We attach an acrylic bathtub to the wall: installation features, methods of installing and fastening the bathtub

We select a convenient design

Screens consist of a frame (usually aluminum) and panels. They can be blind or equipped with doors for access to communications and items stored under the bathroom.

There are also models with removable panels; they are usually installed under acrylic bathtubs.

The advantages of blind panels are high aesthetics and durability. The smooth surface can be decorated in any way or left plain.

It will look nice regardless of the presence or absence of additional decor. Due to the absence of moving parts, these bath screens last much longer.

The disadvantages of solid stationary structures include the inconvenience that arises in the event of breakdowns of the plumbing system. To access it you will have to remove the entire panel.

This takes a lot of time, which can cause problems if a leak develops and water accumulates under the bathtub.

Designs with doors are more practical than blind ones. The doors themselves can be hinged or sliding. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.

In most cases, bathroom owners opt for sliding models.

Hinged doors conveniently open and close, providing access to shelves with necessary small items.

However, you should not choose a screen with such doors for a small bathroom. Open, they occupy useful space and make it difficult to manipulate the elements of the plumbing system.

The doors of the sliding screens under the bathtub open, sliding along the guides

When purchasing such a system, you should pay special attention to the quality of the metal.

The stronger it is, the longer the bath screen will last. It is better to give preference to steel or aluminum.

There are models with plastic frames. They are less reliable, but are quite suitable for apartment owners who do not intend to store frequently used items such as washcloths, towels, shampoos, hygiene products, and household chemicals under the bathroom.

If doors are needed only for access to communications, then you can buy a plastic system.

Attaching the bathtub to the frame

Today, to give an acrylic bathtub additional rigidity, many manufacturers offer users the use of a special metal frame. It is a supporting frame (made of a square metal profile), in which the base is fixed to the reinforced bottom, and the vertical racks are installed sideways and, as it were, support the sides of the bath, preventing them from deforming when taking in water.

The advantage of such a frame is its design, which allows you to use this accessory for almost any size of acrylic bathtubs (there are special adjustments) and adapt to any floor surface.

However, due to the high cost of this frame (comparable to the price of a budget bathtub), it is used extremely rarely and cheaper options for fastening are preferred.

Preparatory work

A sliding screen under the bathroom, installed independently, is a multifunctional invention that provides attractiveness to the interior, additional protection to the bathroom, and comfortable storage of household chemicals for the bathroom owner. But such an element of the bathroom interior will be easy to use and durable only if its installation was carried out without errors and with high quality.

Installing a screen under a bathtub with your own hands begins with purchasing the screen itself. You can purchase a design that is designed for a standard rectangular bowl, or you can find a design for a curved bowl. It all depends on the bathtub installed in your bathroom. The characteristics of sliding screen models that are present in a wide range on the domestic plumbing market today are described in the table.

You can also make such a design yourself, but it will require more time and effort. Yes, and experience in such matters must be present, otherwise the result of the work may not be as good as necessary.

When all the tools and the screen itself are prepared, you can proceed to the preparatory work. Clean your bathroom of unnecessary furnishings so that they do not act as an obstacle to comfortable work.

Making and installing a screen yourself

Many of our compatriots are accustomed to doing everything in the house themselves. This can be considered a peculiar feature of the national mentality, since the desire to personally participate in home improvement is associated with masculinity.

Such craftsmen can mount the screen under the bathtub with their own hands.

The video describes in detail how you can make a blank screen with a technical niche. The panel material chosen is plasterboard, the finishing is tiles.

The range of screens for bathtubs is huge. It is very easy to get lost in such diversity. If you have difficulty selecting and installing the correct model, seek advice from an experienced professional.

This is much safer than learning from your own mistakes.

Options for sliding screens for the bathroom

When choosing materials for sliding screens, manufacturers take into account their level of reliability, moisture resistance and safety.

The simplest and most inexpensive design is made of plastic and a durable aluminum frame. It will be very durable and will serve you for many years.

