Ethan Clarke
Bath panels are a great way to hide the underside of your tub, protecting the floor from water damage and helping to complete your bathroom's aesthetic. They come in a variety of materials, from acrylic to wood, and can be cut to size for a perfect fit. The process of changing a plastic bath panel involves first removing the old one by cutting any silicone along the joint and unscrewing any fixings. Then, the new panel can be installed by sliding it into place and securing it with screws or clips. With the right tools and some careful measurements, you can give your bathroom a sleek new look.
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What You'll Learn
Removing the old bath panel
If your panel is held in place with screws, use a screwdriver to remove them. If the screws are covered by plastic caps, use a small flat screwdriver to flick them off and expose the screw head. If there is a chrome dome, unscrew it from the thread underneath.
If your panel is held in place with clips, use a flat-head screwdriver or a crowbar to get under the edge of the panel at the bottom or on one side. Lever one edge of the panel out until you can pull it away from the tub with your hands.
If your panel is held in place with adhesive, carefully cut the silicone along the joint between the bath and the panel. There may be silicone at each end between the bath panel and wall covering, and sometimes along the floor joint as well. The panel may be difficult to remove, so use a paint scraper to gently lever it from the bottom towards you.
Once the old panel is removed, measure the length and height of your bath to purchase a new panel or cut the existing one to size.
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Measuring the bath
Before you start the installation process, it is important to measure your bath to ensure that your new panel will fit. This is especially important if you are buying a new panel, as you will want to ensure that it is the right size. Even if you plan to cut your panel to size, you should still measure your bath to ensure that the panel you buy is larger than the opening.
There are two key measurements you will need to take: the length and the height of your bath. The length of your bath will determine the length of your front panel, which is usually the same as the length of the bath. If your bath is not secured to a wall on either side, you will also need an end panel, which covers the width of your bathtub.
To measure the length, run a tape measure along the top edge of the bath where the panel will go. For the height, measure from the floor up to just under the top edge of the bath.
If you are installing a wooden panel, you will also need to measure the height of the inside edge of the bath panel from the floor. This is where you will install a supporting batten to secure the panel in place. Cut your wooden batten to the same height as your bath, and then drill it into the wall.
It is worth noting that the standard bath size is 1700mm long x 700mm wide, and bath panels typically range from 1500mm to 1800mm for front sections and 700mm to 800mm for end pieces. However, baths can vary in size, so it is always best to measure your own bath to ensure a perfect fit.
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Choosing a new panel
The bath panel you choose can change the entire style of your bathroom, so it's important to select the right one. There are a few things to consider when choosing a new bath panel.
Firstly, measure the length and height of your tub to ensure you get a panel that fits. Most baths in the UK require a front panel, which is usually the length of the bath, and some require an end panel, which covers the width of the bathtub. If you have an awkwardly shaped tub, you may need a bendable acrylic panel that can work around curves. Acrylic panels are also fixed in height, so it might be more challenging to get the perfect fit.
If you want a more durable option, you can choose a rigid panel made of wood or acrylic. Acrylic is generally more waterproof, while wood is easier to cut down to size and provides a sleek finish.
Another thing to consider is whether you want a plinth, which is a plank that screws into the bottom of the panel and allows you to adjust the height. Wooden panels typically come with a plinth, and you can choose to install it behind the panel or in front to create a "skirting" look.
Finally, consider the style and colour of the panel to ensure it complements your bathroom's overall aesthetic.
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Cutting the panel to size
Cutting a plastic bath panel to size is a straightforward process, but it requires careful measurements and the right tools. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Measure the Bath
First, measure the length and height of your bath with a tape measure. Run the tape measure along the top edge of the bath where the panel will go. This will give you the required length. Then, measure from the floor up to just under the top edge of the bath to get the height. These measurements will ensure that your new panel fits perfectly.
Prepare the Panel
Place the panel in position against the side of the bath, using a spirit level to ensure it is straight from top to bottom. Use a pencil to mark the panel where it sits on the floor. These marks will guide you when cutting the panel to the correct height.
Cut the Panel
Remove the panel and use a handsaw to cut it to size. Carefully cut the panel along the marked line to achieve the desired height. Ensure that your cut is straight and smooth to achieve a clean finish.
Adjust the Plinth (if applicable)
Some bath panels, especially wooden ones, come with a "plinth," which is a plank that screws in along the bottom of the panel. If your panel has a plinth, you may need to adjust its height accordingly. Cut the plinth to size, ensuring it fits neatly with your newly cut panel. Seal any cut edges with wood varnish to protect them from water damage.
Final Checks
Once you've cut the panel to size, it's important to test-fit it before final installation. Place the cut panel into the opening on the side of the bath. Tip it under the top edge and slide it into place at the bottom. Check if any adjustments are needed. For example, if the floor is uneven, you may need to cut off part of the bottom of the panel to ensure a perfect fit.
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Installing the new panel
First, ensure your new panel is the correct size. If you need to trim it, use a handsaw. Next, align the panel with the side of your bath, using a spirit level to ensure it is straight. Mark the floor with a pencil where the panel sits; this will be used as a guide for your wooden batten. Remove the panel and secure the batten to the floor with an electric screwdriver and wood screws. Don't screw it down too tightly, as the bottom lip of the panel will need to slide under.
Now, place your panel under the top lip of your bath and slide it into place. The panel should 'hook' under the batten and stay in place. Press gently on various parts of the panel to ensure it's secure.
If you are installing a wooden panel, make sure it has a wooden plinth, which allows you to adjust the height and assists with any slanting. You can fit the plinth either behind the panel or in front to create a "skirting" look.
For an end panel, you will need to join the two sides using a wooden batten and L-shaped metal brackets. Use wood adhesive to glue the wooden batten along the inside edge of the panel where the two sides will meet. Glue the end piece to the other side batten and secure it using the L-shaped brackets and wood screws. If you need to trim your plinth, seal any cut edges with wood varnish to protect from water damage.
Finally, place the clips that came with your panelling underneath the top edge of the tub, with the opening facing out. Drill screws into the clip holes to attach them to the tub. Place at least one clip in the middle and one on each end.
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Frequently asked questions
First, identify the type of fixings used to hold the panel in place. These could be screws, clips, or adhesive glue. If there are screws, simply unscrew them. If there are clips, remove them. If there is adhesive glue, carefully cut the silicone along the joint between the bath and the panel. Then, gently lever the panel from the bottom towards you with a tool like a paint scraper.
Bath panels typically come in two types: front panels (or side panels) and end panels. The type you need depends on your bath's shape and the sides that are not secured to a wall. Front panels are usually the length of your bath and are needed for straight baths. End panels cover the width of your bathtub and are required for exposed end sections of baths. You can also choose between bendable acrylic panels, which are easier to install, and rigid panels, which are more durable.
First, buy a panel that fits or cut it to size. Then, place the panel into the opening on the side of the bath and slide it into place at the bottom. If adjustments are needed, use a hacksaw to make changes. Secure the panel with clips, placing them underneath the top edge of the tub and drilling screws into the clip's hole.
