Screens for bathtubs: types and tips for choosing. How to make a sliding screen for a bathroom from PVC panels with your own hands

The screen serves as a screen for communications connected to the bathroom. Underneath it perfectly hides the legs of a bathtub installed on linings, a drain, sewer outlets, pipes. But in addition to functions related to the aesthetics of space, the screen can also perform other useful work. For example, serve as a support for the stability of the bath or be a cabinet for small items.

Acrylic bathtubs and other representatives of the latest generation of plumbing fixtures are often immediately equipped with a screen, ideal for hiding dark corners and communications. But what to do if the bathtub is old, and you don’t want to see its shabby sides every day? You can purchase a ready-made screen, and if you don’t want to spend money on a store-bought version or you need the screen under the bathtub to 100 percent meet your requirements, you can make a screen under the bathtub yourself. Here are several ways to create a screen.

The screen providing access under the bathroom is made with sliding doors or with a built-in cabinet for household chemicals; may have vertically or horizontally opening cavities. Vertical structures It is advisable to arrange the openings according to the principle of blinds or equip them with gas lifts and other fasteners that are well known to furniture makers.

Requirements for a bath screen

Materials for the bath screen

The materials that you will use in the bathroom should not be afraid of water, moisture, or temperature changes. It is also important that they are not susceptible to rapid destruction from mold or mildew.

You can make the base of the screen from almost any building material, and then decorate the outside to your liking. Plastic panels or tiles are used for cladding.

Homemade screen options:

The fastest way to do this is to cover the frame under the bathtub with MDF panels. Strips of plastic or MDF are biologically neutral and practical. These materials are easy to cut and fasten together.

After construction, the brick base will need to be sheathed and plastered or tiles glued to it. And before installation wooden frame The wood must be coated with a special impregnation to protect it from dampness.

Plastic screen. MDF sheathing

A screen made of MDF or plastic lining will be the most simple option, which will allow you to immediately obtain a finishing surface. The MDF screen is easy to disassemble, and plastic sheathing the most economical - if any part is damaged, it can be replaced.

Plastic for shielding the space is attached to a frame, for the formation of which it is used wooden beam 40 by 40mm or metal profile. A moisture-resistant primer is required for wood.

1. Cutting MDF and plastic panels is carried out in advance. To work with plastic, it is convenient to use a cutter or construction knife. The surface of the screen is made up of panels, and where there should be a technological hole, a slot is made into which a grille or door is inserted.

In the finished plastic screen, it is also necessary to cut ventilation slots (on the side where there is no “window”). The recommended slot width is 3 by 5 cm. The ventilation hole is covered with a plastic grill.

Important! When installing a blind screen, make sure that all communications to which the screen will block access are in good condition.

Screen based on plasterboard

The principle of constructing a plasterboard screen is exactly the same as when working with plastic. First, markings are applied to the bathroom floor. Next, a frame is built from a metal profile or wood. But there is a significant difference: when installing a frame under drywall, you need to take into account that finishing also has a certain thickness. In particular, if it is planned to finish the screen with tiles, the frame must be “recessed” relative to the surface exactly at the distance that the finishing layer will take. If the facing material does not affect the wall thickness, then the projection of the frame onto the floor is plumb.

Second important point: for work in the bathroom you only need special drywall, protected from moisture. In places where it is most likely to come into contact with water, it should be additionally primed. Drywall sheets are cut in accordance with the height of the screen, minus 2 cm.

The sheets must be secured by moving a centimeter away from the edge of the bathtub and from the floor to prevent swelling of the gypsum sheet. Direct contact with moisture or a wet surface is contraindicated even with special drywall (remember, it is green).

To fasten the sheets, use black self-tapping screws, screwing them in every 15 cm along the upper and lower profile. Pay attention to the dimensions of the screws and the thickness of the profile: damage to the bathtub is not the best option completion of work.

After completing the fastening, the base of the screen must be primed entirely and sheathed with any material. This could be ceramic tiles or trim moisture-resistant wallpaper, pasting with film, decorative plaster. The voids near the floor and at the upper edge of the bathtub are filled with polyurethane foam.

