DIY step-by-step instructions for installing a screen under the bathtub
Regardless of taste preferences, most apartment owners, even before the start of renovation work, think about the need to install a screen under the bath. This design ennobles the overall appearance of the room. Also, using the screen, you can make an additional niche (or drawer) for storing household chemicals. The installation of such structures is carried out according to an algorithm.
Appointment
The screen is a decorative structure designed to hide the unsightly appearance of the bottom of the bathtub and the water supply pipe. This product has no other functions.Panels complete the bathroom interior. At the same time, such structures are often installed only for the purpose of organizing additional space for storing things. Due to these features, bath screens differ in material of manufacture and design.
Benefits of using
Installing panels that cover the space under the bath bowl solves several problems:
- create a unique space in the bathroom;
- hide household chemicals;
- cover communication pipes;
- reduce the likelihood of water and objects getting into hard-to-reach places under the tub bowl.
The solution of these problems is facilitated by a variety of screen designs and designs.
Aesthetic
The screen not only hides the feet of the bathtub and the water supply and sewer pipes, but also decorates the bathtub. Such plastic products are particularly attractive. These panels are often decorated with various patterns applied using photo printing technology.
On the market you can find screens suitable for any type of bathroom tile or any other material with which the walls are sheathed.
Feature
Screens perform several functions. The main thing is to hide technical communications. However, not only this task is performed by such structures. The screens prevent water from entering under the tub, providing additional protection against leaks. Additionally, these products hide household chemicals from pets and children.
Kinds
Screens are classified according to the material of construction and design features.
Material
Bathroom panels are made from different materials. Polystyrene, PVC and plastic products are considered popular. Less commonly, glass and metal screens are used in bathrooms.
In terms of functionality, the type of material does not play a decisive role in the choice of screen.
Plastic
Plastic models are considered the most popular among consumers, which is explained by the following advantages of this type of panels:
- low price;
- simple installation and use;
- long life expectancy;
- moisture resistance;
- a wide variety of colors and the ability to apply drawings.
The main disadvantage of plastic models is that the material breaks with a slight application of force.
Metal
Metal models are more expensive than plastic models. Panels made of this material are highly resistant to mechanical damage. As in the case of plastic screens, various patterns are applied to metal screens, which makes it possible to use such products in various interiors. The main disadvantage of models of this type is that due to scratches and other defects, the panels are covered with rust.
MDF
MDF models are mainly installed in bathrooms in a classic style. Screens of this type are sensitive to humidity. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase MDF panels covered with a protective film for the bathroom.
polystyrene
Polystyrene is very similar to plastic. Therefore, screens made of both materials have the same advantages and disadvantages.
drywall
This material is used to make a base for laying ceramic tiles. Separately, plasterboard is not used to create bath screens.
Polyvinyl chloride
For PVC panels, the advantages of plastic products are inherent. The main difference between these screens is that PVC is more resistant to mechanical stress.
Acrylic
This type of screen is made of plastic, which is then coated with a layer of acrylic. These products often come with tubs of similar material.Acrylic templates have the same properties as plastic templates, with one exception: decorative patterns are not applied to panels of this type.
glass or mirror
It is not recommended to install glass or mirror models in the bathroom. Panels of this type, even under small loads, break. Installation of mirror models is advisable in cases where it is necessary to visually increase the size of the room.
Design
Fixed screens or structures with movable doors (hinged or sliding) are installed under the bathrooms. Products of the first type are often made from removable panels. The choice in favor of a particular type of construction depends on the purpose of installing the screen.
Deaf when stopped
Structures of this type are usually constructed from durable materials such as brick or metal. Such products provide additional support for the bath and are resistant to external influences, including moisture. Among the disadvantages of fixed structures, the following can be distinguished:
- the ground load increases;
- small space in the bathroom;
- dismantling is impossible without destroying the structure.
Fixed structures are not installed under acrylic bathtubs.
Removable stationary
Structurally, this type of screens does not differ from the previous one. The difference is that plastic panels are mainly used for the manufacture of these products, which, if necessary, can be removed.
With hinged doors
The use of screens with hinged doors is justified in large rooms. Such structures provide easy access to the space under the bathroom.
Sliding door model
Sliding panels are installed on rails mounted along the tub and the floor. Similar designs are used in small rooms. The use of sliding panels is also justified by the fact that the material, if necessary, can be easily removed and replaced with a new one. The main disadvantage of these models is that when pressed, the panels move immediately.
