Let's figure out which door to put in the bathroom: how to combine practicality and style

Options for filling and covering doors for bathrooms and toilets

Today's market is literally replete with numerous offers from manufacturers offering door panels for bathrooms and toilets with various coatings. When determining a rational solution, it is worth proceeding from what material the door is made of and what size the room is.

Consider the following situations:

• when placing plumbing fixtures, there is sufficient space left to the canvas: most likely splashes will not fall on it, therefore, it can be made of different materials;
• when placing plumbing fixtures, it is impossible to take more than one step: due to the limited space in the room, high humidity will be observed, accordingly, it is necessary to consider solutions from the appropriate material and finishing method.

Any door leaf has an internal frame and provides external finishing. As the basis of the frame, manufacturers give preference to solid “budget” wood, chipboard and MDF. Such materials are able to withstand moisture if its level does not exceed 60%. In other cases, experts recommend considering doors made of glass and plastic.

The ability to withstand moisture depends on the quality of protective coatings, internal filling and frames. As practice shows, the most vulnerable are those made from solid wood; the most resistant doors are structures made from chipboard and MDF.

What is veneer

Veneer is a sheet building material with a thickness of 0.1 – 10 mm. The raw material for its production is natural wood. Considering the manufacturing method, there are three types of veneer:

• planed, for which bars are used;
• sawn - it is obtained by cutting wood;
• peeled - in this case, the veneering process is performed on woodworking machines.

Taking into account external characteristics, this material is divided into three types:

1. Natural veneer. It is made by cutting the thinnest section from a solid piece of wood. Due to this, the natural structure of the wood is preserved.
2. Color. For such products, in addition to the operations described above, additional finishing is performed. The saw cut is treated with stain to make the surface resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation. Coating with paint allows you to achieve the desired color.
3. Fine-line. It is made from the remains of soft wood obtained by peeling. The raw materials are pressed into blanks, which are used to produce veneer of the required parameters, texture and color.

Interior doors made of veneer are varnished to give the panels an aesthetic appearance.

Effective door coverings – how to choose?

When applying a protective layer to a door, some manufacturers first cover the leaves with it, and then the edges. As a result, barely noticeable joints are formed, which are often not airtight. The moisture that gets through them gradually destroys the canvas, rendering it unusable. It is best if the upper and lower ends are not covered with protective materials, but a special varnish is applied to them.

The most optimal coatings that can protect fabrics from moisture:

Bathroom doors Laminate

Laminate : this variety attracts many buyers at a reasonable cost. The paper is glued to the base of the canvas, previously coated with resin. The resulting laminated doors, according to manufacturers, are ready to withstand humidity levels that do not exceed 60%. When choosing a canvas with such a coating, it is worth considering solutions offered by manufacturers with an excellent reputation. In other cases, it is possible that low-grade thin paper will be used for the coating, which is prone to damage due to minor mechanical impacts typical during the operation of doors. Moreover, moisture penetrates through the cracks formed, causing the canvas to swell. Laminate – a coating similar to the previous version, with the exception of the thickness of the paper used and the application of the varnish coating in several stages. Laminate is a more expensive material; accordingly, prices for finished doors will be higher than those of laminated analogues.

PVC bathroom doors

In this case, manufacturers use frames made of MDF and wood for canvases, after which they cover them with wear-resistant PVC film, which cannot be harmed by chemically active substances. It can be painted in any color and have different textures, which allows customers to choose a tone-on-tone canvas. The composition contains chloride, the content of which in the paint is strictly maintained within acceptable limits and is not at all dangerous to people. Another definite disadvantage is the tendency to delamination.

Bathroom doors made of eco-veneer

Eco-veneer is a plastic covering made using a special technology using wood fibers and plastic as a binder. The material is environmentally friendly and does not emit hazardous substances even when the air temperature rises. Eco-veneer, with a structure reminiscent of wood, differs from the latter in greater strength, wear resistance, and immunity to moisture. Budget wood or chipboard is used as internal filling, and valuable wood veneer is used for the top covering. Wooden doors are “afraid” of moisture, but if you use protection for the door leaf (varnish, enamel, paint), then this factor will not harm them. If there is high humidity in the bathrooms, then experts advise giving preference to veneered models made from chipboard.

Is it possible to install solid wood doors in a bathroom?

Wood species react differently to temperature fluctuations and changes in humidity levels. For the bathroom, you should choose wood that does not swell from moisture.

Pine

Solid pine doors in the bathtub.

Wood of this variety is easy to process. It contains resins that extend service life. If you plan to install pine doors, you should choose a model treated with impregnation, otherwise, as a result of exposure to moisture, the product will acquire a bluish color.

Alder

This is a dense hygroscopic rock. For its waterproofing use:

• wax;
• primer;
• enamel.

Varnish is applied over these materials. Alder is used to decorate walls and ceilings. It has a beautiful cognac shade, heats up evenly, so it is used for cladding surfaces in baths and bathrooms. If a door made of this type is treated with a dense protective layer, primer and enamel, it can be installed in the bathroom.

Alder door.

Oak

This wood is hard, dense, elastic, has minimal shrinkage, and absorbs enamels and paints well, so oak doors can be installed in the bathroom.

