How to make a functional bathroom screen with shelves

How to install a screen under the bath yourself

Initially, it is necessary to make accurate measurements of the parameters of the bathroom, namely its width, length and height. It is worth noting the fact that the screen is not a support structure, so the frame must be strong and reliable, because it will hold both the screen itself and special shelves, if any. Also, the masters advise to install it at 7-10 cm, i.e. as if under the edge of the bath.

Next, holes are drilled for future fastening of the cladding. Then, the selected material is already attached, whether it be drywall, wood, plastic, or it will all be covered with decorative tiles.

For each material, there are fastening features, consider each of them.

Bath Screen Materials

Those materials that you will use in the bathroom should not be afraid of water and moisture, temperature changes

It is also important that they are not prone to rapid destruction from mold or fungus.

You can make the base of the screen from almost any building material, and then finish it on the outside to your liking. For cladding, plastic panels or tiles are used.

Homemade screen options:

• plastic;

• plasterboard sheathing of a wooden or metal frame / profile and subsequent finishing;

• brick base with front tiled lining.

The fastest way is to cover the frame under the bathroom with MDF panels. Strips of plastic or MDF are biologically neutral and practical. These materials are easy to cut and fasten together.

After erection, the brick base will need to be sheathed and plastered or tiled on it. And before installing a wooden frame, the wood must be coated with a special impregnation to protect it from moisture.

Screen assembly from plastic panels

Technologically, assembling a plastic screen is a fairly simple task and consists in the following. First, along the perimeter of the most installed supporting frame, the starting strip is fastened with self-tapping screws. In places where the product will adjoin the vertical and horizontal elements, a cut is made at an angle of 45 degrees. After that, strips are cut from plastic and inserted into the grooves of the prepared starting strip until the screen is completely filled. The plastic panels of the sliding screen are installed between the guides and the handles are glued on the outside. Corner joints are closed with plastic corners.

Sliding plastic panel

At the end of the installation, an inspection door should be installed on the fixed lintels (usually on the siphon side). Such plastic doors can be bought at any hardware store or made independently from the remaining panels. For additional protection against moisture ingress into the screen, the gaps between the floor surface and the frame fasteners are filled with a special neutral-colored sealant.

The installation of panels on a curved screen is somewhat different, because the bending angle must also be taken into account.

1. First of all, you should measure the height of the frame from the top profile to the bottom. Then, using a charcoal ruler, measure the required length and, if necessary, cut off part of the panel with a drywall knife.
2. On the extreme first strip, apply a small layer of "liquid nails" glue and fix the starting strip of the same length.
3. Each subsequent plastic panel should be inserted into the grooves of the previous panel. From above, the plastic is fixed with “liquid nails” or staples, but only so that the outer side remains without holes. The bottom of the product can be fixed with self-tapping screws to the inside of the aluminum profile.
4. The last stage is the most difficult and responsible - the installation of the last panel. To do this, it is necessary to measure the width of the remaining space, apply all calculations to the plastic panel and cut out the missing part of the screen using the same drywall knife. Glue the starting strip on the side of the panel adjacent to the wall. Gently “drive” the panel into the upper and lower strip.
5. Decorate the bottom of the screen with a plastic plinth, gluing it to the bottom front side of the screen.

The choice of material for the frame and sashes

Plastic structures

The screen is made from different materials. Moisture-resistant samples are required for use in the bathroom. Wood is treated with a special coating. Materials used:

• The most practical and affordable is plastic. It is resistant to moisture, easy to install, easy to maintain.
• MDF and chipboard with a moisture-resistant coating are often used for the manufacture of sashes and doors.
• Drywall is convenient to use, it is practical, it is light in weight.
• Wood treated with a special coating is used to make the frame and sashes. The need for frequent ventilation.
• Aluminum structures are moisture resistant, durable, and light in weight. They are simple to mount. A frame is usually made from it.
• Plexiglas is lightweight and durable, great for wet environments. Behind the transparent walls it is easy to see the contents of the locker.
• The nylon fabric partition looks unusual and original.

Finishing stage of work

The constructed skeleton must be finished with decorative material. Here you can use, for example, panels made of plastic, they have a relatively low price, but are practical and moisture resistant.

Of course, tiles are often used, but for this, the frame is pre-sheathed with drywall with enhanced moisture resistance.

Plastic sheathing

Plastic panels must be cut to the size of the constructed frame. They can be installed both vertically and horizontally, depending on their length. Editing to the required size is performed with a mounting knife. The panels are fixed with self-tapping screws, and do not forget to leave a window under the hatch during work. You need to fix the hatch on a metal frame, which must first be fixed with self-tapping screws.After installing the hatch, you need to install the door. Everything - the device is ready.

