Bathroom wall panels (also known as bathroom cladding) are the easiest way to update the look of your bathroom. With many designs to choose from, you’ll always be able to find something that complements your space perfectly.
But what about installing the bathroom panels? Will I need to pay a large sum for someone to come and fit them? No! Shower wall panels are super easy to install by anyone who is DIY competent. Simply cut the Showerwall panels to size and fix them to the wall or over existing tiles.
Follow these 10 steps and you too can transform your bathroom.
1. Get The Right Tools and Supplies
Making sure you are equipped with all the best tools will enable you to do the best possible job. To install your bathroom wall panels, you will need:
- A Handsaw OR Jigsaw OR Circular Saw
- Hacksaw
- Drill
- Hammer
- 1200mm Spirit Level
- Sealant Gun
- Suction Cups
- Tape Measure
Also, you’ll ideally want to invest in our: Sureseal Strips and Showerwall Sealant
2. Prepare the Bathroom
Prepare the area where the Showerwall panels will be fitted ensuring the walls are clean, degreased and free from dirt and dust.
Next, check that the walls are flat and plumb with the spirit level.
3. Ensure a Fixing Method is in Place
If they are not in place already, treated battens must be used as a fixing method.
Uniform thickness timber battens approximately 25mm x 50mm should be fixed vertically at 585mm centres where 585mm panels are used. Ensure all vertical panel joints are supported appropriately by vertical battens, the spacing of which should be determined to suit your particular panel face width being installed.
All battens must be installed plumb and parallel and packing spacers used to ensure all battens are fully plumb and their surface faces are level. Additional battens should be positioned to carry heavy items such as hand basins, wall mounted toilets or furniture. Vertical battens should also be present in the corners to support the corner profiles.
4. Install the Shower Tray
It is important to check and ensure that the shower tray is also located level using your spirit level.
Measure the shower tray to determine the lengths of seal strips required. Note: Ensure you accommodate for your shower screen.
5. Add the seal strips
Cut the seal strip, with face capping attached, so that it has a 45 degree internal corner angle. Then notch both ends, to accommodate the internal corner with a hacksaw. Ensure both ends of the trim are notched.
Check that the notches match up in the corner and mark a guide on the shower tray using a pencil.
Apply an ample bead of wall panel sealant into the underside channel of the seal strip. Make sure that the cavity is totally filled with sealant.
Lay a straight line of the sealant on the shower tray where you previously marked. Lay down the strips and fuse together in the corner. Next, fix the internal corner trim to the wall using adhesive.
Now that you have the main structure in place, take measurements for the height and width of the bathroom wall panel.
6. Cut the Panels to Size
At this point remove the protective film from the face of the panel and check there are no imperfections or issues with it.
Double check your measurements and then mark the bathroom wall panel and cut to the correct height and width. You will also need to cut any holes for pipes or shower heads at this point.
7. Install the Panels
Using the suction cups, place the panel in position to ensure it is the correct size and to confirm a 3mm gap is left at the top edge of the panel and around any cut outs.
Add a generous amount of sealant into the corner trim and fill the bottom seal strips. The add bathroom wall panel adhesive to the wall of directly to the panel using lines, or zig zags.
Install both panels ensuring they’re fully pressed into the seal strips.
Remove any excess sealant from around the seal strips and push front strips and ends into place ensuring the capping is now fully flush.
Seal any holes you previously made for pipes or shower heads by applying the sealant around the fixtures and fittings.
8. Your Shower Panels are Now Ready
Leave the sealant and adhesive for 24 hours to ensure it is fully set and then your shower is ready to use!
Why not save our infographic as a handy step-by-step guide.