Ash

Doors made of solid ash.
Ash is dense, hard, elastic, resistant to mechanical stress, heavy, and has high viscosity. The material absorbs paint well and is easy to polish. The wood does not shrink and lasts for 30 years, but the untreated material is sensitive to moisture. If ash is affected by a fungus, it begins to quickly rot.

Beech

The wood is hard, tough, durable. Beech can be easily processed using stains and impregnations. When steamed it bends well, but in conditions of high humidity it becomes deformed and cracks.

Selecting a door by material

Plastic door leaves for baths and toilets are currently in high demand among consumers who find this solution one of the best for use in bathrooms where the humidity level exceeds 60%.
They are made from inexpensive, durable material that does not form mold or mildew. Expanded polystyrene is most often used as a filler, providing excellent sound and thermal insulation. All materials used in the manufacture of plastic doors are not susceptible to moisture. It would seem that such canvases are ideal, but, in fact, they also have disadvantages. First of all, this concerns the presence of chloride in the composition (only certified products have an acceptable amount), and secondly, the lack of choice of color (all products are white). Glass door panels are the ideal solution. The material used in production, compared to others, is characterized by excellent practicality and presentability. Glass doors are not exposed to a number of negative factors inherent in the operating conditions of bathrooms and toilets, but they have significant weight, therefore, only high-quality fittings are allowed when installing them.

Door leaves made of chipboard and MDF are distinguished by functionality and durability. Such solutions demonstrate excellent resistance to water, high temperatures and other factors that can cause harm. Affordable prices for doors, a wide color palette and a decent range of sizes coupled with decent quality and performance characteristics make them an excellent option.

Door leaves made of natural wood are ideal for any design. Environmental cleanliness and noble appearance are key advantages, however, despite these positive qualities, they are afraid of moisture and water, from the influence of which they become deformed, and accordingly, they will not last long in the conditions typical for bathrooms.

Metal-plastic doors guarantee effective heat retention and withstand temperature loads and mechanical stress.
The canvases, even after long-term use, are ready to boast of pristine presentability and preservation of quality properties and functionality. Unique characteristics make metal-plastic doors an excellent solution, but the cost of such models is quite high.

PVC Bathroom Door Block

Blocks made of metal-plastic profiles have proven themselves well. They perfectly imitate the external qualities of similar samples made from natural materials. The price of such products is relatively low, which is an advantage. PVC bathroom doors have a number of positive qualities:

• material not subject to external influences - plastic and aluminum - is not at all afraid of dampness, it does not rot or deform; the durability of the metal-plastic profile is ensured by the material’s immunity to fluctuations in temperature and humidity;
• wide selection of colors and textures; Using PVC films, you can get an excellent imitation of any type of wood;
• require minimal care, just occasionally wiping them with a damp cloth, and cleaning with cleaning products is required very rarely.

Glazed door panels will add sophistication to the interior

Such doors are usually equipped with an insulating layer, which becomes an additional positive characteristic. However, the presence of a PVC door block will require good ventilation in the bathroom, since their sealed design prevents the free movement of air.

Determining the best way to open a door

The modern market offers consumers doors that provide various opening methods, namely:

• swing plan (classic opening method) : such canvases allow you to use a threshold when installing, thereby increasing heat and sound insulation. The disadvantage of this solution is the need for free space sufficient to open and close it.
• sliding plan : such solutions contribute to significant space savings, however, the mounted panels leave gaps between the floor and the door, therefore, you should not count on good sound and heat insulation. If you still want to use just such a modification, then experts advise considering cassette plan models, where the above disadvantage is practically reduced to “no”;
• folding plan : doors of this type do not require additional space when opening. According to their design, they are divided into books and accordions. The first models are represented by two halves, and the second - by three or more elements. The disadvantages of such doors are poor sound insulation and absorption of most of the door openings when they are folded.

Features of glazed doors for bathrooms

Modern doors surprise with a variety of design solutions and decor. One such type is glass insertion. When choosing a canvas, you should not forget about such a factor as their transparency. Of course, frosted or tinted glass is more appropriate for bathrooms, since in this case visibility of this level is quite enough to understand that the bath or toilet is occupied. Glazed doors are presentable, and there are no restrictions or advice on selection. In this situation, the buyer is guided only by personal preferences and financial capabilities.

On the practical side, you will need to pay attention to a number of the following factors:

• sound insulation : only a thick and dense fabric can ensure the absence of noise. When considering glazed doors, it is important that the inserts are multi-layered (triplex with 2 or 3 layers);
• the ability to determine whether there is someone in the bathroom: this factor is relevant for a large family, so canvases with decor in the form of glass inserts will solve the problem perfectly.

Ventilation windows for door panels

There is no need to install ventilation windows in the door in all cases. So, if, after taking a bath, condensation forms on the wall and canvas, and the mirror fogs up heavily, then you cannot do without such a window. Excessive humidity is the cause of insufficient natural ventilation of the room, and if it is not removed forcibly, the door will soon become unusable.