Sliding screen made of plastic

Sometimes such screens are made of glass. They are not only safe and high quality, but also incredibly beautiful. Steel or aluminum are used to make their frame. You can often find sliding screens made of frosted or transparent glass, with various designs, textures, patterns and even backlighting. They will go great with a glass sink and a mirror stand. The following illustrative photo will show you the glass sliding screen for the bathroom in all its glory.

Glass screen for bathtub

Screens are also made from a moisture-resistant and reliable material such as MDF. They will look no less impressive, but will help you save a little money.

MDF sliding screen

Less commonly, mirrors are used as a material for sliding screen panels. They are less practical, but very decorative. In addition, they will help to visually expand the space of a small room.

Mirror screen

Subtleties of screen selection

Before purchasing a bathtub screen, you need to think in advance which model is best suited. In this case, several criteria must be taken into account:

• functionality;
• price;
• durability;
• complexity of installation;
• appearance.

If the screen is needed only to cover unsightly communications, you should pay attention to simple removable models or stationary products with a hidden hatch. If you plan to actively use the free space under the bathroom, the screen must have doors

The most convenient are products with sliding doors - this is a universal option for rooms of any size. Hinged doors are convenient to use only in a spacious bathroom.

All fittings must be made of corrosion-resistant material, otherwise the screen will very soon lose all its attractiveness. It should be taken into account that plastic fittings wear out faster and are less durable, while parts made of galvanized steel retain their qualities throughout the entire period of operation. When purchasing, be sure to check the quality of fastening of all elements, the smooth movement of the doors and the tight fit to the frame.

If the repair has not yet been completed, and it is not possible to calculate the exact parameters of the screen, you should purchase a model with the ability to adjust. Such products cost a little more, but there are no problems with installation and fitting. But it is best to choose a screen after finishing work is completed, when it is possible to accurately take measurements and select the best option.

The decorative design of the screen should match the bathroom interior as closely as possible in terms of color and texture. In small rooms, mirror screens look very good: the reflective surface visually makes the room more spacious. Photo printing or drawing on the front panel must also correspond to the general style of the interior, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve a harmonious combination. For example, a floral print screen may be very beautiful on its own, but it will look out of place in a nautical themed bathroom. An image of waves, sea life or pebbles on the beach would be more suitable here. If there are a lot of bright contrasting details in the room, it is better to choose a single-color screen, and vice versa; for a bathroom in soothing colors, a model with a large colored pattern is perfect.

Installation of a purchased screen

When choosing a purchased sliding screen model, the following factors should be taken into account:

• functionality of the purchased product;
• its cost and service life;
• complexity of installation and design.

In cases where the screen is intended only to hide communications laid under the bathroom, you can get by with installing stationary hinged or removable panels equipped with a hidden hatch. The most versatile and easy-to-use option is a screen product with sliding doors, the installation of which will be discussed further.

Required tools and spare parts

Before installing the screen under the bathtub, you should worry about preparing the tool, which must include:

• hacksaws for wood, plastic or metal, used to fit ready-made screen blanks;
• a drill with an impact function or a hammer drill, necessary for punching mounting holes in the walls;
• a hammer and a set of screwdrivers, as well as a marking set (chalk, string, level).

In addition, special fasteners will be required to fix the frame elements (sometimes it is supplied with the purchased product). After this, you need to check the entire kit, which, in addition to the panels, should include ready-made racks and aluminum guides. In addition, it usually comes with plastic plugs, a set of hardware, handles with fasteners and instructions for installing the product. This should be used as a guide during the process of installing a purchased screen.

Assembly (fixation of parts)

According to the attached instructions, the installation of the screen structure is carried out in stages.

First, both guides are laid on a flat plane so that their grooves face inward. After this, racks are placed on top and across them, simultaneously aligning both mounting holes. Then the self-tapping screws supplied with the kit are lightly placed in these holes and tightened enough to secure the posts in the desired position.

