then, hold the panel against the bathtub to check the level and fittings whether they are proper or not.
Battens: If you need to form an L shape in your bath panel, then you will have to attach two panels. To connect two of the pieces, you will require to use soft wooden battens which will allow easy nailing into the exterior.
And, if you will use a plinth then confirm the battens leave enough space. You can also use a strong adhesive to secure the battens if you are not willing to use the screws.
For securing a single panel, for example, the long front panel, you can use shallow battens at the bottom side of the bath panel. This way, it will keep the board straight against the flooring of the bathroom and will provide a seamless join of the floor and the forum.
Plinth: If your plinth is not previously fixed, then you probably may require to trim it down. Follow the instruction mentioned above and then secure it with adhesive.
You can use PVA glue to ensure the waterproof seal of the unembellished wood edges, either the panel or the plinth.
Positioning: When the panel(s) will get ready, then hold them in position to check the fittings of it against the wall and the bathtub. If you are making an L shaped panel, you can leave it as free-standing one if it is secure enough.
Position your bath panel beside the wall and spot the meeting point. Then, get a batten to line up on the edge of the mark beneath the bathtub rim.
Use screws or adhesive to fix it with the wall properly. You will have to do this same task for each of the points where the panels will meet the walls.
Attach: Apply glue to the inner side of the panel’s ends, the place the meeting with the wall batten takes place. Then, move the bath panel into the right position and fix to the batten. Quickly wipe off the excess adhesives, if you see any.
Seal
Apply silicone sealant to the joints of the wall and the panel to get a waterproof and smooth finish.
Installation Process: Acrylic Bath Panel
This process is similar to the wooden one, though, you will require a length of timber or rebated wood for each of the panel you will fit.
- Place your bath panel counter to the bathtub and take notes of the measurements. Perform any adjustments, like cutting, if needed. Then again check if everything fits well or not.
- Mark the sitting point of the panel: Line the batten or the rebated wood against it. The rebate should allow to slot in the panel’s bottom lip.
- Make adjustments in the rebate section, if needed.
- Fix the floor and the rebate with the help of adhesive or screws and an electric drill. However, screws will be a better option to use on the floor. Always check the wiring and the pipes by a detector before drilling on the floor.
- Slot the bath panel in the exact position and repeat the same process for the side bath panels. And it is done!
Bath panel is a necessity now. It changes the entire appearance of your bathroom and makes the place very elegant and aesthetic.
So, if you want to renovate your bathroom with expensing less, then go for a bath panel. We hope this article will help in making your job smooth.
