Bathroom screens: types, how to choose the right one, which one is better and why

Pros and cons of sliding screens under the bath

The main advantages of any sliding screens include:

• Easy installation work. Absolutely anyone can do the installation of the screen, even without special skills in construction work.
• Low construction cost. At the moment, you can buy screens made of various materials. Everyone chooses the best option for themselves.
• Easy disassembly process.
• Large range of designs and colors.

The disadvantages include only one point. Screens made of plastic have weak guide posts. During operation, the guides often begin to deform. After a few years of use, the sashes begin to move with difficulty.

Sliding panel design

The material used in the screen manufacturing process varies as the cost rises. Today there are frames made of plastic and aluminum. The most expensive models have a roller mechanism. Plastic models have a low cost and little resistance when exposed to moisture. In turn, both aluminum mums are durable.

The assortment range regarding color shades is inherent in both materials. It should be borne in mind that the applied paint on aluminum after a while begins to peel off and flake off. The sliding roller mechanism used for bathroom screens most often resembles the mechanism used in cabinets. The roller is fixed on the panel, when the doors open, they begin to move along the guides. Such models are very convenient to use, but have a high cost.

In some cases, the screen contains shelves designed to store detergents. This design increases the functionality of the bathroom several times. This will help in those moments when the room has a small area. The price of the panel is fully consistent with the functionality of the screens.

Accessories

Sliding screens include the following elements:

1. Doors, the frame of which is made of plastic or aluminum.
2. Accessories accessories.
3. Instruction.

Many experts recommend using glass screens in those moments when you want to increase the size of the room visually.

Simple design, practicality do not affect the functionality. The main features include:

• Protection of the communication system from water.
• Hiding the ventilation system.
• decorative feature.

Due to the large assortment range, you can choose the option that matches the interior of the room.

The sliding panel is selected individually for each bathroom. The choice depends on its size. There are two design options along the length of 1.5 and 1.7 meters. The minimum number of doors is two, with a size of 1.5 meters. In some cases, there are four wings. In height there are panels from 50.6 to 56 centimeters. If desired, the height can be adjusted using the legs.

Screens 1.7 meters wide

Such models are the most common. Such sliding screens consist of several shutters - from two to four. With the help of a special mechanism, they can be moved. In some cases, it is possible to purchase a longer sliding screen, for example 1.8 meters. Such structures are of several types.

There are 4 models in total:

1. The simplest option, made of plastic and aluminum frame.
2. Multifunctional have all the same features, and can also be adjusted in height.
3. Frameless screen.
4. Screen model that obscures the end of the bathroom.

This is interesting: Accessories for the bathroom - variety and features of choice

Structural and frame strength

The strength of an acrylic bathtub largely depends on the method of its manufacture. That is, a bathtub, which was made using the technology of one-piece casting of PMMA acrylic, is able to retain its original shape when completely filled with water. If the bathtub is made of extruded two-component ABS/PMMA acrylic, then when completely filled, its walls may slightly deform. The main effect here is a thin layer of PMMA and a thick layer of flexible ABS plastic.

Regardless of the acrylic used, all bathtubs are installed on a special welded or prefabricated metal frame, which acts as a base and containment of the bathtub from excessive deformation when fully filled. At the same time, the design of the metal frame - the frame, to some extent also affects the cost of an acrylic bath.

The simplest frame is a welded or bolted metal "crate" that will be located directly under the bottom of the bath. That is, such a frame will withstand the vertical pressure of water and the weight of a bathing person, but it will not reinforce the side walls.

A more complex frame for an acrylic bathtub has elements in its design that reinforce the side walls of plumbing, which in total can extend the life of the entire structure.

But there is also one point here that can help determine the quality of the bath. The frame frame has support points (racks and legs). The more such racks, the less durable the bath itself is. If the bath itself is of high quality, then the frame has supports only in the corners.

No. 2. Sliding screens: pros, cons and features

Sliding screens are the most advantageous designs that allow you to keep the space under the bathroom accessible, and in which case repairs can be carried out immediately. At the same time, numerous shelves will be an excellent place to store the necessary things: household chemicals, remnants of building materials after repairs, etc. Such designs are easy to install and clean, offer a huge selection of a wide variety of colors, but they are a little flimsy, and experience suggests that they will often have to be repaired.