Upon completion of fixing the frame, the sliding doors are carefully inserted into the grooves of the profiles, after which the entire structure is adjusted in height, and then the hardware on the racks is fully tightened and plugs are inserted into the ends. At the next stage of assembly, handles are screwed to the doors, and legs are inserted into the support posts and lightly screwed

After this, you should lift the entire assembled structure and place the top cut under the side of the bathtub, aligning its edges vertically

At the next stage of assembly, the handles are screwed to the doors, and the legs are inserted into the support posts and lightly screwed. After this, you should lift the entire assembled structure and place the top cut under the side of the bathtub, aligning its edges vertically.

Upon completion of this operation, all that remains is to unscrew the legs until they stop, after which the assembled fence should be securely locked in place.

When assembling a structure with end walls, all these operations are repeated for each of the sides of the bath, after which all three elements are attached to the support posts using suitable hardware.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=u0M3t4gP2GA

Installation stages of finished models

Ready-made bath screens are completed with frames, fittings and fasteners. All this must be indicated in the technical documentation for each specific model.

Installation instructions should also be included. Before purchasing, make sure everything you need is included.

If the dimensions are chosen correctly, then for installation you will need a minimum of tools: a tape measure, a building level and a screwdriver. Before starting work, it is recommended to fill the bath with water.

If the bathtub and screen are installed at the same time, this is not necessary.

Screens may vary in shape and design, but their installation scheme is always approximately the same:

• Measurements and markings. Before installing the frame, you need to once again measure the niche under the bathtub and mark the mounting locations for the frame. If the panels do not fit slightly due to the curvature of the walls or floor, they are trimmed with a grinder.
• Installation of the frame. The frame is mounted under the bathtub and secured in accordance with the instructions; the W-shaped guide profile for sliding models is also installed and aligned.
• Adjustment of legs. If the model has adjustable legs, they are unscrewed so as to achieve maximum fixation of the frame between the floor and the side of the bathtub. To ensure that the supports hold more firmly and the screen does not shake when water is poured into the bath, you can apply a little sealant under each leg and press it to the floor.
• Fastening the frame under the side of the bathtub. When the frame is firmly fixed, the space between the edge of the frame and the side of the bathtub is filled with foam. This will add additional rigidity to the structure.
• Installation of panels. Decorative panels are installed on the frame. If the doors are hinged, they are hung on hinges; sliding doors are inserted into the guide profile. Handles are screwed to the doors.
• Seam processing. It is advisable to treat the joints with sealant. This will help protect the niche under the bathtub from moisture.

Installing screens for acrylic bathtubs has its own characteristics. Most often, these baths are pre-equipped with screens that are suitable in shape and size. Models are usually made of plastic. The kit includes frame, panels, handles, brackets, dowels, screws.

The pictures show the entire process of installing a screen under an acrylic bathtub. Installing screens under bathtubs made of other materials has some differences. For example, in cast iron models you cannot drill holes at home, as there is a risk of splitting the cast iron

If the bathtub is not equipped with a screen, then you can make it yourself from a wooden block and ready-made plastic panels. The frame is attached to the side of the bath using liquid nails, the joints are additionally strengthened by cold welding.

To secure the bottom brackets, drill holes in the floor and install dowels. After installing and adjusting the frame to size, the screen panels are inserted into the guides.

A characteristic click is a sign that they are in place.

Installing decorative panels for a corner bath may pose some difficulties. The sequence of correct installation of a corner acrylic bathtub with a screen is shown in the video:

Installation process

So, the screen has been selected, all the necessary tools and materials for its installation have been collected - you can safely begin the installation process. In order to get a high-quality result, you must strictly follow the simple algorithm recommended by experts:

1. marking fastening points using a level;
2. carrying out the necessary measurements;
3. manufacturing a screen frame from a metal profile

   Metal profile frame

4. fastening the frame elements according to the markings;
5. cutting panels from suitable material;
6. securing the panels to the frame;
7. carrying out facing works.