To create a screen on a brick base, you need to build a half-brick thick wall under the bathroom. When making initial markings, it is necessary to take into account the thickness of the brick + 2 cm of glue + the thickness of the tiles, deepening the marks accordingly.

The masonry is done with each next brick offset by half (by the way, you can also read about a do-it-yourself brick bath on our website). This will prevent the wall from collapsing. You need to leave a window to access communications. The door is attached to the technological opening using canopies. The wall being built cannot be a support for the bathroom, since the top row of bricks should be 2-3 cm below the edge of the bathroom bowl. They pour into the gap polyurethane foam, which seals the joint between the bowl and the wall.

To cover a brick base, tiles or plaster are suitable.

The screen under the bathtub can be made as drapery or covering made of fabric and other similar materials. The main thing is to choose quick-drying polyester fiber fabrics.

1. Polyester materials work well in damp rooms.
2. Fabrics with a membrane structure prevent the formation of fungus, allowing the space under the bath to be ventilated.
3. Waterproof nylon materials are ideal for covering the screen.
4. A good solution is to cover the frame with artificial leather.
5. It is permissible to install panels with any finishing solutions that can withstand dampness.

For triangular or corner bath It is most convenient to use plastic or plasterboard shielding. Complex shapes ideally accept the front mosaic finish, beautifully emphasizing the contour of the bowl. Installation of curved screens also begins with the construction of the frame and then the trim is adjusted in place, in accordance with the smooth lines and curves of the bathtub.

Installation of a finished screen or sliding doors

The finished screen is an acrylic shield or plastic construction with two canvases that slide in different sides. It is best to use the profile that comes with the screen for installation. But homemade foundation frames are also acceptable. Also, don’t forget to look at the screen installation instructions to know what methods you can use to secure it (liquid nails or self-tapping screws).

Video - DIY bath screen

Video - How to hide pipes under the bathtub

Video - Screen under the bath

Almost finished. The walls and floor are lined with luxurious tiles, fortunately, today the assortment of them in stores can drive into a stupor not only the average person, but also experienced designer. New faucets sparkle with nickel and gold, shimmering with reflections suspended ceiling, the new bathtub pleases with its extraordinary whiteness. But its facade doesn’t fit into all this splendor: all the unsightly communications, legs, and outer side This modern miracle of plumbing does not in any way harmonize with the interior created with such love.

What to do?

Naturally, something needs to be covered. How? Should I make it myself or buy it ready-made? This is the question that is almost always asked by the happy owner of an updated one according to the latest fashion trends bathroom. And we will try to help. Let's talk about what these designs are like and how to do it yourself, if this wise Solomonic decision was made.

Short review

Why Solomonic? Because it’s not always possible to buy what you want and what will fit the size and, most importantly, configuration new bath, which can be quite varied. Therefore, let's talk about what types of this design there are in general, how to make a screen for a bathtub yourself and, of course, what it is made of.

Why is it needed at all? by and large? In addition to being decorative, as mentioned above, a screen under a bathtub can perform several more functions. Firstly, it will protect communications from mechanical influence from the outside, and secondly, behind it you can arrange a warehouse for useful, but not very attractive in appearance, things.

Plastic

This option also does not require special material costs. But you will still have to work longer here. Do-it-yourself plastic bath screens are made either from large panels, the designs of which, by the way, are also very diverse, or from individual pieces of PVC cut to height.

To make such a design, you need to buy, in addition to the main component, a profile specially designed for this purpose, and decorative corners.

Process technology

We cut out blanks of the required height from plastic. We measure the length of the future screen, and then cut off the excess pieces from the guides. We make markings on the floor - draw a line along which we will install the lower profile. Then we directly install the screen under the bathtub. We insert PVC panels directly on the floor into the upper and lower guides. Then we apply glue along the marking line (in our case, these are liquid nails), top part We install the structures under the side of the bathtub, and the lower one directly on the glue. We wait until the glue dries, decorate the edges of the screen with corners (we place them on the same liquid nails). You can use it! True, such a screen under the bathtub will only serve a decorative function. It is not recommended to use it as a place to store any items - there will be too much fuss to constantly take out and then insert at least one of the panels, not to mention several.