The very design of such a screen consists of guides and panels that move along them. The quality of the screen depends on the material of execution of these elements. Guides can be:

• plastic. This is the cheapest and, moreover, quite durable material, which is absolutely resistant to moisture. In addition, the color of the plastic does not change during operation, because it is not washed off and does not peel off. But plastic will not withstand mechanical damage: a more or less strong blow to it can lead to the complete resolution of the structure;
• aluminum frames are much stronger than plastic ones, they can withstand impact, they are highly moisture resistant, and they can be painted in absolutely any color. The only drawback of this material is that the type of metal may not fit into the interior of the bathroom;
• the roller mechanism is very different from conventional frames, which rather resembles the principle of operation of a wardrobe. In this case, the guides are completely hidden, and only the facades of the doors are visible to a person, and they slide along the guides very smoothly and silently. True, such a solution costs more, and you will have to manufacture the entire system to order, because there are no ready-made solutions.

Doors can be made of a material that will be resistant to conditions of high humidity and constant temperature changes, will not change color and shape, will be stable and reliable. Features of materials that can be used for these purposes, we will consider below.

We install a sliding screen with our own hands

Installing a sliding screen on the bathroom is not at all difficult. To do this, you do not need special skills and high professionalism, just a little effort, accuracy and patience.

Installation of a structure for a cast-iron bath does not require additional work. You will only need to fix the legs so that the sliding screen design takes the correct position. Acrylic bathtubs will require more care. They are lighter, unscrewing the legs, you can slightly raise the container.

Profile screen frame

The frame for the screen is made from ordinary ceiling profiles. They are fastened under the side of the bathroom with wooden bars installed vertically.

Take aluminum corners and make holes in them for fasteners using a drill. Ensure that the screen is firmly and securely fixed.

If the screen does not match the dimensions of the bathroom, make a more accurate calculation (subtract the thickness of the corners from the distance between the two walls). Remove the panels and cut the rails to the calculated length.

Plastic screen mounting option

Next, insert the legs into the screen and, having selected the required height, install the frame. Mark the places on the wall for attaching the corners and drill holes for the dowels through them. The length of the top curtain of the screen should reach its middle, and the inner one should go beyond the top by about 5 cm. Then cut the curtains to the desired size with a grinder.

Lubricate the guide well with silicone, install the frame and fix the corners securely. Remove excess silicone immediately with a dry cloth before it hardens.

Advice. For greater ease of use, stick handles on both movable panels of the screen.

This completes the entire installation process. As you can see, there really is nothing complicated in it.Choose high-quality materials, be careful and accurate, then you will definitely succeed.

Make your bathroom stylish, beautiful and functional with the widest range of materials and textures for sliding screens.

Manufacturers

It is worth considering the most popular bath screen manufacturers that have positive reviews.

The manufacturer "MetaKam" produces reliable screens with PVC frames and panels made of cellular polypropylene. The view of the screen is very stylish, the Metacam Coupe models are stylized as ice in their colors. The design has sliding doors with two wings, the length is 148 mm, and the height can be adjusted from 55 to 60 cm. can be safely washed, including cleaning products. There are adjustable legs.

The Russian manufacturer Alavann produces practical and very beautiful bath screens made of laminated MDF. The compartment model with three sliding doors has dimensions of 1470x520x50 cm, the height can be increased up to 60 cm. The device is equipped with elegant chrome handles, can be installed directly on the floor or on adjustable legs with a maximum height of 10 cm. The body, frame and doors are made of high-quality moisture-resistant material, The product has a one year warranty.

Wannbock front screens, made of high-quality PVC grades, will help to completely close the space under the bathroom with good sealing. Models have a length of 150 to 170 cm, equipped with sliding doors with chrome handles.Their advantage is the originality of design and a large number of fashionable drawings and patterns on the panels. Products can be installed on the floor or on removable legs, they are durable and easy to install.

