Bath panel buying guide

The cladding used to cover up the plumbing beneath your bathtub is called a bath panel. Bath panels are mainly installed over straight baths, but can be used to cover any bath where the underside of the bath is on show. They are used primarily to finish the bathtub by covering up the waste, pipework, floor, feet and sides of the bath. But bath panels also have a secondary, lesser known purpose which is to help to keep the water in the bath at a comfortable temperature.

Standard bath panels

Bath panels can cover one to three sides of the bath and are usually used to cover straight bathtubs installed against a wall or in a corner.

Curved bath panels

These bath panels are specially designed to mould to the contours of a curved corner bath or round bath.

Full bath panels

If you have a bathtub in the middle of the room and it's not a stylish freestanding model, you'll need panels for every side of the bathtub.

Consider yourself an experienced DIYer? You should have no issue installing the bath panel yourself! But do take care – you not only need the DIY skills, you'll also need the right tools since the bath panel will usually have to be measured, adjusted and cut before installation.

What are bath panels made of?

Plasterboard

Plasterboard can also be referred to as drywall or gyp board. This material is easy to cut and install. However, you must choose a moisture-resistant plasterboard to ensure it can stand up to moisture and dripping water. This type of material must be covered whether you go for tiles, plaster or paint. Plasterboard is one of the most commonly used materials in construction thanks to its convenience and affordability.

Plywood

Lots of older baths are fitted with plywood bath panels. This material is very affordable and fairly resistant. However, only marine plywood can be used in wet areas. This material is often mounted on a wooden framework and can be plastered, tiled or painted over like plasterboard.

Aerated concrete blocks

This is a great alternative if you don't have a lot of tools lying about. These large blocks are straightforward to cut and can be joined together easily using a special adhesive. What's more, they are light meaning they are easy to handle and move around.

Wood

If you're looking to add a touch of warmth or create an exotic look in the bathroom, opt for wooden panelling. It goes without saying that the wood you choose must be rot-resistant and moisture-resistant. Synthetic panelling like PVC can be a more affordable alternative to wood. But be wary of the cheapest materials as they are usually hollow and therefore more shock sensitive

If you've only got the basics in DIY covered, a ready-fit bath panel may be the ideal option. These panels are designed to be cut to size and installed without too much hassle. You'll find a wide range of designs. However it's important to choose the right type of panel for your bath. You must consider:

• the dimensions of the bath in terms of length, width and height;

• the size of the bath (i.e. can it fit one or two people?);

• the shape and design of the bath (e.g. rectangular, round, P-shaped, L-shaped, etc.).

Synthetic materials like polyurethane, acrylic and PVC provide complete protection against moisture and come in a range of different finishes (mirrored, frosted, metal, etc.). Once again, you have a couple of choices, depending on how handy you are.

Ready-fit bath panels (without finish)

Ready-fit bath panels are made in line with common bath dimensions and are generally fitted with adjustable feet which allows you to position the panel easily beneath the bath. These panels usually come in one of four materials: glass, PVC, acrylic or wood.

Ready-fit bath panels (with finish)

These bath panels are also made to match common bath dimensions. However, these panels are designed to be tiled or plastered over so you can choose whatever finish you like. Once again, be sure to only use waterproof materials.

If you tend to switch off entirely when anything 'DIY' is mentioned or you simply don't have the time, a custom-made bath panel is the perfect option. These bath panels are often sold as an optional extras when you purchase your bath. Since these panels are made-to-measure, there's no need to cut them to size as they have been designed to match the shape and dimensions of your bath perfectly. The bath panel should be fitted at the same time as the bath and the longest part of the process will be deciding on a finish between options like natural stone, synthetic materials like acrylic or natural materials like marble. Your choice will depend on the rest of your bathroom décor. If you feel like a bit of hard work or you're hoping to add a personal touch to your space, you can always opt for a tileable made-to-measure bath panel to decorate yourself. Of course, as practical as this type of bath panel is, it will be more expensive than other models.

Access panels

Many of us get stuck into the process of installing a bath panel and completely forget about one essential step: adding an access panel. This part is used to access your pipes easily without having to dismantle the whole panel in the event of any issues (for example, with the water feeds or bath trap). It is not unheard of for bath wastes or pipework in general to start showing signs of weakness over time. In fact, leaks, worn washers and blocked pipes are fairly commonplace. You will therefore have to be able to check the condition of your plumbing from time to time and repair or maintain as required.

Access panels all vary in size and usually won't cost much extra to include. The framework is easy to install flush against the bath panel and the hinged and removable hatch can usually be tiled over. The frame is usually metal-free to prevent corrosion. If you plan on making your own access hatch, be sure to use waterproof materials or apply a protective varnish to the panel.

Adjustable feet

Whether you're a DIY pro or you're just starting out, installing a bath panel can sometimes be trickier than expected. That's why bath panels often come with adjustable feet that allow you to adjust the height of your bath panel beneath the lip of the bath. Really practical to use, these adjustable feet may be included with your bath panel or sold separately.

• How to install a bathtub

• Bathtub buying guide

• How to install a jacuzzi bath

• How to install a freestanding bathtub

• How to install a bath screen