5 Steps to Dress a Bathtub

Contents

– Step 1: Locate and mark the location of the bath deck

– Step 2: Cut the ready-to-tile panels to size

– Step 3: Make the inspection hatch

– Step 4: Assemble the tub deck

– Step 5: Lay the tiles on the panels

Dressing the bath is an essential step in any bathroom design. There are various options available to you. You can opt for a simple solution: a ready-to-install acrylic tub apron that matches your bathtub. But you can also choose to clad your bathtub with ready-to-tile panels that will allow you to personalize your bathroom and give free rein to your desires. To determine how to clad a bath effectively, follow this step-by-step guide.

Materials needed to clad a bathtub

1. Locate and mark out the position of the bathtub apron

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– Draw a line on the wall perpendicular to the edge of the bathtub. Use a ruler and a spirit level to do this.

– Do the same at the other corner of the bath, marking the mark on the floor.

– Draw a line on the floor connecting the 2 marks.

– Draw another line on the 2nd wall perpendicular to the bathtub’s edge and connect it to the line marked on the floor previously.

– Draw a second line along the entire line at x cm (x = thickness of the ready-to-tile panel) from the first.

– Measure the height between the floor and the edge of the bathtub.

– Cut 2 strips to this height.

– Fix them to each wall, positioning them on the first line drawn.

2. Cut the ready-to-tile panels to size

It is advisable to use expanded polystyrene rigid foam panels mounted on adjustable feet To design the bathtub cladding.

– Take the dimensions. To do this:

◦ Measure the width between the wall and the corner of the bath. For ease of use, use the line drawn on the floor.

◦ Measure the height between the floor and the bathtub, taking into account the height under the bathtub’s rim. The plate will fit under this.

– Do the same for the other side, subtracting the thickness of the first panel from the measured width.

– Cut the panels using a ruler, a cutter, or a handsaw.

3. Make the access panel

When Do You Need a Plumbing Access Panel?

The inspection hatch is essential to gain access to the drainage system in a leak under the bath or a blocked drain. If you want it to be inconspicuous, the dimensions should be in proportion to the tiles laid later.

– Take the measurements of your tiles.

– Choose the size of your trap door according to the dimensions of your tiles.

Note: a large hatch will give you easier access to the drainage system. Covered with tiles, it will be very discreet.

– By placing the trapdoor on the front panel (at the siphon level) and drawing the contour, you can transfer the trapdoor’s proportions to the front panel.

– Drill 4 sufficiently large holes in the 4 corners of the outline.

– Insert the jigsaw blade and cut out the location of the hatch.

– Position the door frame on the cut-out and mark the fixing holes with a pencil.

– Fix the frame with the screws provided.

– Assemble the flap according to the assembly instructions.

There is a second method of making the access panel using the cut-out part of the panel:

– Install an access panel mounting accessory on the front panel.

– Screw the cut-out onto the accessory.

– Fold-down the removable panel.

4. Mount the bathtub apron

– Apply a bead of special foam panel adhesive to the top edge of the front panel.

– Insert the panel under the edge of the bathtub while pressing it precisely against the support strip on the wall.

– Adjust the height of the panel legs with a spanner until it is firmly under the bathtub rim.

– Do the same with the other panel, gluing the side edge.

– Screw the panels together with suitable screws.

– Fasten the panels to the battens.

5. Lay the tiles on the panels

– Apply tile adhesive to the panels with the notched trowel.

– Place a tile starting from the bottom.

– Place a cross-bar at each corner of the tiles.

– Lay your tiles one after the other.

– Tile the inspection hatch and allow it to dry before putting it back in place.

– Once the tiles are in place, apply a silicone seal around the bath.