Often a plastic screen is made in the form of a sliding door.

Option two - tiling

If you are planning to make a ceramic screen device, then the work process will be different. The sunroof needs to be installed first. After that, moisture-resistant drywall is fixed. This material is fastened with self-tapping screws. Fasteners must be screwed in strictly at right angles. As a rule, this is done with an ordinary screwdriver.

The screen, sheathed with tiles, will definitely fit into the interior of the bathroom

The next step is the laying of ceramic tiles. Here special glue is used. It is very convenient to use. The adhesive is applied to the ceramics with a spatula in an even layer. The tile is then glued to the drywall. After gluing is completed, it is necessary to wipe the seams.

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 frame for a screen under the bath

So, you have chosen the shape and type of screen you need, the next step is to make a frame for the next installation of plastic panels. To implement this work, you will need the following details: a starting strip (usually the same color scheme as the screen), a profile, dowels, liquid nails glue and, in fact, the plastic panels themselves. Mounting the frame involves the use of such tools: a clerical or construction knife, an electric screwdriver, a building level, a puncher, a square and a stapler.

Marking

The first thing to do is to mark the future supporting structure on the surface of the floor and walls. Using a spirit level, draw a line in a vertical direction where the screen will meet the wall surface. Consider the top edge of the bathtub as the starting point. From the resulting side lines to the side, parallel to the location of your bathtub, draw another line equal to the thickness of the prepared plastic panels. For ease of installation of the structure from the wall lines, it is necessary to lay appropriate marks along the entire length of the floor surface along the length of the bathtub.

Frame installation

This is followed by the assembly of the front and side elements of the frame.To do this, measure and cut the required length of the bars or profile, join them according to the marks and secure. To make the frame more rigid and durable, make an additional one or two transverse fasteners from the profile. In the case when the frame is made of wooden beams, screws and self-tapping screws can be used as fasteners. For the profile, specialized fasteners are used.

Attention! Fasten the profile to the floor very carefully, without using much force, so as not to damage the tile.

When installing the frame, you should also provide a place for a viewing window (if you plan to make one). For it, it is necessary to make additional jumpers in the established place of the vertical shape: canopies will be fixed on the right side, and furniture magnets on the left.

The frame of the sliding screen with vertical shelves requires additional fasteners on which gas lifts are installed.

Curvilinear bath screen frame

To model the frame of a curved screen on the floor surface, a building level makes markings that exactly repeat the curves of the bath itself. A profile is laid according to the markings applied - in the places of bending along the side edge, cuts 10 cm long are made on it. After that, a hole is punched in the profile and fastening is done with dowels and screws to the floor surface along the marked line. The top profile is glued.

Types of bath screens

To date, you can find on sale a wide variety of screens for the bath. If you want to please yourself with something unusual and surprise your guests, you can turn to custom-made or make it yourself, decorating the design to your taste.The main difference between the screens lies in their design features, as well as the materials of manufacture. The choice of the latter deserves special attention, since the service life of the screen will depend on the quality of the raw materials.

When purchasing a screen for a bath, you need to clearly understand that the structure will constantly be in special microclimatic conditions - it can be negatively affected by high humidity and constant temperature changes. The most acceptable raw materials today are:

Metal - in this case we are talking about aluminum screens, which have a relatively low cost, but at the same time are quite durable structures. It is also worth noting their light weight, ease of installation, as well as the ability to choose the texture and color of the screen for the design of the bathroom;

Wood is the most natural material of all that is environmentally friendly and clean. Despite the fact that the tree undergoes additional treatment with antiseptics and chemical impregnations that increase its service life, wood still remains a fairly clean raw material;

Plastic - the main advantage of plastic is its low cost and a large selection of colors that can be either plain or successfully imitate natural materials, such as marble. The long service life is also noteworthy - according to most manufacturers, with proper operation, a plastic bath screen can last up to 30 years.Some are afraid to use the material in residential premises due to the fact that it can melt and release harmful substances, however, we note that such phenomena are possible at sufficiently high temperatures that are absent in the bathroom;

MDF is an inexpensive material, but does not have high moisture resistance. Over time, the plates can swell and lose their appearance, so the service life is limited, as a rule, to three years. The advantage is a variety of colors, the ability to imitate wood, as well as simple care;