If you still want to have a sliding rather than a solid structure, then it is best to adopt the following method.

A la wardrobe

This would be, perhaps, the best option of all that exist. Installing a screen for a bathtub according to the principle of a wardrobe is good in all respects. Firstly, the installation procedure itself is relatively simple, and secondly, the choice of doors for such a design is simply huge. These can be either ordinary MDF panels or mirror or glass doors. The latter, by the way, can be ordered with a pattern applied in accordance with your own wishes, thanks to which it will be possible to fit the screen into the existing interior as organically as possible.

What to do?

Go to the construction market, having previously measured the height and width of the space under the bathroom. There we find a pavilion that offers all the components for sliding wardrobes and buy guides, appropriate fittings and dowels (regular and “bug”). And then we select the doors. These can be ordinary MDF panels of any color, mirrored, or glass with beautiful prints. Here everything depends on the contents of your wallet and the design idea itself. The store employees will certainly cut out the required pieces for you according to the given sizes, and all you have to do is pay for the purchase. After which we go home with the purchased material, where we begin installation.

Description of work

We cut out the guides in accordance with the width of the opening, then fasten the upper one to the bathroom itself with dowels, and the lower one with self-tapping screws to the floor. We mount the fittings on the doors and insert them into the guides. We check that the wheels fit well into the grooves, since it is thanks to them that the doors will move apart. As you can see, the installation process is quite simple. The only negative is the rather high cost of such material. But the result is worth it.

How to make a screen for a bath: other options

Other methods of making a screen for a bathtub are more labor-intensive. This is the manufacture of a structure made of plasterboard, the installation of which involves creating a frame from profiles, foam blocks, bricks, etc. As a rule, such screens are subsequently covered with ceramic tiles - the same as the bathroom itself, or in a different, contrasting color. It really depends on the wishes of the master himself. Each of these methods is quite labor-intensive and requires a separate detailed description. The only thing I would like to note is that making a screen from plasterboard will be the best option if you have a bathtub of a non-standard configuration. This material is very light and easy to work with, it takes a given shape well, so it can be used to decorate any surface.

So making a bathtub screen with your own hands is not such a difficult task. You just need to pick suitable option, which will match the design of your bathroom and functional features installed plumbing.

Very often, a screen for a bathtub is made with your own hands for the sole purpose of hiding the not very aesthetic appearance of communication pipes.
But at the same time, this element can become one of decorative ornaments bathroom.

Main types of bath screens

Depending on the functional load, bath screens can be:

• deaf;
• with shelves: open or closed doors;
• removable;
• swing;
• sliding;
• with retractable sections or drawers.

But, regardless of which option you have to choose, you should consider three important nuances:

• the screen must provide free access to communications for their maintenance and repair, including emergency;
• do not use the faucet as a supporting structure for the bath itself;
• make a reliable waterproofing seam between the floor and the screen to avoid possible ingress and flow of water under the bathtub.

Installing the screen sometimes allows you to slightly expand functionality premises. But this fact is especially relevant for small bathrooms, as it allows you to organize additional features, for example, for storing household chemicals. In this regard, the sliding screen for the bathtub is characterized by the greatest functionality, since it does not require additional area to open the doors. From an aesthetic point of view, great opportunities are provided by blind screens, which can be finished with the same materials as the entire bathroom.

The most popular materials for making screens

The main requirement for the materials used to construct a bathtub screen is moisture resistance, and it is based on this criterion that a choice should be made.

Solid screens for bathtubs

If the choice is made in favor of the deaf option, then the most practical material- brick, which can then be easily covered with cladding. But it is imperative to provide a technological opening for access to communications, which, however, may also have decorative design: this can be an ordinary hatch, attached with self-tapping screws to the frame, and when closed it does not stand out against the background of the screen in any way and does not spoil its design.

Fixed screens can be mounted from other materials, for example, from MDF, plastic, etc., but most often they are used to make more complex structures with a frame structure that provide greater functionality - such as sliding or swing systems.

