An elegant bathtub enclosure hides all unsightly installation elements and is an interesting decoration for any bathroom. Properly chosen, it will create a pleasant bathing area. So what enclosure should you decide on? You can choose a ready-made enclosure suited to a specific bathtub model or make it yourself using ceramic tiles. In this article, we present valuable information about bathtub enclosures that everyone considering this solution should remember.
Ready-made bathtub enclosures
Manufacturers often offer ready-made enclosures for specific bathtub models. They are usually made of white acrylic, not offering much room for creativity when it comes to bathroom design. This is a classic way of enclosing a bathtub, thus not very innovative. However, they are very elegant and fit into any interior. Moreover, their installation is very quick and easy. Ready-made plastic panels are installed using clips or connectors included in the set. Another advantage of this solution is easy access to under-bathtub elements in case of failure. You can easily dismantle the components of the enclosure and put them back after the fault is fixed. Such a bathtub enclosure is therefore highly practical.
Plasterboard enclosure
A very popular method is to use plasterboard to enclose the bathtub. For installation, you will primarily need metal profiles, putty, sanitary silicone, and acoustic tape. Remember that green, moisture-resistant panels are intended for bathrooms. The plasterboard should be placed on a frame (the frame thickness is 5.5 cm or 6.5 cm). This prepared surface should be leveled or puttied. Then you can start, for example, laying ceramic tiles, which are easy to clean. Additionally, we have a huge selection of patterns and sizes, so we can easily match them to the room's decor. This is a bathtub enclosure whose visual appeal depends solely on our creative invention!
Masonry bathtub enclosure
Another way is to enclose the bathtub with aerated concrete blocks. This is a material that is easy to shape, making it easy to fit the shape of the bathtub. Besides, it allows for the creation of practical shelves. The blocks are connected with adhesive mortar, and then secured with a priming agent. This prepared surface can be finished with ceramic tiles. Such a bathtub enclosure is solid and durable.
Styrofoam enclosure
Carriers made of flexible styrofoam are lightweight and very easy to install. They guarantee excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. A styrofoam bathtub enclosure is used in the case of bathtubs adjacent to the wall. The ready-made enclosure can be finished with glaze or ceramic tiles. Such an enclosure is best used if you have an oval or round bathtub due to the material's flexibility.
When deciding on a bathtub enclosure, you should make inspection openings, allowing for the repair of components located under the enclosure. It's important that the inspection opening is positioned to ensure convenient access. Additionally, remember that the edge of the bathtub and the wall should be sealed to prevent water from getting under the bathtub.
Bathtub enclosure and its shape
Rectangular bathtub enclosure
Rectangular bathtubs are the most popular solution because they are functional and convenient. Enclosing a rectangular bathtub is not difficult. A ready-made bathtub enclosure, aerated concrete block enclosure, as well as styrofoam and plasterboard, will work here. For rectangular bathtubs, we have great flexibility, and the enclosure can be made practically from any material. For example, finishing with large-format tiles is becoming more and more popular. An interesting idea is to finish the bathtub enclosure with wide wooden boards.
Corner bathtub enclosure
A corner bathtub is one of the most practical bathtubs, as it works in both large and small bathrooms. The corner bathtub enclosure can be made from styrofoam carriers or aerated concrete blocks. As for the finish, it will be more time-consuming, as small-sized tiles or mosaic plaster on a flexible mesh are the best for direct laying. This involves laying individual tiles, whose width should range from 10-12 cm. Therefore, they need to be cut, and the cut edges should be well-polished, so the edge will not injure.
How to enclose an oval bathtub?
An oval or round bathtub is somewhat more challenging to enclose due to its rounded edges. Using a ready-made enclosure for an oval bathtub is the simplest solution. They are usually made of acrylic and are white in color. Another good material is styrofoam, as it handles the rounded shape of the bathtub well. This enclosure can be finished with narrow wooden elements or ceramic mosaic.
A bathtub enclosure is a practical and aesthetic solution that will allow for a beautiful bathtub finish. Create a practical and cozy bathing area in your bathroom with the material that suits you best. However, regardless of which type of bathtub enclosure you choose, you must remember to leave an inspection opening so that repairs can be easily made in case of failure.