Chloe Zhang
Fitting a plastic bath panel is a great way to hide the pipework underneath your bath and give your bathroom a refresh. Depending on the type and position of your bath, you may need up to three panels to cover each exposed side. Before fitting a bath panel, it's important to measure the distance from the rim of the bath to the floor, as well as the length of the bath, to ensure you have the correct panel size. Once you have the right size, you can slot the panel into place, using timber and screws or a strong adhesive to secure it.
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What You'll Learn
Measure the bath
To measure the bath, you will need a tape measure, a pencil, and a spirit level.
First, measure the height of the bathtub by measuring the distance from the rim of the bath to the floor. This will determine the height of your bath panel. Next, measure the length of the tub for the appropriate panel length. If your bath has exposed end sections, you will also need to measure the width of the bathtub for the end panel.
Most baths will fit a pre-fabricated panel. However, if your bath has an irregular shape, such as an L-shaped bath, you may need to trim the panel to create a seamless finish.
Once you have your measurements, hold the bath panel up against the bath to test the fit. Use a spirit level to ensure that the panel is straight and level. Mark any areas that overlap or need to be trimmed with a pencil.
After making any necessary adjustments, you can proceed with installing the bath panel.
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Choose a bendable acrylic type
If you're fitting a bath panel, it's important to first measure the length and height of your tub and cut your bath panel to size with a handsaw. You can then reattach it to your bath.
If you choose a bendable acrylic panel, you can install it using clips. This is the easiest type of panel to install, and it works around curves if you have an awkwardly shaped tub. It's not as durable or sturdy as other types of panels, but it will fit most bathtubs.
To install a bendable acrylic panel, start by measuring the distance from the rim of your bath to the floor. This measurement will determine the height needed for your bath panel. Next, measure the length of your bath to determine the appropriate panel length. Once you have a panel that you believe is the correct size, hold it up against the bath to test the fit.
Then, use a spirit level to ensure that it's straight. Mark the position of the front and back of the panel on the floor. This will help you align your wood batten later on. Securely fix your softwood batten (38 x 25mm for front panels) to the floor. The batten should occupy the full length of the bath, and include a 19mm inset from the bath edge.
Finally, drill three evenly spaced holes at a 12mm distance from the lower edge of the plinth. Make sure that the holes align with the batten. Screw the clips into place underneath the top edge of the tub.
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Adjust the height of the plinth
Adjusting the height of the plinth is a crucial step in ensuring your bath panel fits perfectly. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:
Firstly, understand that the plinth is a plank that screws in along the bottom of the bath panel. It allows you to adjust the overall height of the panel by moving up and down. To start the adjustment, lay the plinth on the floor and place the edge of the panel on top of it, allowing them to overlap. Now, move the panel up and down on the plinth until you reach the desired height. This height should match the measurement you took for the opening.
Next, secure the plinth to the panel. Measure the height from the top of the panel to the bottom of the plinth. Using this measurement as a guide, place screws at regular intervals, approximately every 1 foot (0.30 m) on both the top and bottom of the plinth. For added protection against water damage, apply a layer of silicone between the plinth and the panel.
If you are using a wooden plinth, you may need to trim it to size if there are any obstructions, such as skirting boards. Seal any cut edges with wood varnish to protect them from water damage.
Additionally, when working with wooden panels, ensure that the plinth is attached correctly. The plinth can be fitted either behind the panel to add depth or in front to create a "skirting" look. It is important to note that the plinth must be attached before connecting multiple panels. When using wooden battens to connect two panels, ensure that the battens leave enough space for the plinth.
By following these steps, you can effectively adjust the height of the plinth for your bath panel, ensuring a precise fit and a sleek finish.
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Slide the panel under the rim of the bath
When installing a bath panel, sliding the panel under the rim of the bath is a crucial step. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this task:
Measurements and Preparation
First, ensure you have the correct measurements. Measure the distance from the rim of the bath to the floor to determine the required height of the panel. Next, measure the length of your bath to decide on the appropriate panel length. It is essential to confirm that your bath panel is the correct size before proceeding. Some panels may require trimming or cutting to fit perfectly.
Sliding the Panel Under the Rim
Hold the panel up against the bath to test the fit. Use a spirit level to ensure that the panel is straight and level. Mark the position of the front and back of the panel on the floor, as this will guide the alignment of the wood batten. If your bath panel has a lip, you will need to use or create a piece of rebated timber—timber with a groove cut into its edge that the lip of the bath panel can slide under.
Securing the Panel
To secure the panel in place, you can use wooden battens. Softwood battens are ideal for easy screwing into the surface. Alternatively, you can use a strong adhesive to attach the battens without screws. For a single panel installation, such as a long front bath panel, place shallow battens at the bottom to keep the panel upright against the flooring and create a seamless join.
Final Checks
Once the panel is secured and slid into place, double-check its positioning and level. Ensure the panel fits correctly and is level using a spirit level. This step ensures that your bath panel is installed accurately and securely.
By carefully following these steps, you can effectively slide the bath panel under the rim of the bath, creating a neat and professional finish.
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Seal the edges with silicone
Sealing the edges of a bath panel with silicone is a straightforward task that can be completed in a few steps. Firstly, ensure that the area is clean and dry. Use a utility knife or a straight razor to remove any old silicone or contaminants like oil and grease, and clean the area thoroughly with alcohol.
Next, you'll need to prepare your silicone sealant. Cut the tip of the sealant tube at a 45-degree angle, creating a small hole for the silicone to be released. Load the tube into a sealant gun, and test the flow on a piece of cardboard to get a feel for the rate of release.
Now, you're ready to apply the silicone. Position the tip of the sealant gun just above the surface of the bath panel edge and, in one steady motion, move the gun along the seam, creating a uniform bead of silicone. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this can result in excess silicone that is difficult to remove while maintaining a smooth seal.
Finally, complete the seal with tooling. This involves using your finger (or a gloved finger) to gently pull the silicone around the joint, creating a seamless, clean bond. Wipe away any excess silicone, and allow it to dry for 24 hours.
To ensure a long-lasting seal, it is recommended to fill the bath with water during the sealing process. This simulates the extra weight and movement of the bath, ensuring that the silicone will not be pulled apart by any future movement. Additionally, always use a water-resistant sanitary silicone sealant designed for wet environments to prevent mould growth.
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Frequently asked questions
First, measure the length and height of your bath tub and cut your plastic bath panel to size. Then, slide the top edge of the panel underneath the rim of the bath and move it into place. Check that the panel fits correctly using a spirit level. If your panel has a plinth, adjust its height by overlapping the main panel and the plinth, then screwing them together. Finally, secure the panel to the floor using screws.
You will need a tape measure, a handsaw, a screwdriver, and a spirit level. You may also need a drill.
A plinth is a plank that screws in along the bottom of the panel. It is typically found on wooden bath panels.
Most types of tubs in the UK require bath panels, including shower baths, straight baths, and corner baths. This is because these tubs come with an unfinished underside. A bath panel is used to hide the underside of your tub.
First, determine whether your bath panel is secured with sealant, screws, or both. If your bath panel is secured with sealant, use a sharp knife or a sealant removal tool to carefully cut through it. If your bath panel is secured with screws, use a screwdriver to remove them.