Glass is rarely used. Despite the fact that modern glass bath screens are made of durable tempered material, many are afraid to place them in the lower planes of the bathroom. In addition, when using transparent glass, all the “insides” of the basement space will be visible and some of the screen functions will be lost. It is quite another matter - panels made of colored glass or having patterns, 3D images. Such models will reliably hide a mini-pantry from prying eyes and will become a magnificent decoration of the room;

A mirror is an original type of design that not everyone can afford. Yes, and it is not easy to take care of the mirror surface, in addition, located in the lower part of the room, it can be subject to shock and other mechanical influences. But, despite this, there are a lot of fans of mirror screens. The advantages of mirror structures can be safely called a pleasant view, as well as the creation of a visual effect of expanding space;

Drywall is a material that will make an excellent bathroom screen if you choose it correctly, namely, take into account its moisture resistance.Plasterboard constructions often become an easy, cost-effective solution for assembling a do-it-yourself bath screen, as the material is quite malleable. Finished planes are decorated with various finishing materials: ceramic tiles, moisture-resistant wallpaper, panels;

Fabric is the most budget option, which is often made by hostesses at home, but allows you to stylishly decorate a room and hide an unsightly space.

In addition to the materials considered, their combinations are often found. For example, plastic compartment doors with metal guides, MDF frame construction and PVC panels, etc.

Kinds

Screens are classified depending on the material of manufacture and design features.

Material

Bathroom panels are made from different materials. Products made of polystyrene, PVC and plastic are considered popular. Less often in bathrooms, screens made of glass and metal are used.

Plastic

Plastic models are considered the most popular among consumers, which is explained by the following advantages of panels of this type:

• low price;
• simple installation and operation;
• long service life;
• moisture resistance;
• a wide variety of colors and the possibility of applying patterns.

The main disadvantage of plastic models is that with a slight application of force, the material breaks.

Metal

Metal models are more expensive than plastic ones. Panels made from this material are highly resistant to mechanical damage. As in the case of plastic screens, a variety of patterns are applied to metal screens, which allows the use of such products in various interiors.The main disadvantage of models of this type is that due to scratches and other defects, the panels become rusty.

MDF

MDF models are mainly installed in classic-style bathrooms. Screens of this type are susceptible to moisture. Therefore, for the bathroom, it is recommended to purchase MDF panels covered with a protective film.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is a lot like plastic. Therefore, screens made of both materials have the same advantages and disadvantages.

Drywall

This material is used to make the base for laying ceramic tiles. Separately, gypsum boards are not used to create screens for a bath.

PVC

PVC panels are characterized by the advantages that plastic products have. The main difference between these screens is that polyvinyl chloride tolerates mechanical stress better.

Acrylic

This type of screens is made of plastic, which is then covered with an acrylic layer. Such products often come with bathrooms made from a similar material. Acrylic models have the same properties as plastic ones, with the only exception: decorative patterns are not applied to this type of panel.

Glass or mirror

It is not advisable to install glass or mirror models in the bathroom. Panels of this type, even with minor loads, break. Installation of mirror models is advisable in cases where there is a need to visually increase the size of the room.

Design

Under the bathrooms, stationary screens or structures with movable doors (hinged or sliding) are installed. Products of the first type are often made from removable panels.The choice in favor of a particular type of construction depends on the purpose of installing the screen.

Deaf stationary

Structures of this type are usually built from durable materials such as brick or metal. Such products provide additional support for the bath and endure external influences, including moisture. Among the disadvantages of stationary structures are the following:

• the load on the floor increases;
• reduced space in the bathroom;
• dismantling is impossible without destroying the structure.

Stationary structures are not installed under acrylic bathtubs.

Removable stationary

Structurally, this type of screens does not differ from the previous one. The difference lies in the fact that for the manufacture of these products, plastic panels are mainly used, which can be removed if necessary.

With hinged doors

The use of screens with hinged doors is justified in large rooms. Such designs provide convenient access to the space under the bathroom.

Model with sliding doors

Sliding panels are mounted on rails that are mounted along the bathtub and the floor. Similar designs are used in small rooms. The use of sliding panels is also justified by the fact that the material, if necessary, can be easily removed and replaced with a new one. The main disadvantage of these models is that when pressed, the panels immediately shift.

Installation

The easiest way to install with your own hands is a sliding screen, supplied assembled. First, the bathtub is filled with water, handles are attached to the door leaves of the product, and removable legs are attached to the lower part of the body. The screen is brought under the front side of the bath so that it is located strictly vertically.In the end, you just need to adjust the legs to the desired height so that the opening is completely closed.