How do I install prebuilt templates?
If there is no experience in installing screens, it is recommended to purchase ready-made models.The choice in favor of this option is explained by the fact that such products correspond exactly to the dimensions of the bathtub and are completed with the necessary parts. It is recommended to fasten the elements of the future frame with self-tapping screws with a diameter of 10 millimeters or more.
During the installation process, it is necessary to reinforce the frame with wooden bars. The latter will increase the strength of the structure being erected. It is not recommended to install the frame near the bathtub. This arrangement will complicate the installation of the panels.
Content and quality check
The complete set depends on both the design features and the material. Basically, such products are sold with guides, fasteners and profiles to which the panels are attached. To assemble the screen, you will need a hacksaw (jigsaw), a screwdriver, a drill, a tape measure and a pencil (felt pen).
Problems with the quality of finished products usually arise when acrylic bathtubs are purchased with protective structures. The dimensions of the latter often do not coincide with the dimensions of the bowl. It is recommended to refuse the purchase of such products.
Measurements and markings
Installation of the protective structure begins with determining the dimensions of the future structure. For this, the height and length of the bath bowl are measured at several points. When determining the last parameter, it must be taken into account that the upper guide profile will be solid, while, like the lower ones, it will consist of several parts, interconnected by means of vertical struts.
To find the correct dimensions of the screen, you must step back 2.5 centimeters from the upper edge of the bowl and from this point measure the length of the bowl.
Adjust the feet
To exclude the ingress of moisture under the basin, it is necessary to adjust the legs before installing the panels so that the tub fits as closely as possible to the future screen. This procedure should be performed after installing the frame.
Fixing the frame under the rim of the bathtub
The frame is fixed with dowels-nails, according to the attached instructions. It is recommended to check the correctness of the installation with a level. This also applies to the installation of a profile in the form of the letter "Ш", which comes with a set of panels, supplemented with sliding doors. The number of stiffeners (vertical strips) is determined depending on the size of the bath. Standard bowls require at least three profiles. At each stage of work it is necessary to strictly maintain the level.
After the installation is completed, the gap between the bathtub and the frame profiles is blasted with polyurethane foam. This increases the overall strength of the structure.
Installation of panels
To fix the panels, they must first be brought under the upper guide, then under the lower guide.After that, it is necessary to tighten the legs of the bathroom so that the edges of the bowl fit snugly against the installed material. When performing these works, it is also recommended to measure the vertical by level. If a structure with sliding doors is installed, you must first install the upper guide and insert the panel. After that, the lower profile is fixed on both sides.
Seam processing
At the end of the work, it is recommended to treat the joints with a sealant. This also applies to the contact area of profiles and panels with the floor. The sealing layer will protect against the ingress of moisture under the bowl.
Self-production and installation
You can create a screen using the diagram above. As in the previous case, work begins with the purchase of the necessary materials: metal profiles, screws and panels. Then you need to put the frame, for which you need to apply the appropriate markings on the walls and floor. It is recommended to fill the tub with water before measuring the length of the profiles. This will ensure an accurate fit of the bowl to the structure at maximum loads.
Then the frame is installed in compliance with the vertical and horizontal levels.At the end of the work, plastic panels are installed along the guides. If you are installing a display with a hinged cover, then at this stage you should leave an empty "window". The panel should then be measured according to the size of this area.
Then another frame is mounted on which the cover will be fixed. To fix the latter, it is recommended to use glue. After that, magnets are attached to both frames (under the tub and on the lid), which will hold the structure under the bowl.At the end, all joints are sealed.
Laying the brick screen
This option is suitable for cases where the renovation of the bathroom is not planned for the next 10 years or more. It is recommended to lay the masonry in a half-brick, leaving a gap between the screen and the bathroom. After completion of the work, this space is filled with polyurethane foam.
After the installation of the screen is completed, you need to wait for the cement to dry, after which you can proceed to the wall cladding. For this, they usually use mosaics or tiles.
Rules of operation
If the screen is installed correctly, future design problems will arise mainly due to non-compliance with the operating conditions. In this case, the rules of use are determined depending on the type of material chosen. Plastic panels should not be exposed to high mechanical stress (do not press too hard). Bathrooms with MDF screens should be regularly ventilated to prevent increased humidity.