Installing a rectangular bath panel significantly improves its appearance and, in many cases, is simply practical. It's essential to know how to perform this task step by step, to be extremely satisfied with your work. The easiest method is to buy a pre-made plastic panel. Encasing is necessary when you have a whirlpool bath.
Installing a Rectangular Bath Panel Step by Step
- There are two methods for installing a rectangular bath panel: placing drywall on a frame or constructing a wall with easy-to-process blocks made from aerated concrete.
- Proper positioning of the bath. Set the bath in the designated spot, ensuring it's supported by feet.
- Plumbing connections.
- Marking the edge outline of the bath on the bathroom floor.
- Constructing the framework.
- Installing moisture-resistant boards.
- Encasing using aerated concrete blocks.
- Creating access holes.
- Laying and gluing ceramic tiles.
- Sealing edges with silicone.
- Gather necessary materials, such as system profiles for the frame construction.
- Assemble the necessary tools for the job, including a drill for concrete.
When performing each task, it’s important to be careful and ensure your safety and that of companions. This is not a difficult task, but it requires willingness and commitment.
Laying and Gluing Ceramic Tiles and Sealing Edges with Silicone - Detailed Information
For a simple panel installation with drywall, it's possible to lay ceramic tiles in various sizes by trimming them to match the height. They should slightly go under the bath rim. The gaps don't require filling. Each drywall sheet must be primed with flexible adhesive before gluing. This task is done with a notched trowel. The size of the notches must match the tile dimensions. Grouting can be done the next day with flexible grout of a specified width.
Sealing the edges is possible using sanitary silicone, which creates an elastic connection. Before applying silicone, clean and protect the bath edges and wall from dirt using painter's tape. Silicone must be squeezed with a tube gun, filling the groove with one layer. Then it should be smoothed, ideally with a suitable smoothing tile. It's recommended to cover the light silicone seal with a self-adhesive border strip.
Necessary Materials for Installing a Rectangular Bath Panel
For frame construction, system profiles for so-called dry constructions marked UD and CD are indispensable. Connecting elements are short self-tapping screws, while sheets should be fixed with self-drilling screws of 2.5-3.5 centimeters in length for double layering. Expanding bolts are also needed to mount the frame to both the floor and walls. One waterproof drywall sheet is sufficient for laying in two layers. If dealing with a masonry panel, use blocks made of aerated concrete. Two rows should suffice.
To assemble all elements, cement or thin-set mortar is required. Before placing tiles on the panel, apply a deep-penetrating primer to the substrate and a liquid foil as protection against moisture. Also, remember the finishing materials like grout or self-adhesive decorative tape. Access under the bath is easier after installing inspection doors or a frame with a concealing ceramic tile, which should be mounted using magnets.