Wanting to reduce the cost of plumbing, the manufacturer produces products with a minimum set of devices and fixtures, giving us the opportunity to independently decide whether to buy or not to buy screens for the bathroom.
And not everyone wants to buy exactly plastic panels, if there are other materials. How to choose the most suitable option, what should I look for when buying or making an individual order?
Product configuration and design features
The design of the screen, which is installed under the bath, consists of a set or only one front panel and frame, which is made in the form of two guides or a frame. The decorative screen can be direct or angular, one-piece or consist of several elements made in the form of swing or sliding doors.
The main difference between the screen and the panel is that the latter is mainly made of plastic by the bath manufacturers themselves. It clearly fits in shape and size to the bowl of the same model. By choosing the right panel, you can be sure that the dimensions fit perfectly.
The screen layout may also differ: strictly vertical, tilted at an angle, with a notch for the legs. Both options have their pros and cons. The first will not allow you to come close to the bath, make it uncomfortable to maintain, the second will worsen the appearance, create an acute angle between the floor and the screen, which will be difficult to mop.
The space under the bathroom can serve as a small pantry for detergents, rags, plumbing fixtures and tools. Such functional shelves come complete with the main product or are purchased separately
The sizes of the finished screens that go on sale have standard values. The front panels are produced with the following widths: 75 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 102 cm, 120 cm. Front cousins can be from 130 to 210 cm in size. Their height is from 40 to 60 cm. If none of the options fits, You can order the product with the desired parameters.
If there are small children in the house, additionally install small locks, blocking from them access to household chemicals
Screens are equipped with two or three legs, the bottom of which is equipped with plastic to protect against slipping. They are adjustable, therefore, it is not difficult to choose the required height, especially taking into account the fact that the height of the bowls is basically standard. With the help of the legs, the screen is installed in surprise, protecting the space under the bath from moisture.
With a screen located at an angle or with a recess, it is more convenient to serve the bath itself or to bathe children. But this design does not look very aesthetically pleasing
When choosing a product, it is important to evaluate the quality of the accessories used. Handles, frame and guides must be made of non-corrosive material. Otherwise, it may happen that the screen will serve for many years, and the peeling coating will “please” you as much.
It happens that the screen height is not enough, then instead of the standard bolts, bolts of a longer length are selected
What material to choose the panel for the bath
Since the main purpose of the screen, in addition to decorative, is to protect the space under the bath from moisture, the materials for the manufacture of products must be water repellent and not deteriorate when exposed to steam with water.
Almost all materials that are used in the manufacture of bath screens have this property, but there are also those whose use is perplexing.
MDF screen: aesthetics or practicality?
A screen with a panel of MDF is most often performed in the form of swing or sliding doors. Inside can be equipped with a shelf. Such a decorative panel looks much prettier than the plastic type, in addition, when ordering furniture from MDF to the bathroom, it is possible to choose a product in the same style and color scheme.
Buyers of MDF screens, apparently, are attracted by the novelty of the material used in this quality, and in appearance they noticeably win against the background of plastic products
Of the main disadvantages is the weak resistance to the effects of a humid environment. Despite the fact that the production uses moisture-resistant MDF, in case of frequent contact with water, the material swells, the external coating exfoliates.
The frame, which is made of moisture-resistant chipboard or wooden blocks, is also afraid of moisture. Negative customer reviews of MDF panels claim that problems begin to appear as early as six months after installation. Another drawback is that the material is difficult to cut.
If the finished product does not fit and needs to be adjusted, then this will be problematic. The fact is that MDF needs to be cut on powerful equipment used in woodworking with a large number of revolutions, otherwise the edges of the cut will be torn. A conventional hacksaw or electric jigsaw can greatly ruin the appearance of the product.
Those who came across working with MDF will find such a choice, to put it mildly, strange, and this is not a matter of marriage, but of the properties of the material itself. Responsibility for the use of materials that do not tolerate contact with moisture lies entirely with the manufacturer.
Aluminum bath screen: reliability and variety
Aluminum screens are primarily an aluminum profile frame. Plexiglas, MDF panels, and PVC can be used as decorative panels. The range of products with various designs is quite high, you can choose for every taste.
The guides of the aluminum screen for the bathtub are much more reliable than the plastic ones, which eventually become deformed and stop holding the doors
The main properties of the screen, which are self-evident, even without reading the manufacturer's characteristics, are reliability and durability.
The aluminum frame and guides do not corrode, the products tolerate mechanical loads well, do not deform under the influence of moisture. Not the lowest cost pays off due to the durability of the material.
Plastic decorative panels for the bath: pros and cons
The screen is a panel made of cellular plastic, which is installed in a case-frame made of PVC or aluminum profile. The cheapest and most common models are white. Also released are screens coated with a self-adhesive film of various colors, including those with a 3D pattern.
It will not be difficult to choose the right version of the plastic screen so that it fits with the interior - the assortment available on the market is very diverse
The popularity of plastic screens can be explained by several advantages:
- ease of installation, fitting to the required size;
- low cost in comparison with panels of other materials;
- the largest variety of sizes, shapes, designs, colors and ornaments;
- insensitivity to high humidity, to direct and prolonged contact with water;
- long service life - depending on the quality of production, from 10 to 30 years are used.
Judging by user reviews, plastic screens are not too solid construction, and some models can directly be called fragile. Therefore, they require careful handling, they must be protected from shock. Do not use abrasive materials to wash the panels.