Screen installation

Subtleties of installing frames

If you choose a screen made of plasterboard, then the frame in this case is made of a metal profile. It is worth remembering that the more complex the screen design, the more effort and time it requires to install. To install a screen with doors, you need to install an W-shaped profile on the frame. After this, two panels are cut out so that they slightly overlap each other. These will be the sliding doors. The last step is to insert them into the profile and screw the doors.

If the door is hinged, then its installation, accordingly, is done differently. You can make it yourself from acrylic material, plastic, plasterboard and a metal profile, and then fasten it in the right place with special hinges. To ensure that the screen has the required rigidity, use construction foam, placing it between the side of the bathtub and the top of the frame.

It’s easy to make sure that installing a screen under a bathtub is not difficult; all you need is to purchase a suitable option and acquire the appropriate tools, and then follow the instructions exactly.

Pros of acrylic bathtubs

Mass production of acrylic sanitary ware began in the 80s of the last century. The popularity is easily explained by the presence of advantages that differ from steel bathtubs.

• Weight. The models are considered the lightest in the plumbing products segment. The heaviest sample weighs 25 kg. You can install an acrylic bathtub yourself without outside help.
• Thermal conductivity. Of course, in terms of heat retention time, acrylic cannot be compared with a cast iron or steel bathtub. However, the material is able to maintain the set water temperature for at least one hour.
• Design. The plasticity of acrylic allows you to realize all geometric shapes. The range of models includes eight types of directions.
• Hygiene. The structure is not porous. From this fact it is easy to conclude that the material has the ability to repel fat and dirt formations. Another consequence of density is the ease of care of the product. After the hygiene procedure, it is enough to wipe the surface dry.
• Installation. Installation of acrylic bathtubs is accessible even to consumers who do not have experience or skills.

Screen installation

The side screen of acrylic bathtubs is often sold separately. For rectangular structures, the side part can be made independently, for example, from plasterboard followed by tiling. In this case, the screen is installed at an angle for the convenience of placing your feet while doing some kind of work on the bathtub. For the same purposes, an opening with a width of 200 - 300 mm and a height of 100 - 150 mm is left in its lower part, in the middle.

Such protection would be difficult to produce for corner products. Therefore, it is advisable to purchase a standard screen along with the bathroom. It comes with grips, stops and spring-loaded legs. This kit does not provide structural rigidity.

Let's consider one of the options for strengthening the screen

Attach metal grips and stops to the bathtub and the wall so that, resting against the stops and grips, the screen is flush with the bathtub in a vertical position.

Install the feet into the side protection mounting holes. Prepare 6 pieces of timber. with a height corresponding to the height between the edges of the screen.

Photo of attaching the acrylic bathtub screen.

In the four prepared elements in the side part, make a hole with a diameter of 14 mm and a depth equal to the height of the connecting nut. Since the nut must fit tightly into the wood, the hole should not be drilled out.

Wooden products with nuts will serve as additional support legs, others serve as fittings.

Drive the connecting nuts into the beam. On the side parts of the protection, mark holes for attaching wooden elements to the screen. The beam should be positioned this way: without holes on the sides, and the other four parts should be evenly distributed over the protection, taking into account the existing legs.

In places where the board will be placed without connecting nuts, on both sides of the screen collar, make holes with a diameter of 4 mm in the middle and countersink to place the screw head flush with the product.

At the installation points of the beam with nuts in the upper part of the protection, make 4 mm holes with countersinking, and on the opposite side a hole with a diameter of 10 mm.

Place the wooden elements tightly in the screen and secure them with screws and bolts in accordance with their purpose. Place the protection in its place, spread it with the bolts installed in the additional support legs, between the floor and the side of the bathtub.

Photo of fixing a corner acrylic bathtub.

Siphon assembly

The quality of the plumbing service depends on the correctness of actions during the final stage. Siphon models, as a rule, are supplied to the retail chain in disassembled form. The instructions accompanying the product provide step-by-step recommendations for assembly and connection. The consumer can only act without deviating from the proposed points.

The instructions common to all types and types of siphons are as follows:

1. Check the included list for completeness.
2. Inspect parts for defects.
3. Assemble starting with the flask.
4. Connect the overflow pipe.
5. Place the drain grate after removing the protective film.
6. Insert the pipe into the hole.
7. Install and secure the bathtub.