Bathroom furniture manufacturer Vod-ok offers chic screen models that can even fit into an elite design. There are options for textures "Oak", "Wenge", "White", made of high quality MDF. Doors can have 2 or 3 leaves, be hinged or sliding. Models are equipped with elegant built-in chrome handles, there are adjustable metal legs. There are options of different lengths and widths, it is possible to choose the right one for any bathroom interior. The product is guaranteed for 2 years.

Emmy bath screens are highly durable and have a unique design that will fit into any bathroom décor. The cabinets are made of an aluminum frame, while the walls and sliding doors are made of colored laminated MDF. Materials are not subject to rotting, the development of fungus and mold, are not afraid of moisture and steam. Models from the manufacturer Emmy "Malibu" have 3 sliding doors with beautiful metal handles. Protective screens Emmy "Blanca" have two wide doors, there are different sizes, all products are guaranteed for 3 years.

Europlex produces protective screens for bathtubs from moisture-resistant MDF. Sliding door frames and guides are made of durable aluminum, there are adjustable metal legs and chrome-plated door handles. It is possible to choose any design and color you like: white, beige, wenge. The laminated surface of the case is glossy and very easy to clean.The height can be adjusted from 50 to 60 cm, various models are presented in length.

Hammer products are original projects of stealth hatches. When closed, the screen looks like a whole wall, without any extra details. The lid opens very easily, providing access to the space under the bath. Products are equipped with removable adjustable legs made of chrome steel, there are various sizes. Screens "Hammer" have many options for colors, textures and designs, suitable for any apartment.

Triton panels are made of white acrylic and will match the acrylic bathtubs of the same name. It is possible to choose the desired length from 120 to 170 cm. Triton screens have a blind design, that is, they completely seal the space under the bathroom, moisture and dirt will not penetrate there. All products are made in their original form with volumetric embossing, glossy white surface is easy to clean and protected from mechanical damage.

Protective panels for Santek baths are produced in different shapes and sizes, it is possible to install corner options for this manufacturer. The screens have a blank structure, are completely sealed and have a bright white surface that is easy to clean. For the manufacture of high-quality acrylic, the products are very easy to install. There are goods with a length of 120 to 170 cm in stock, a quality guarantee is provided for all products.

Making a sliding screen for a bath with your own hands

Self-manufacturing a sliding panel is a simple process. If necessary, you can make a solid screen of plasterboard or MDF. The above materials must be selected, focusing on their moisture resistance.After installing a sheet of one or another material, the screen is lined with ceramic tiles. To access the pipes in such a screen, a viewing window (hatch) is made.

Do-it-yourself sliding screen frame installation instructions

It is somewhat more difficult to make a sliding model, however, if you follow the algorithm of actions, then there should not be any problems with the installation of such a design. Below we will look at how to make a sliding screen using an E-shaped profile, as well as the materials that will be required for this.

Consider what materials you need to prepare for making a do-it-yourself sliding screen for a bath:

• w-shaped profile. The profile material is selected depending on the damper material. The most commonly used profiles are aluminum or plastic. The width of such a profile should be no less than 20 mm and no more than 24 mm;
• rack tubes. Experts recommend using steel tubes. The cross section of the tubes should be approximately 10 mm.

First you need to thread the ends of the tubes. The screen is fixed by means of special fasteners. Sliding doors are recommended to be made of cheap and easy-to-handle plastic material. Getting plastic sashes is quite simple: you need to cut the polymer panel into pieces. In order not to be mistaken in size, it is recommended to take all measurements in advance and perform the appropriate markup. Then, the resulting parts must be glued together. For this, transparent glue is best suited.

Door design scheme for sliding type screen

The algorithm of work is as follows:

1. First, measurements are taken and the drilling sites are marked.
2. With the help of the level, the points are marked at which the fixing elements will be located.
3. For guides (upper and lower), it is necessary to measure, corresponding in length, segments of the w-shaped metal profile.
4. The panel is cut into pieces. Thus, sashes of the required size are obtained.
5. Screen assembly.
6. Installation of the structure using spacer racks.

Screen design is a matter of taste. If desired, you can make sashes of plastic of different colors, glue handles for convenience, equip the structure with shelves for household chemicals.