Tile screen

Removable and sliding systems

Removable screens are most often used for acrylic bathtubs; they often come with it in the same configuration and are made of the same material. The undeniable advantage of such a screen is its beautiful and presentable appearance, perfect fit to the bathtub, and the disadvantage is the inability to use additional space in the bathroom.

Note!

This material is usually used to make ready-made designs, which in large assortment are offered in specialized stores. If necessary, you can choose the option with an end insert. In this case, it is important to purchase a model exactly according to the size of the bathtub, but you will still have to make an exact adjustment to the location.

In quite rare cases, a mirror can be used as a material for the screen, from which the panels are made or, in the case of a device sliding system, doors.

Installation of frame types of screens for bathtubs

Due to the fact that many types of materials that are highly moisture resistant have appeared on the market, the task of making a screen for a bathtub is not difficult and can be done independently. Often used for this moisture resistant drywall, plastic or MDF, OSB panels. But in this case, a frame must be made, the material for which is metal or aluminum profile. Wood, even specially treated wood, is not recommended for this, although it is allowed.

Making a screen frame

The profile size is determined by the width of the material used and the thickness decorative finishing- for plasterboard and OSB it is mandatory, and MDF panels or plastic do not require additional decoration. If you plan to install a sliding system, you should also purchase guide rails similar to those used in sliding wardrobes. To create a convenient approach to the bathtub, you should either provide a special indentation of 5-10 cm from the edge of the bathtub inwards or install an inclined version of the frame.

Access to communications can be provided in two ways: immediately behind open doors or behind an additional internal panel, for example, from MDF - in this case, the external space has a more presentable appearance. But access to communications can also be arranged in an original way, for example, by providing for installation in a technological window drawer, which, if necessary, can easily be fully extended.

Installation of panels

After work on the frame is completed, it is necessary to prepare the panels for installation. First, parts of the future screen are cut out of a sheet of material, they are treated with water-repellent compounds, and they are installed. The blind parts are attached using self-tapping screws, and the doors are mounted on runners or hung on hinges.

Despite the fact that the materials used have good moisture resistance characteristics, you should not abuse this, especially considering the conditions in which they will be used.

Plastic screen

The main advantages of plastic bath screens

Plastic is very often used to make screens and its popularity is explained by the following reasons: good performance characteristics, attractive appearance and low price of the material. At the same time, a plastic screen can be purchased as a ready-made factory design or you can make it yourself. In the second option, it is also necessary to make a frame, making sure to treat its lower part in contact with the floor with sealant.

It is important when constructing a plastic screen to install an additional profile to ensure the stability of the structure, since the material has a special large sizes sag. In order for a screen made of plastic to fit most organically into the bathroom interior, you can choose the material both in color and pattern, and in texture.

Sliding simple screen

Brickwork for screen

This method screen device is perhaps the most traditional and justified, provided that there is no special need for extra space in the bathroom. To do this, masonry is made along the perimeter of the half-brick bathtub, with the obligatory installation of a technological window for access to communications. But before installing a screen under a brick bathtub, it should be borne in mind that such a structure cannot be used as a frame. This especially applies to cast iron or steel, and with acrylic bathtubs there are options, but it is still better to use a special installation frame.

Note!

When carrying out masonry, do not forget about bandaging it, as well as about the gap with the bathtub within 1.5 cm, which is sealed with waterproof silicone sealant or blown out with foam.

Special attention attention should be paid to the design of the technological opening for servicing communications. Often this is a small door or hatch that has the same decorative coating as the entire screen, and for fastening you can use hinges or special canopies.

Screen with doors

Options for finishing the brickwork of the bathtub screen

Having installed a permanent screen under the bathroom, choosing the material for its finishing is not difficult. Naturally, the determining point is the overall style of the interior and, naturally, the moisture resistance of the material.

You can begin facing work after the masonry is completely dry; almost any material can be used to decorate it: ceramic tiles, decorative panels plastic and others. But, of course, in the bathroom the most popular and practical type of finishing is the option of tiling, which can repeat the pattern and color scheme walls or contrast with them or with the floor covering. Also, even a mirror can be used as a decorative finish for screens.

DIY bath screen video:

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The screen is an optional part of the bath; it can be installed without a fence. But open communications don’t look at all aesthetically pleasing, do they?