Finally, you need to check that the connection is correct. To do this, fill the bathtub with water to the brim and leave it for a while to detect leaks.

How to install a screen under a bathtub with your own hands, analysis of installation technology

Those who decide to make a bathtub screen with their own hands have many options for solving this problem. Such structures perform a number of functions: they mask communications, improve the design of the bathroom, create a place to store household chemicals, etc. The home craftsman has an excellent opportunity to implement creative ideas, because installing a screen under a bathtub is an exciting activity.

What screen options are popular today?

The design of the screen can be very different. You can do it:

• deaf;
• with sliding doors;
• with a swing door (or two);
• with shelves;
• with retractable block;
• removable, etc.

The bath screen looks stylish and makes the bathroom more functional

When figuring out how to install a screen under a bathtub, you need to choose the right model. The design is chosen depending on the characteristics of the room. For a spacious room, you can install a screen under the bathtub with shelves that are mounted on its front surface.

It is better to make such a design removable, since the shelves can make access to the communications located under the bathroom somewhat difficult. The most functional screen under the bathroom for a small room is a device with sliding doors.

A blank screen is a very simple, but least practical option, since if it is necessary to repair communications, it will have to be completely dismantled.

An even easier way to hide the unsightly surface of the bathtub and the space below it is with curtains. An ordinary pipe is mounted under the side, on which a non-woven fabric of suitable sizes is suspended. Unfortunately, ease of execution is the only advantage of this option. This screen is short-lived and does not look very presentable.

The screen itself can be made of different materials, for example:

• plastic;
• drywall;
• thin sheet of painted metal;
• MDF;
• acrylic, etc.

Brickwork is a more labor-intensive way to create a bathroom screen, but it is worth noting that it is one of the most reliable and durable options. Most often, after installation of the structure, it requires additional finishing. This provides excellent opportunities to improve your bathroom design.

For example, in a small room it makes sense to install a mirror screen under the bath, which will visually expand the space. A stylish tiled bath screen is a standard option for a bathroom that is all tiled.

In a small room, a mirror bath screen is more than appropriate

Mosaic is an excellent choice for finishing structures with a curved surface. A good tile adhesive will make the process easier and more creative.

Please note: When choosing the type of screen, you need to think about the possibility of coming close to the side of the bathtub. To do this, you can leave a small gap at the bottom, only 50-70 mm

Another way to solve the problem is to make a slight bevel on the vertical surface. This option is acceptable if the screen is covered with ceramic tiles.

The procedure for installing a plasterboard screen with a foot niche is clearly demonstrated in this video:

Screen installation procedure and features

A general description of how to make a screen for a bathtub may look like this: 1. Mark the mounting points using a level.2. Make the necessary measurements.3. Make a screen frame from a metal profile.4. Secure the frame elements according to the markings.5. Cut panels from suitable material.6. Attach the panels to the frame.

7. Carry out facing work.

How to install on corner models

For corner bathtubs, mounting is most often provided not with self-tapping screws, but with special magnets and metal plates. Such magnets are initially attached to the legs of the font.

STEP 1. Height adjustment. Just as in the case of the rectangular model, we adjust the height of the legs based on the screen parameters.

STEP 2. How to attach the plates? On the back side of the panel, in the places where the magnets will rest, we glue the metal plates from the kit with double-sided tape or silicone sealant. While drying, you can secure them with regular tape.

STEP 3. Installation. We apply the front panel and check that the magnets grab the metal plates.

This installation option is convenient because the question: how to remove the screen and then put it back on again does not arise. Everything is extremely simple, you need to apply a little force by pulling the panel towards you, and you can just as easily return it to its place. The previous method is no different from this simplicity; there you will first need to unscrew the screws.

What types of screens are there?

Now you can buy bath screens of any design and made of any material. Manufacturers of decorative panels involve experienced designers in the design of models.