Types of screens for baths

There are three main types of bath screens:

• for the end (close the unnecessary area);
• standard (a plastic panel of the required size is selected and framed);
• multifunctional (the plastic panel is enclosed in an aluminum frame).

Aluminum Profile Sliding Screen

The most versatile type of screens is considered to be multifunctional. You can very easily adjust the length of its frame, and any arrangement of pipes will not interfere with its installation.

The most popular is the sliding type of screens. You can take a look at its appearance by viewing the photo.

Types and features of bath screens

The future design can perform several functions: be a decorative element, serve as a place to store things, or both at the same time. Depending on the purpose, there are types:

1. 1. Stationary - the simplest and fastest solution. The disadvantage is the monolithic structure. For repairs, small hatches are provided, which is not very convenient. The corner screen is mainly made in this design.
2. 2.Removable - the space under the bathroom is not used, but there is access to communications. If necessary, the casing can be easily dismantled and reinstalled.
3. 3. Sliding - all pipes are hidden, takes up little space. Allows easy access to sewers.
4. 4. Swing - has doors that open towards the room. Convenient to use, but more suitable for spacious rooms.
5. 5. Folding - has sashes that open in a horizontal position. Every little thing is stored behind them, but in a small room it takes up a lot of space.

A modern acrylic bath is purchased with ready-made plastic screens. They are made exactly to size, easy to assemble and install. Owners of old steel and cast iron are forced to make them with their own hands or leave the space open and contemplate sewer pipes. To close the place under the bathroom or not is a matter of taste of the owners.

Screen made of plastic panels with hinged doors

The bathroom with a screen is transformed, aesthetics and finishing are given to it. But there is another reason to get involved in the fabrication of the structure: the space can be exploited to good use. The place under the bathroom is ideal for storing small things: the door opens, and shelves behind it.

To make a screen yourself, you will need quite a few inexpensive materials of the owner's choice:

• any bricks;
• moisture resistant drywall;
• plastic panels;
• MDF or OSB.

With the exception of plastic, everything else requires subsequent finishing. It costs little, is practical, biologically neutral, stable in a humid environment, easy to clean. Despite the low strength, this drawback does not pose a big problem.If any element is damaged, it is easy to replace it without disassembling the entire structure. Using popular MDF panels, they must be treated with special compounds, because they are afraid of moisture.

Hinged door model

There are other options left. With design, it is easier here: finishes for every taste are allowed to match the style of the bathroom. The brick is faced with decorative plaster or ceramic tiles. Drywall and panels (not plastic) are painted, painted, pasted over with wallpaper, tiles. The possibilities for imagination are endless, the main thing is that after decorating the screen does not lose functionality.

Sliding panel design

Sliding panels can have an aluminum or plastic frame, more expensive models can be equipped with roller mechanisms. Each of these designs has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be taken into account.

Thus, plastic sliding screens are the most budgetary, but at the same time they are completely neutral to moisture and quite durable. Plastic frames can be made in a variety of colors that won't chip or wash off. But the disadvantage of this type of frame is fragility. An accidental blow can easily break it. Aluminum structures are stronger than plastic frames, but not as resistant to constant moisture.

A variety of colors is also inherent in this type, but after a while the paint may begin to peel off, which will not only affect the attractive appearance, but also protect aluminum from moisture. That is, the main advantage of aluminum, unlike plastic, is durability.

The sliding design for a bathtub on rollers is similar to the one used in wardrobes.Rollers moving along guides are attached to the screen. Due to them, the panels slide smoothly. In terms of appearance, these screens look aesthetically pleasing. Among the disadvantages: a correspondingly more complex design is more expensive than systems made from other materials, as well as a small number of finished structures.

Plastic

Sliding plastic bath panels are the most popular due to the practicality of the material and the cost of the design itself. Plastic has gained great popularity due to its qualities:

• decay resistant;
• resistant to temperature extremes;
• resistant to mold and fungus.

The most important property of the material in relation to the bathroom is that it is completely waterproof. There is always high humidity in the bathroom, so some materials are not beneficial to use in such a room. Over time, they can rot, mold and swell. This will never happen with plastic.

