Revamping your bathroom's aesthetic with a panel replacement tutorial at hand offers a swift makeover solution
Replacing a bath panel can be a straightforward DIY project, but the time required may vary depending on factors such as the type of panel, any adjustments needed, and your experience. In this article, we'll explore key considerations, materials, and steps to help you achieve a modern and functional bathroom upgrade.
Choosing the Right Bath Panel
When selecting a new bath panel, focus on aesthetics, durability, and ease of maintenance. Modern options include acrylic, fiberglass, engineered stone (like KOHLER LuxStone), or solid surface composites. Engineered stone panels offer a grout-free, smooth surface that resists mold, mildew, and staining, making them a low-maintenance choice. Acrylic or fiberglass panels are budget-friendly and lightweight, but they may scratch or discolor over time.
Consider panels that mimic the look of tile or stone for a sleek, modern finish. Custom patterns or tile-inspired designs are available with engineered panels, adding a stylish touch to your bathroom. Choose a colour and pattern that complements your bathroom's theme, and opt for neutral or light colours to make a small bathroom feel larger and brighter.
Functional Add-Ons
Integrate your new bath panel with other features for added functionality and accessibility. Low-threshold shower bases or built-in corner shelves can enhance the overall design, making your bathroom more user-friendly.
Tools and Materials
To replace a bath panel, you'll need a screwdriver, tape measure, saw, sandpaper, caulk gun, silicone sealant, spirit level, drill, and cleaning materials. A compact and sturdy saw with 13 TPI is useful for making smooth, clean, straight cuts on plastic panels. A well-built caulking gun with a finger moulded trigger and high thrust ratio is beneficial for quick and consistent sealant application.
Steps to Replace a Bath Panel
- Measure the dimensions of your bath and trim the new panel to fit.
- Before fitting the new panel, recheck the measurements of your old panel, specifically the distance from the rim of your bath to the floor and the length of your bath.
- Hold the new panel against the bath to test the fit and use a spirit level to ensure it's straight.
- To attach the new panel, use screws or clips provided with the new panel, or use wood screws or self-tapping screws for wooden or plastic panels if no fittings are provided.
- Secure the panel under the bath lip and against the bath frame or supports.
- If adjustments are needed around pipes or skirting boards, the panel may require cutting.
- Seal the bottom of the bath panel where it meets the floor to prevent water from running under the bath.
Expert Recommendations
Alex Woods, a marketing manager at Victorian Plumbing, recommends the Komelon 5M Metric Self-Lock Tape Measure and Everbuild FOREVERWH Forever White Sealant for this task. Kieren Connaghan from Connaghan Plumbing & Heating specializes in installations, repairs, and maintenance of plumbing and heating systems.
Sliding Panels and Standard Sizes
Sliding panels are common in contemporary or higher-end designs, especially in bathrooms with bespoke layouts. Standard sizes for bath panels are typically between 1500mm-1800mm for front panels, with heights ranging from 450mm-550mm. Most manufacturers only sell the standard sizes.
A cordless drill is useful for everyday drilling tasks in DIY projects. Some bath panels can be attached using magnets, allowing for easy removal and installation without screws or clips.
By following this guide, you'll be well-equipped to replace your bath panel and enjoy a modern, functional, and low-maintenance bathroom upgrade.
- For a modern and functional bathroom upgrade, invest in a bath panel that offers a sleek design, durability, and easy maintenance.
- engineered stone panels are a grout-free, smooth surface that resists mold, mildew, and staining, making them a low-maintenance choice.
- Consider tools like a compact saw with 13 TPI for making smooth cuts on plastic panels and a well-built caulking gun for quick and consistent sealant application.
- Replacing a bath panel involves measuring the dimensions, fitting the new panel, and securing it under the bathtub lip and against the bath frame or supports.
- Before fitting the new panel, double-check the measurements, especially the distance from the rim of the bath to the floor and the length of the bath.
- Always seal the bottom of the bath panel where it meets the floor to prevent water from running under the bath.
- Sliding panels are common in contemporary bathroom designs and come in standard sizes between 1500mm-1800mm for front panels.
- A handy tip for this project is the recommendation of Alex Woods, a marketing manager at Victorian Plumbing, and the use of the Komelon 5M Metric Self-Lock Tape Measure and Everbuild FOREVERWH Forever White Sealant for this task.