They develop original designs that can fit into even the most sophisticated interior.

For the manufacture of screens, plastic, metal, MDF, polystyrene, plasterboard, polyvinyl chloride, and acrylic are used. Patterns, subject pictures (photo printing), and decorative elements can be applied to the surface of the product.

Often there are models made from combined materials.

Glass and mirror screens look very original. They are used not only for their intended purpose, but also to model the space of bathrooms.

For such panels, they use not ordinary glass, but organic glass, because it better resists mechanical damage and shock.

When choosing a material, you should pay attention to its strength, resistance to moisture and high temperatures. A high-quality model can last for decades

Good performance characteristics imply a higher price for the structure, but this is the case when the investment is completely justified.

Types of screens by structure

Screens, as a rule, come in two standard lengths: 1.5 m and 1.7 m. The height can be 506, 550 or 560 mm. The height is adjustable using the legs.

The structure of the screens can be as follows:

• Conventional screens are plastic panels enclosed in a frame with certain dimensions;
• Universal screens - plastic panels are enclosed in an aluminum frame, which can be reduced in length. This allows you to install a screen where sewer pipes pass;
• Screens without end frames;
• End screens – cover the end part of the bathroom.

Such screens are not expensive. You can buy, or you can make a sliding screen under the bathtub with your own hands. As a frame (frame), you can use plastic guides, which are attached using liquid nails.

Plastic panels are inserted into these guides.

Advice!

To stiffen the screen, it is better to take three panels.

The screen is ready. All components can be purchased at the nearest construction supermarket or market.

Making a screen frame with your own hands

I offer another option for making a screen with your own hands:

Again, we make a frame for the screen from the ceiling profile. We attach the profile under the side of the bathtub using wooden blocks, which are installed vertically along the height of the bathtub. The bars need to be lined between the floor and the bathtub. Then we attach the profile to the wall using wooden blocks and screws. The frame is ready. Now you need to glue plastic guides into this profile. And insert the screen content into them. It can be plastic, plexiglass, gypsum panels, vinyl lining. In general, everything that is at hand. We take two panels and cut them to fit the screen. Insert into the guides.

Note!

To make opening the screen easier, you can glue handles to both panels.

Wall mounting options

There are several mounting methods.

Securing an acrylic bathtub to the wall

Insert into a niche . If the installation is carried out in a room where there is not even a rough finish yet, then there is no need to make a niche if, given the size, this is not necessary. The bathtub is simply installed, the walls are plastered, they are finished and the joint is treated with sealant so that there is no leakage. If you are going to install it in a room where there is already rough finishing on the walls, you need to purchase a bathtub of the appropriate size and prepare a niche for it. The diagram shows how to properly install this way.

Scheme of inserting into a niche

In principle, the first method is also possible, but it is not as reliable as installation if the tiles are already in place. In this case, fastening occurs only through sealant and decorative plinth.

Installation on a metal corner . Cast iron and steel bathtubs can be installed on a metal corner, it is attached along all the walls, and the sides are mounted on it. Next, if desired, a plinth is installed, the joints are treated with sanitary sealant. Why can’t you attach an acrylic bathtub to a corner? Because the side can be deformed, since it is not supported on the inside by anything, as a result the sealant will move away from the wall and water will leak onto the floor.

Installation diagram on a metal corner

Installation on hooks or brackets . This is the best way to attach acrylic products. To install it on hooks or brackets, it is necessary to level the installed bathtub and make marks at a distance of 20 cm from its corners. Then they move it aside, measure the thickness of the sides, measure this distance down from the marks on the wall and make holes for one or two dowels. Install the fastenings, then simply place them on the hooks or brackets with the sides. That's it - the bathtub is rigidly fixed. A plastic or ceramic plinth is glued on top of the seam, and the joint is treated with sealant.

Installation diagram on bracket and metal strip

Hook

Metal and plastic brackets

Plastic bracket

Types of screens

The screen consists of a durable frame and a panel attached to it. The frame is made of aluminum or steel; in budget models, it is made of hard polymer. The range of these products is very wide, especially in terms of decorative design. There are models in plain colors, with photo printing, in various textures and shapes.

