Bath panels come in many shapes and designs and can be tricky to attach to your bath. This handy step by step guide will take you through the key steps in fitting your own bath panel to give you the highest quality finish your bathroom deserves.
Different Types of Bath Panels
Bath panels are great for concealing your pipework underneath your bath and streamlining your bathroom aesthetic. There are two different types of panels - side panels which stretch along the length of your bath, and end panels, which stretch across the width at the end.
There are also different types of materials of bath panels: acrylic and wooden being the main two. Wooden panels are much easier to cut to size, so are suitable for when people opt to make their own panels, or paint the wood in a colour that will suit their bathroom aesthetic. Here at Tap Warehouse, we offer a broad selection of bath panels including wooden and acrylic, so the choice is yours.
Tools You’ll Need
Here are the tools need to fit your bath panel:
- Measuring tape
- Wooden battens
- Pencil
- Spirit level
- Electric drill
- Screws
- Sealant
Can You Cut a Bath Panel to Size?
If cutting your bath panel to size, the best way is to use a hacksaw and gently cut the panel to size, sanding down the edges so it slots in nicely and doesn’t look messy. It is however recommended that you buy the panel in the specific measurements that you need for your bath.
Installing a Bath Panel
Here are the steps you need to take when fitting your own bath panel.
1. Ensure The Panel Fits
Firstly, take your panel/s to the edge of the bath and make sure it fits within the space. Use a spirit level to ensure the panel is straight You may have to make any adjustments due to skirting boards, pipes or uneven surfaces, but if your panel slots in nicely below the lip of your bath, jump to step 2.
2. Turn off Water Supply
It’s crucial that you turn off your water supply and use a detector to double check for any pipes or cables before you start drilling and assembling your bath panel. This will prevent any unwanted accidents!
3. Measure Up Your Bath Panel
Next, you will need to mark where your panel lines up against the floor which will give you a guideline for where to put the bath panel frame. Hold a spirit level vertically up against your bath and make a few pencil marks where the panel will be sitting on the floor. Use these marks to draw a straight line stretching out the entire length of your bath.
4. Make the Bath Panel Frame
It is possible to fit a bath panel without a wooden frame, but it is recommended by many manufacturers to take this step to ensure extra support and keep the panel in place.
The frame is usually made up of a few wooden battens, one at the top and bottom of the bath, joined together with three or four upright battens, to make a rectangle shape that fits perfectly in the hollow of your bath. You should attach the battens with a strong adhesive or with screws, and ensure that the frame is screwed down to the floor. The battens should go underneath the lip of your bath to give adequate support.
5. Attach the Bath Panel to the Frame
Once the frame is in place, you can place your bath panel up against it. Most panels will require small screws to fix the panel to the battens which adds an extra layer of security. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for how to fit the specific panel, as some require screws to be fitted while some do not.
6. Apply Sealant
In order to create a waterproof seal, you’ll need to apply sealant where the panel touches the wall and the floor. It’s essential that you fill the bath with water before doing this, as this will ensure the sealant doesn’t pull away from the tiles once it’s used. Once the sealant is in place, use a sealant shaping tool to neaten up the edges. Remove the bath of water once the sealant has dried.
So there you have it, a step-by-step for how to fit a bath panel correctly. We have a selection of bath panels in an array of different styles and finishes, from gloss white to driftwood, so you'll be sure to find the perfect fit for your bathroom.
