Does Any Bath Panel Fit Any Bath?
No-bath panels in the UK come in various heights and widths. A standard UK bath panel size is typically 1700mm long by 500mm high, as most baths are 1690mm wide. However, bath panels are readily available in 1500mm, 1600mm, 1700mm, 1800mm, 1900mm, and 2000mm widths. As a rule of thumb, measure the length of your bath and buy the nearest larger size panel; this will allow you to cut the panel down to fit your bath's exact size.
When purchasing a new bath and panel, ensure you get the bath's technical dimensions before selecting a panel. Many baths may be advertised as, for instance, an 1800mm bath, but their technical specifications might list them as 1798mm.
Bath panel plinths are available in all sizes if you need a higher bath finished level.
How to Replace Existing Bath Panels?
Replacing an existing bath panel is usually an easy DIY task. Remove the old bath side panel. If it is a wooden or MDF panel, it's usually fixed with screws. If it's acrylic, it's simply attached with clips.
Once removed, you'll have all the information you need regarding the shape and finished size. This will serve as a perfect template for your new bath panel, as it may need to be cut to size.
When replacing an existing bath panel, the height of the existing bath is vital! You may need to purchase a bath panel plinth to match the height of your current installation. Otherwise, you'll need to refit your entire bath to suit the panel. Always buy a bath panel to fit the height of the bath, not the other way around.
If you want to learn more about bath panels, please check our detailed guide on how bath panels work.
Do Bath Panels Need a Frame?
We always recommend you build a 1.5” – 2” baton frame under the lip of the bath to the floor this will give added strength and support to the panel.
Is there any alternatives to building a frame? Yes, there is an alternative to building a frame! You can buy an easy-fit Unipanel bath panel fixing kit.
The kits come with all upright supported velcro pads so no screws are needed. This can be used with all bath panel shapes and materials and is a strong alternative to a frame-fitted bath panel.
What Materials Are Bath Panels Made From?
Bath panels come in different materials, each offering unique features.
Acrylic bath panels are made from lightweight plastic, usually between 3mm and 5mm thick, and are molded to the specific design and size of a bath. Curved bath panels and corner bath panels, including P-shaped panels, are usually only available in acrylic and pre-formed to a particular bath shape.
Acrylic is waterproof and easy to fit, as it simply clips to the underside of the bath lip. However, it is thin and can crack if bent or damaged.
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) bath panels are made from wood chippings, both hardwood and softwood sawdust. These by-products are processed to form a high-density, smooth-surface board that is very common in bathroom industry products. While MDF itself is not waterproof, when the board is processed, heat-pressed, and bonded to an acrylic material, it becomes a moisture-resistant material and is standard for bath panels. MDF panels are usually 16mm to 18mm thick. These boards are very straight and flat, making them ideal for straight or L-shaped bath panels.
Wooden bath panels are crafted from walnut, pine, oak, beech, and many more types of soft and hardwood. These panels have a distinctive, individual tree grain pattern and, as such, are normally stained, oiled, or painted to bring out the grain as a feature. Wooden bath panels come in various styles, including 1-piece, 2-piece, shaker style, beaded range, raised, and recessed designs, making them a great option to suit both traditional and modern bathrooms. However, it's important to be aware that these types of wooden bath panels need regular upkeep and yearly resealing maintenance to ensure the real wood does not absorb any water from the bathroom environment.
Are MDF Bath Panels Waterpoof?
The MDF boards themselves aren't water-resistant, as no wood product inherently is. However, when processed, heat-pressed, and bonded with acrylic material, these MDF boards become highly moisture-resistant, making them suitable for bath panels.