Plastic panels are the cheapest, but they have good strength so that they can be installed in the bathroom. Moreover, consumers are captivated by the variety of designs. There are monophonic options or painted with various drawings and paintings. These patterns are applied using photo printing. If you wish, you can stick a picture according to your order. Plastic can be easily washed. It is very easy to remove any stains and stains from it, and for the lazy it is beneficial because it can hide small stains. Therefore, it is not necessary to wash the plastic panels under the bathroom every day. In addition, a sliding plastic screen can be easily made by hand. This allows the availability of materials and simplicity of design.

Acrylic bath screen

In plumbing stores you can see screens for acrylic baths. These sliding systems most often go as an addition to an acrylic bath. Manufacturers create them in a unique design with an original shape. But the acrylic screen can be bought separately. However, it only fits the acrylic bath.

These panels are made of plastic and then coated with acrylic. They are suitable only for an acrylic bath, as they have a special mount.

MDF bath screen

MDF is often used to make furniture. And although some believe that this material does not combine well with high humidity, at the same time this opinion is incorrect. To date, moisture-resistant MDF panels are made, which are impregnated with special resins, which give the material water-repellent properties. Therefore, MDF screens are quite popular today. These sliding systems are durable, convenient and practical. Like plastic panels, they have a large number of colors, and are also decorated with various patterns and patterns. For additional protection against moisture, the surface of these panels is laminated with paper-melamine or plastic films.

Since the MDF board is much heavier than the plastic screen, metal guides are used in the bath panels, which are able to ensure the movement of the panels and secure fastening. And also the sliding system itself undergoes certain changes, often it consists of three MDF panels, while the central one is fixed, in order to additionally provide strength, the panels move on the sides like in a closet.

Advantages

Many of us still doubt the need for such an element as a sliding bath screen, however, its functions and purpose convince us of the opposite.

Advantages of the screen under the bathroom:

• the product completely hides all communications passing under the bathroom;
• it becomes possible to place household chemicals and bathroom accessories inside the structure;
• additional protection of chemicals from small children and pets;
• a great way to decorate the bathroom, making it the highlight of the whole room;
• free access to pipes if necessary;
• protecting the space under the bathroom from water ingress, that is, preventing damage to pipes and mold;
• simple installation;
• the ability to make a design with your own hands;
• affordable cost.

There are a lot of practical advantages of a sliding screen, but do not forget that these products are also quite attractive aesthetically. Manufacturers offer a wide selection of colors, patterns, patterns and even photo printing.

Bath screens are easy to install

Varieties

Screens are not distinguished by a large variety in size, they offer two standard lengths on the market: 1.7 m or 1.5 m. The height of products varies from 506 cm to 560 cm. You can adjust this figure yourself, since many screens are equipped with legs.

Types of screens by structure:

• simple design: plastic mechanism with an aluminum frame of standard sizes;
• multifunctional design: also plastic panels enclosed in an aluminum frame, however, this design can be varied in size;
• screens without frames;
• screens that cover the end of the bath bowl.

Each of the types can be purchased at any hardware store at an affordable cost, however, such simple designs are easy to do with your own hands.

The most popular designs consist of two panels, an aluminum or plastic frame. There are more expensive and practical models that are equipped with shelves for storing bathroom accessories on the inside.

Bath screens come in a variety of types.

Materials for the manufacture of sliding screens:

• plastic;
• plexiglass;
• MDF;
• Acrylic;
• other materials.

The glass screen under the sliding bath is a popular, attractive and quite practical material, however, its main disadvantage is the cost. Glass or mirror looks good in the bathroom, visually enlarging it.

As experience shows, plastic screens are a more practical and affordable model. The material is easy to wash, and not every day, because stains and stains are not visible on it. Plastic is durable, flexible, not afraid of moisture and is ideal for use in the bathroom.

The main advantages of plastic sliding mechanisms are their low cost and a wide range of design solutions. Choosing a product that suits the design of your bathroom is not difficult.

MDF and other wood-based materials have dubious practicality properties for use in a bathroom. However, with proper treatment, the screen will not deteriorate, rot or succumb to fungus. The material is durable, mechanically stable and moisture resistant.