You want to hide the communications of your bathtub behind a special screen, but you can’t find a ready-made barrier in mind non-standard design your plumbing?

We will help solve this problem - the article provides interesting ideas how you can make a screen for a bathtub with your own hands, what materials are suitable for these purposes and which frame option will be optimal for a particular bathtub.

For clarity, we selected colorful photos with finishing options and presented detailed instructions for installation of the most popular materials.

Moreover, making a nice screen is not at all difficult if you know some of the nuances. And the videos step-by-step installation will make working on the screen easier even for a beginner.

Modern acrylic bathtubs often sold with ready-made plastic screens, made according to their dimensions. they are quite simple.

As for steel and cast iron structures, as a rule, screens are not provided for them and you will either have to make them yourself or leave them open.

Open pipes look rather unattractive and spoil the interior of the entire bathroom

Whether or not to close the bathtub is a matter of taste and preference of the owners.. But surely everyone wants to have a beautiful and tidy bathroom. The screen gives the bath an attractive and finished look appearance and closes the sewer pipes protruding from under it.

However, this is not the only reason to install a barrier. The space under the bathroom can be usefully used for storing various household appliances by making.

You can make niches in the fence, install hinged or sliding doors.

The bathtub can be installed without a barrier if this is provided for by the design idea. In this case, it is necessary to purchase a bathtub with a special coating and install it on beautiful legs

With an open structure, water constantly gets under the bathtub during bathing and dirt accumulates. A humid environment promotes the formation of fungus, mold and various bacteria.

The floor under the bathroom also gradually wears out and takes on an unattractive appearance.

To avoid these troubles, it is better to cover the structure with a beautiful screen.

The screen performs not only aesthetic, but also protective function, preventing moisture from penetrating under the bath. The barrier doors will become convenient place storage of household items

Requirements for barriers under the bathtub

There are quite a lot of options on how you can make a beautiful and functional screen for your bathtub. When choosing the material for its manufacture and installation method, it is necessary to take into account the requirements for the fence.

There is always a humid environment in the bathroom, so to make the screen you need to use only moisture-resistant materials that can withstand temperature changes and humidity well.

Otherwise, fungus and mold may form on the fence, or it may collapse under the influence of adverse factors.

When installing the screen, it is necessary to make technological holes in it. You can install hinged doors on one or both sides of the bathtub

The fence must be completely sealed to prevent water and dirt from entering the interior. However, you cannot make a completely blank screen.

It is necessary to provide access to communications located under the bathroom. For this purpose, small windows are left or doors are made.

Barrier design options

Before installing the screen under the bathtub, you need to decide on its design. Surely, many would like to see their bathtub not only beautiful, but also comfortable and functional.

Fencing with wide sides

One of possible options– make a fence with wide sides. In this case, the bathtub looks as if it is recessed inside the frame. This design is very convenient: the sides act as shelves on which you can put various bath accessories.

A bathtub with sides looks more harmonious and fits perfectly into the surrounding interior. This design is suitable for large bathrooms where there is sufficient space for its installation.

Many people are concerned about the question: will the screen interfere with a comfortable approach to the bathtub? This point is especially relevant for older people.

In this case, even at the stage of installing the frame or making brickwork, a special recess is provided for the feet. It is usually made in a rectangular or square shape.

Sloping footwell. A recess of this shape can be made if the frame is made of a metal profile. IN brickwork it is almost impossible to make a bevel

Doors and technological openings for access to the sewer can also be made in different ways.

How to make a sliding screen?

When all the parts are prepared or purchased, we proceed to assembling and installing the screen.

You will need the simplest tools: a screwdriver, pliers, a screwdriver, a level, and a set of wood screws.

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Regardless of which bathtub finishing option you choose, you must first make a frame from wood or a metal profile, onto which the finishing material is then attached.

The base for the bathtub can also be made of brick.

Laying ceramic tiles

The tiles can be laid both on a brick base and on sheets of plasterboard.

You need to use special tile adhesive. Start laying the tiles on the side that remains open so that the cut slabs are hidden by the plumbing fixtures.

