How to fit a bath panel

When you choose your new bath, it is important to consider the space it is to be fitted in to. Some baths are freestanding, so do not require a wall to fit to, but will need special consideration for the location of your pipe work, and the cost to get it moved to suit your new bath. External standpipes are often unsightly in this case, so it is recommended that you choose versions to suit your new bath, or those specifically chosen by the bath manufacturer. For example, V&A baths, such as the Hampshire can be bought with the allocated waste kit and stand pipes, to ensure all piping is concealed in attractive chrome sleeves.

For an easier option, a traditional bath can be fitted to the wall, using existing pipe work which is concealed behind the bath, and covered with the bath panels. For example, Ideal Standard has an extensive range of baths to suit a variety of sizes and shapes, from the minimal and simple Alto bath to the most extravagant Kyomi bath.

Another alternative to a conventional bath is a ‘P’ shaped or shower bath, which have specific bath panels to suit their alternative shape.However, bath panels can often be difficult to fit, but with a few simple tips, needn’t have complicated frames constructed to accommodate them. If you are concerned about fitting a bath, it is always best to employ a plumber to do so, as they are experts in this field and will ensure the fittings are to the highest quality and look stunning in your new bathroom.

Bathrooms that have restrictions on space due to existing fixtures may require you to cut the bath panel to size to accommodate these. This can be done using a simply hacksaw. If you have problems with the hacksaw handle getting in the way when cutting to size, simply remove the blade and use it on its own, but be sure to use strong, durable thick gloves when doing so to limit the risk of injury to yourself. Saws are developed so that their teeth grip and cut through the material with little pressure or strength from the user, so do not use excessive weight on the saw, as this will damage the plastic of the panel. If you have problems with you saw, it may be blunt or worn, and a new one is the best solution to this.

Once you have cut your bath panel to the required size, select a section of timber to secure the bath panel to, a 3 inch by 2 inch timber is ideal, but any size that is big enough to give stability is sufficient. Use a router to cut a 25mm deep rebate in to the timber and screw to the bathroom floor. To choose the ideal location for your baton, use a spirit level, or plumbed string to follow a line from the side of the bath to the floor, this is where the rebate on the timber should fall.You are then ready to fit your bath panel, simply slot the top under the bath and the bottom in to the rebate in the timber.