If the bathroom has wooden elements or materials imitating wood, MDF construction will be a great addition to the design.

Depending on the shades prevailing in the interior of the bathroom, the MDF screen can be of the following colors:

• white;
• olive;
• vanilla;
• wenge;
• oak, etc.

The variety is great, which is beneficial for the finished design.

However, remember that often MDF screens do not slide apart like plastic ones, but open like ordinary doors, so such structures need space in front of the bathroom. But new models appear on the market, consisting of two wooden doors and two plastic doors that can be moved apart.

Acrylic screens are fairly easy to maintain.

Acrylic designs are quite popular, especially for acrylic bathtubs. The material is durable, easy to clean, water stains are not visible on it, and most importantly, acrylic is resistant to water.

The advantage of acrylic screens is that they come in different sizes than other materials. Such products can reach 2 m in length, but for small baths there is also a 1.2 m long option.

As a rule, when buying an acrylic bathtub, the screen for it is included. After all, you probably noticed what a variety of acrylic products are now and it is simply impossible to keep up with various shapes and sizes separately.

If you buy an acrylic screen separately, be careful, there are many fakes on the market, most of which are made of plastic and tinted. Remember, an acrylic screen is only suitable for an acrylic bathtub.

materials

Today, different raw materials are used for the production of sliding screens for a bath. The most common types of materials include PVC, acrylic, MDF, as well as wood and glass (including mirror inserts). Each type of material has its own characteristics and is suitable for a particular bath.In the production of each model, the company builds on the standards of safety, reliability and moisture resistance.

Acrylic options come with similar bathtubs. They are not intended for sanitary ware made of other materials (for example, they will not fit a cast iron model). They are made from polymers and then covered with a layer of acrylic. The installation of such products is not different from the usual technology

However, the installation needs special care when drilling acrylic.

For frames today, plastic and aluminum are more often used. Of the two types of material, the second is the best, since it is he who is characterized by greater strength. The disadvantage of aluminum frames is considered to be less resistance to constant exposure to moisture.

Plastic screens are included in the budget group. As a rule, in most cases they are distinguished by the presence of drawings made using photo printing technology. Their line is the brightest and most colorful, differs in a different type of surface and may have original fittings. Plastic is not subject to the appearance and spread of fungal formations and mold.

It is inert to temperature changes in the bathroom and is characterized by resistance to rotting processes. However, they are short-lived and after a few years may require replacement. The disadvantage of plastic is the gradual loss of the attractiveness of the original appearance. For example, over time it may turn yellow, in addition, it is difficult to remove stubborn rust from it.

On sale there are products made of plexiglass or the so-called plexiglass. By its properties, it is close to plastic, absolutely immune to water and moisture. However, it is more aesthetic than PVC, and has a wide variety of texture solutions.Despite the fact that it lasts longer, it is quite fragile, which is its main disadvantage.

Analogues from MDF are nothing more than products from chipboard panels. In order to increase moisture resistance, manufacturers treat them with special impregnations in the form of special resins. Such designs are more reliable than polymer options. They have an interesting color palette, in which there are many noble natural colors.

Often, various drawings or patterns are applied to the facades of such sliding screens. In addition, to increase moisture resistance, manufacturers laminate facades using special polymer films. The disadvantage of such screens is their heavy weight. It is because of him that for their installation it is necessary to build a frame of especially durable metal.

Such structures, as a rule, have 3 wings, the central one of which remains motionless. The other two work on the principle of doors in wardrobes. Glass and mirror varieties of screens on sale are less common than products made of polymers and wood products. This is due to their lower resistance to mechanical damage.

However, they are quite resistant to water, look presentable. In order for them to ideally fit the existing bath, they are often ordered for specific sizes. Glass for a sliding screen under the bath can have a dull or glossy finish. In addition, trademarks produce products not only transparent, but also colored.

The surface of such glass screens may have a patterned pattern. An interesting solution to the design of the glass screen is the backlight. Mirror elements allow you to decorate different types of material. At the same time, they can be installed at different angles, which will provide a play of light.