Tiles are the most hygienic and reliable coverage for a bath screen. At correct installation it will last for decades

The top row is laid first. Leave a gap of about 5 mm between the sides of the bath and the tiles, and after finishing the work, install a plastic plinth.

Don't forget to insert plastic crosses between the tiles to secure the gaps. After the glue dries, the seams are rubbed down.

Especially for beginners - detailed photo instructions for installing the screen, decorative cladding which is the tile.

To install tiles on drywall you will need:

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The first stage is the installation of a metal profile frame.

It is a rectangle that outlines the perimeter of the space under the bathroom.

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When the installation of the frame is completed. We install drywall and lay tiles.

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Two ventilation holes We cut out the bottom of the screen using a drill with a special cylindrical bit.

As you can see - manufacturing options homemade screens so many. But if you don't want to waste time or doubt own strength, you can buy a ready-made bath screen by choosing the best option in the store.

We also have an article on our website about what types of screens exist and how to choose the best option - and take a look.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

You can learn how to make a screen for a bathtub from PVC panels from the following video:

The process of making a frame from metal profiles and attaching sheets of drywall to it is described in detail in the following video:

A DIY screen allows you to create unique interior baths and bring your design ideas. It’s quite possible to make it yourself, you just need to put in a little effort and imagination.

In addition to the screen arrangement methods discussed above, there are many other finishing options. You can use a waterproof membrane or nylon fabric, upholster it, or mosaic it.

Have you implemented one of the ideas for masking communications proposed in our article in your bathroom or come up with an original design for the screen?

Or do you have a different opinion about the installation process of one of the types of materials discussed? Please share your experience with readers by leaving comments below this article.

Reading time ≈ 4 minutes

In order for the bathroom to acquire its finished look, you will need to install a special screen around it to hide the plumbing fixtures. If you manage to install a reliable screen under the bathtub with your own hands, then you can save significant money. Moreover, there are no difficulties in such work.

Selecting screen material

Many people do not understand how such a screen for a bath is made with my own hands, because they have no idea what material it can be made from. Actually there is a large number of various building materials that can be used in such a room with too much high humidity. If you look at the proposed photographs of a screen for a bathtub, made by yourself, this will give you the opportunity to see that for such work you can use the following materials:

1. Moisture-resistant drywall is very convenient for this purpose; it can be subsequently finished with tiles, plaster or wallpaper.
2. Can be lined with moisture resistant MDF boards, also covered with finishing.
3. PVC panels are suitable for this.
4. You can use a sliding screen installed under the bathtub or with drop-down doors.

If we consider all these options, then only a screen for a bathtub made of PVC panels will not require any special finishing in the future. This material is very convenient to use because it is practical, completely moisture-resistant and easy to clean. In addition, it is also durable, and if you need to repair the screen, you can change one or several strips of plastic.

Requirements

When the desire to solve a pressing issue has matured, how to do beautiful screen under the bath, you should first understand what requirements should be placed on it.

• Access to sewer units at any time; there must be an opening in the screen or doors.
• Connecting the floor to the screen in certain cases must be sealed so that moisture does not enter under the bath.
• The screen should not be load-bearing structure, so it is advisable to make sure that the bath cannot lean on it.

If you make a high-quality screen under the bathtub using moisture-resistant plasterboard or PVC panels, then you can leave free space under it so that it does not interfere with your feet. But in this case, this gap should be at least 10 cm, so that any moisture that appears under the bathtub can be wiped away.

Screen installation

You can watch the video correct installation bath screen; only this will make it possible to understand how to make it and what materials will be required for this. Consider the option of plasterboard and PVC panels. To do this, you will first need to install reliable frame. As a frame for the screen, it is quite possible to use either a wooden beam 30x30 or 40x40 mm, or a metal profile.

To prevent rot and fungus from appearing on the timber later on, the wood must first be treated with a special antiseptic.

But when installing the frame, if drywall is used, you should take into account not only its thickness, but also the material for subsequent finishing of the screen.

To avoid mistakes, it is necessary to make markings on both the floor and the wall before installing the frame. And only after the frame has been made, the final stage comes in the form of attaching the screen under the bathtub, where you can use drywall, plastic or other material.