How to Install a New Bath Panel

A new Bath Panel can lift your whole bathroom look, we show you how to install one here.

● Tools for the job
● Creating a bath panel frame
● Fitting the bath panel

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How to fit a new bath panel?

Bath panels are available in lots of different styles, colours and finishes, so no matter what look you go for, you are sure to find a bath panel that complements your own individual style.

We are going to look at the most common process for installing a bath panel, as this is something you can do in your own home to quickly and easily update your bathroom.

This is a beginner / intermediate difficulty job. You will need experience handling tools and materials and confidence in your abilities to measure, cut and drill accurately.

If this is not something you feel comfortable doing then we would always recommend calling a trained professional. However, this guide will give you the main points you need to understand how to fit a bath panel into place and the best way to make sure it fits nicely for the best possible look.

For this guide we have based the instructions on a pre-made bath panel as this is the easiest, most cost effective way to achieve the customised look to your bathroom. If your bath panel requires any cutting or adjustments remember to apply sanitary sealant afterward to make sure no water is able to leak into or between the material.

Tools for the job:

● Pre-made bath panels
● wooden battens
● A handheld drill
● Assorted screws
● A spirit level
● Sanitary sealant
● A measuring tape

Creating a bath panel frame.

A bath panel frame is usually made of 3 or 4 upright battens and two horizontal ones, joined together to make a wooden ladder frame. It then fits snugly between the bath lip and the floor and helps provide support for the bath while at the same time giving you a way to fix and attach the bath panel neatly and securely with a bond that will last.

You can find wooden battens at any DIY store, often cut to size of around 50 x 50 mm. Wooden battens are relatively inexpensive and are perfect for this job.

First, you should measure the area below your bath to find out how big to make your bath panel. You need to keep in mind at this point the width of your bath panel, as your panel will need to connect to the wooden frame and fit nicely beneath the lip of your bath. Use your hand held drill to construct your frame, once you are certain of your measurements.

Once your front side frame is complete, screw two 3-sided frames to the wall for your end panels, measured with the same precision. The best piece of advice we can give is that before you drill anything, make absolutely sure of your measurements, as being sure at this point can save you time and effort in the long run. Once you are confident, attach these together and secure to the floor. Your bath is now supported by a wooden batten frame .

Fitting the bath panel

Line up the long front panel - make sure you use a spirit level to ensure a straight and level line, and remember that the side panels need to fit on the inside of the front panel. You can use pencil to mark the battens or floor with any information you need.

Once you are confident that everything will fit nice and straight against the wooden batten frame, you can attach the side panels followed by the front panel using discrete screws into the wooden battens. Although some people choose to use double sided adhesive tape or even a strong industrial sealant. You should bear in mind that access to your plumbing is important. So, you should be able to remove the main panel quickly and easily while the wooden frame should not obstruct your work.

With so many different types, styles and finishes available, bath panels have evolved from a functional, utilitarian item to tastefully hideaway your plumbing and bath, into an accessory that can lift your look and help provide a cohesive style right across your bathroom.

Hopefully, this guide to installing a bath panel will have provided some insight into the installation process, however, if you have any questions, please get in touch. For all other kinds of bathroom DIY, stick with us on the Victorian Plumbing blog.