By design, screens are:

• sliding;
• removable;
• deaf stationary;
• with folding and hinged doors;
• with shelves;
• with a technological hatch.

The screen canvas can be either solid or lattice. The second option helps improve air exchange, which eliminates the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors from under the bathtub.

Most factory models are equipped with adjustable legs, and the gap created between the floor and the bottom edge of the screen allows you to comfortably stand close to the bathtub. The standard length of products is 1.5-1.7 m, height - from 50 to 60 cm, but other standard sizes are presented very widely.

For the manufacture of screens, materials with increased water resistance are used - plastic, organic glass, MDF and moisture-resistant plasterboard. Each type of screen has certain pros and cons that influence the choice of model.

Installation of most screens requires the construction of a frame around the perimeter of the bathtub. The frame is usually assembled from aluminum profiles, less often from wooden blocks.

For lightweight plastic screens, such a frame is not needed, since the product is attached to the side of the bathtub. Sometimes the space under the bathroom is covered with brickwork, which is lined with tiles or mosaics. It is recommended to make an emergency hatch in the masonry in case of repairs to communications, so that you don’t have to break everything. This screen looks good and is highly reliable, but it requires more time and effort to install and eliminates the possibility of rational use of free space under the bathroom.

How to choose the right size?

Any bath panel is selected for a specific size. It is very important to check whether it fits your plumbing model. The length of acrylic panels varies from 120 to 180 cm for standard hot tubs. And the height is 55-60 cm, but it can change if there are legs.

Most often, acrylic panels come complete with plumbing fixtures and have the same tone as the bathtub, which allows the overall design to look organic. They are made of plastic coated with an acrylic layer.

The advantages of panels purchased complete with a bathtub include the fact that they fit as tightly as possible to the sides of the bathtub, eliminating unsightly gaps. Experts do not recommend purchasing such screens separately, since they do not always fit exactly in size.

If the screen is purchased separately from the bathroom, then in order not to make a mistake with the choice of size, you should carefully measure the plumbing from all sides.

Screen made of clapboard

Lining is a strong and durable material, so it is often used to install a screen under a bathtub. It will provide maximum protection of communications and at the same time make the room more attractive in appearance.

In stores you can find two types of lining suitable for installation on a bathtub:

• plastic;
• wooden.

Lining made of natural wood must be pre-treated with a special water-repellent composition. If this is not done, then the wooden screen installed under the bathtub will quickly become unusable due to the humid climate of the room - or, even worse, it may cause the spread of mold or mildew.

Plastic lining is more convenient in this regard. It is not afraid of moisture, and in all respects it is in no way inferior to wood. The method of installing any lining is practically no different from the option with plastic panels. The starting frame must also be pre-made. It is possible to use wooden guides instead of metal ones, but it is not recommended - this material is not very suitable for the humid climate of the bathroom. Self-tapping screws are used to secure the sheets.

Cast iron, steel and acrylic - what's the difference

Installation of a cast iron bath

Cast iron baths. During installation, you will feel that they weigh quite a bit, so they need to be placed on a strong and stable base.

Steel baths are fixed on a podium, the walls of which are made of bricks. Installed inside the podium, it will never wobble and will remain very firmly on its base. However, if you fasten it in this way, then noise during its filling with water cannot be avoided.

Treating a steel bathtub with polyurethane foam

You can reduce the sound while filling the bathtub by treating its outer part with mounting foam or putty. Then you won’t hear the sound of water, and the heat will last longer.

Frame for acrylic bathtub

Those who install an acrylic bathtub know that it retains heat much better than its cast iron counterparts, and their surface is non-slip. Acrylic products are also known for their pleasant appearance, although, however, their degree of strength is not so high. Considering that acrylic products have a flexible bottom, a metal frame should be made, otherwise the bottom will bend under the weight of a person. It is also necessary to use special legs, which are part of the frame for bathtubs made of acrylic and steel.