Installing ventilation windows allows you to reduce the formation of condensation by equalizing the temperature of the air and the canvas through forced ventilation. Their installation involves drilling the door leaf, so it is best to carry out all the work before the door leaf is put in place.

Ventilation windows on the market are offered in various design solutions, but the highest demand is for products:

• in the form of a lattice. Rectangular design with curtains located at an angle. Metal, PVC and plastic can be used for manufacturing;
• in the form of rings. The products are usually made of plastic. To absorb noise, special meshes are installed in the structure. Usually 4-5 rings are installed in the canvas.

For greater efficiency in combating condensation, it is recommended to install a fan in the ventilation openings. This solution will speed up the circulation of air and the mixing of hot and cold layers. Fans can be automatic or manual, and each consumer independently determines the type of operation of the unit, based on personal preferences.

If air removal is problematic, experts recommend organizing supply ventilation, which involves pumping air into the bathroom from the outside and circulating it as a result of the pressure difference. In the absence of the possibility of organizing the natural movement of air masses, mixed ventilation will act as a rational solution. It involves the intake of fresh air from the outside through one channel and its output through the second.

When is a door ventilation grill required?

In rooms with high humidity, ventilation is necessary because... Without it, mold appears on the walls, their surface gradually collapses. It is recommended to install ventilation in doors to extend the life of the finish and prevent the growth of mold fungi. You can make the ventilation hole yourself or buy ready-made structures. To make a hole, you need to purchase a canvas and a ventilation grill that match the interior design.

Ventilation in the doors.

Selection of fittings for bathroom door panels

Fittings are decorative and functional products, the installation of which makes them convenient to use. When choosing doors, handles and locks deserve special attention. Let's consider the solutions that manufacturers are ready to offer today, as well as their advantages and disadvantages:

• 
  pens

  with built-in lock - an economical solution. It is represented by a regular handle with a latch installed inside. One position allows you to fix the mechanism, eliminating rotation. Installation of such fittings is simple and requires drilling only two holes;
• separate latches : in this case, you will need to purchase a door handle and a mortise or overhead latch. When using the latter, valves are installed instead of locks - an unpretentious and reliable solution with an unlimited service life;
• plumbing locks (standard). The traditional design has one tongue, which is responsible for fixing the door when closing and using a latch to lock it in the open state. The operating principles of locks with built-in locks and plumbing locks are similar, but the latter are more reliable.

When choosing the type of lock for the bathroom linen, you should proceed from its reliability, while families with children and elderly people should better consider options that have special holes for emergency opening.

Platbands are integral components for swing-type doors; when choosing them, you should pay attention to the angle of insertion.

The 45-degree option is an outdated solution that will spoil the stylish design and will not be able to convey the full presentability of the canvas. Currently, the current driving angle parameter is 90 degrees. Using such platbands it is easy to emphasize a stylish design. For consumers who want to create a spectacular door, the market offers capitals and cornices as frames. Decorative elements add solidity and presentability. Recommended for decorating doors in a classic interior.

An important structural element of doors are the hinges through which the panels are hung. They can be expressed or hidden. The first type of hinges are ideal for classic paintings, the second - in modern and high-tech styles. It is worth noting that not all hidden hinges will allow doors to open more than 90 degrees, so when choosing, you will need to ask the manager about this issue.

Glass

An original solution that requires bold modern interiors. High-quality products are quite expensive and require expensive fittings. At the same time, they retain temperature well and will not let moisture into other rooms.

As a rule, glass models are installed in spacious bathrooms, where a person is not close to the door. However, high-quality matting can also solve the privacy problem. In addition, glass can be finished with engraving and photo printing, metal overlays and rhinestones.

Which lock to choose for a metal entrance door?

Often, when purchasing an iron entrance door, buyers treat locks according to the residual principle - they trust what the manufacturer installs by default. However, this is no less important detail than the canvas itself. What kind of lock should I put on a metal front door?

Selecting canvas by color and style

Every owner wants the interior to be complete and laconic, so when faced with the need to choose a door leaf for a bathroom, it is worth taking into account that the door leaf must simultaneously correspond to the internal (bathtub or toilet) and external (corridor) design.
All doors for bathrooms can be classified according to style into the following groups:

• modern: a group that is represented by modern door leaves, recognizable by straight chopped lines and a slight “rounding”;
• hi-tech: a group that includes canvases with sharp, straight lines and futuristic designs. Doors of this style are decorated with glass;
• classic canvases with an unobtrusive design will be ideal for any interior design solution.

Modern door collections amaze with the variety of colors and shades and, of course, every buyer knows that it must be selected, first of all, so that it is in harmony with other interior items and its style.

Doors to the toilet and bathtub photo in the interior

Professionals recommend taking note of the following tips:

• the natural colors of the doors are laconic for an interior decorated in any style (classic, ethno, baroque). Warm colors help create a special atmosphere of comfort. The darker the color of the canvas, the stricter the interior design;
• cool colors are an excellent solution for a modern interior. For a minimalist interior, dark cool shades are recommended, neutral shades like light wood, especially good for high-tech;
• white doors are universal. This color is associated with purity, lightness and spaciousness, and even if the owner decides to change the design, there will be no need to change the canvas.