Glass screen: longevity despite its apparent fragility
For the manufacture of glass screens for the bath using tempered glass. The material has all the necessary qualities for use in the bathroom: it is moisture-resistant, strong, durable, easy to clean and, unlike plastic, it is not susceptible to scratches and plaque to the same degree.
Glass panels can be solid, with sliding, opening or hinging doors. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, which is coated with powder enamel.
Glass can be either frosted or glossy, have different colors. If there are no suitable sizes, then a glass screen is made to order
Mirror screens are also available for bathtubs that look great in the interior and visually expand the space. The disadvantage of such products is their rather considerable cost and fragility.
In addition, mirror panels are more difficult to care for, as fingerprints and splashes of water are clearly visible on the surface. To maintain cleanliness, they must be constantly cleaned.
Tiles and mosaics - traditional quality
During the repair, the choice of protective and decorative cladding makes it possible to focus on the already become traditional finish with mosaics or ceramic tiles. This solution will allow you to withstand a single style, and a home-made screen will provide good protection against moisture and will last until the next overhaul.
The argument in favor of the decision to make the screen for the bathtub from tiles or mosaics is the possibility of constructing panels for bathtubs of non-standard shapes - semicircular, S-shaped, etc.
Facing with ceramics, in comparison with other options, is more expensive, especially if the tiles in the bathroom are used not cheaply, and the time and effort for installation will need more. But the result will be pleasing to the eye, and you can forget about the maintenance or repair of the screen for a long time.
It is imperative to provide access to drain valves under the bathtub, in case of preventive or emergency work
The basis for the tile can serve as a surface made of moisture-resistant drywall or tongue-and-groove plates, brickwork. For an oval or semicircular bowl, it is easier to use polystyrene plates. The frame is installed from a galvanized metal profile. Less commonly, the frame of the screen is made of tiles from wooden blocks.
Brick or block masonry is the most suitable material for the construction of a base for tiles, both in terms of reliability and the cost of materials and work. But when choosing a masonry, it is necessary to take into account its considerable weight, to assess the ability of the ceiling to withstand a large load, because the bath itself, filled with water, will weigh more than 200 kg
The main requirement for the material is moisture resistance, strength, it should not be deformed under the weight of the lining. In some cases, chipboard is also used, but its use in a bathroom is extremely undesirable, since it is afraid of contact with water.
For semicircular bath models, a mosaic is used - it is better to repeat the rounded shape. The background is chosen to match the walls or floor or contrasting colors are used, with the main emphasis on the bath
Self-developed design allows you to competently and conveniently organize the space closed by a decorative and protective panel. How to make a screen with shelves and compartments, find out their article recommended by us.
Natural materials for bath design
The desire to use natural materials more and more in interior design was the impetus for the creation of wood screens. It would seem that this material can in no way be used where it will often come into contact with water.
But modern manufacturing and processing technologies help to do the impossible. New wood preservatives allow the use of natural material outdoors, in the open air and, of course, in the bathroom.
Before ordering a screen made of wood, it is better to verify the competence of the manufacturer. Not everyone is able to ensure high-quality production, installation, guarantee product durability
Less commonly, you can find natural or artificial stone finishes. This design option is a great alternative to tile. And although the cost is quite high, but natural or imitating materials will last a long time and will always be relevant, they will not go out of style.
Expensive screens made of natural or artificial stone are mainly used for the same expensive bathtubs - stone or high-quality acrylic
Features of the installation of decorative panels
Ready-made screens, subject to compliance with all sizes, are installed quickly enough. But sometimes the height of the legs is not enough to close the space under the bowl. Then regular bolts are replaced with longer ones.
Problems can also arise if the bathtub is not installed horizontally. In this case, it is better to check the installation level of the plumbing itself first and fix this situation.
Before buying or installing, it is better to measure the height of the bath and make sure that the adjusting height of the screen is enough to hide the unsightly space under it
Mismatch in product width can also complicate installation. A screen that is wider than necessary is reduced by cutting the frame on the sides. But you need to be prepared that not every product can be cut. If the screen is smaller, then the remaining space is covered with a small wall of drywall.
Despite all the variety of models, sometimes you still have to make a screen with your own hands. This also happens because the required size or shape may not be available. The incentive for independent construction of a decorative panel can also be the desire to maintain the style, embody the original plan, and maximize the use of the bathroom space.
Installing a screen yourself is easier if a one-piece design is expected. If you want to provide maximum access to the bathtub, use this space to store things, then it is better to use a screen with doors.
But installing a sliding screen under the bath on your own will be more difficult and hardly cheaper. For bathtubs in standard sizes and shapes, it might be better to consider ready-made options.
Video # 1. What material to choose the panel for the bath:
Video # 2. Presentation of the finished design for masking the space under the bathroom:
Video # 3. A variety of colors and patterns:
The screen for the bath is a fairly significant detail of the interior. Therefore, often the aesthetic factor outweighs the scales in their favor.
But we should not forget about the practical side and choose a decorative panel for the bath, not only beautiful, but also reliable, one that will last a long time without losing its appearance and without losing functionality.
Tell us about how you mounted a screen for arranging plumbing with your own hands. It is possible that your experience will be useful to site visitors. Please write comments in the block below, post photos here and ask questions about the topic of the article.