It is a little more difficult to make a sliding door screen that is sold unassembled. First you need to mark the floor and walls in the places where the body and guide rails will be located. For marking, you need to take a pencil or marker, a tape measure and a building level. Then, guides and vertical frame parts are attached along the drawn line, facade panels and sashes are inserted inward, the system is adjusted in height so that the doors slide freely horizontally. When this is done, further installation takes place in the same way as for the assembled screen.

With a non-standard shape of the bath, or if you want to create your own unique design, you can make your own bathroom damper. For tiling, you should choose options with notch for legs or inclined, such a choice will prove to be very practical for a long time to come. For installation, you will need a certain amount of tiles, combined with the decoration of the room, tile adhesive, metal profiles, sheets of waterproof drywall.

To begin with, U-shaped metal profiles are marked and installed on the walls and floor. It is necessary to fix them on screws with dowels, holes in concrete are made with a puncher, fasteners are twisted with a screwdriver or a screwdriver. Transverse vertical stiffening ribs are attached to the frame with the help of self-tapping screws for metal. Then the required piece of drywall is cut off and attached to the metal frame with special screws. An opening is made in the partition for the door.

When the vertical surface of the screen is ready, then proceed to the decorative finish. The surface of the drywall sheet is primed, the tile adhesive is diluted, the tile is laid on the partition. At the end, you need to make a door or hatch and fix it on the opening. To finish such a non-removable screen, ceramic wall tiles are usually taken, the dimensions are standard 15x15, 20x20 or 20x30 cm. You can choose a monotonous color to match the overall color of the bathroom and the furniture in it, or arrange a stylish pattern. It all depends on the design imagination of the owner.

Very simply and without any special financial costs, you can install a protective curtain under the bathroom. Waterproof material is taken for it: oilcloth, plastic wrap or rubberized fabric. Holes are cut in the upper part of the canvas, into which metal or plastic loops are placed. Then you need to pull the fishing line, on which the installed curtain will hang, for it you can take a steel or nylon thread. It is pulled over screws that are attached to opposite walls adjacent to the bath.

A good solution for a bath in a city apartment or a country house can be the creation of a homemade screen made of wood. The advantage is that wooden slats are very easy to cut with a hacksaw and fasten to nails. Of the tools you need only a hammer, saw and tape measure. You can choose different types of wood, the main thing is that the slats are well polished and covered with waterproof varnish.

Without difficulty, it is possible to make a removable screen from plastic or PVC sheets. It can be one-, two- or three-sided depending on the needs.For rigidity, a frame is created from metal or plastic profiles, then the sheets are cut to size and inserted into the frame. It is easy to screw adjustable legs to such a screen from below. To create such a design, approximately 0.6 - 1.5 square meters will be required. m of sheet PVC and 3 - 5 linear meters of profiles. The advantage of a homemade plastic screen is that you can create any beautiful photo printing on its surface.

Bathroom screen cabinet - features and benefits

Such a design is conventionally designated as a cabinet. It does not provide for all standard frame elements in the design. Often this is just a facade system, located right next to the walls. But, since the screen allows you to store things and equip sections with shelves, it is often called a bath cabinet.

Its installation provides a number of advantages:

• Doors cover unsympathetic pipe outlets under the tub space;
• Instead of dust accumulations, you get an unusual design element;
• Efficient use of the falling territory;
• The standard place for washing will turn into an original piece of furniture.

Selection Tips

Choosing a sliding screen for a bathtub is not as difficult as it might seem. When the question arises of buying a sheathing instead of a curtain, it is necessary to build on the design features of a particular room, the personal preferences of the owners of the house and their financial capabilities. To choose a high-quality and durable model, you should listen to the main recommendations of experts

First of all, it is important to pay attention to the material of the frame. It must be durable and resistant to mechanical stress.

In the choice of material, you can give preference to combined models.The number of sliding doors may vary. The main thing is to think in advance how convenient it will be after installation for a specific bath. It is advisable to purchase functional products with shelves (they are more aesthetic). Regarding glass, it is worth noting that the transparent type option loses the point of purchase, because it does not perform the main function of hiding pipes.

If you plan to buy acrylic non-standard size products, the screen must be ordered in advance. If desired, you can choose a ready-made version with a 3D effect. When it is decided to purchase a plastic model, during the purchase process it is worth deciding what type of latches it has: magnetic or spring

This information is available on the factory instructions, you need to pay attention to it before you buy the product, because in some cases the snap-in method is especially important

To buy the model correctly, you need to go to the store with measurements of the distance from the side of the bathroom to the floor. Good options are products with niches and three stable legs. For a cast-iron bath, picking up a “coupe” screen today can be problematic due to low demand. More often, the owners make such products on their own, using metal profiles.

Their sashes can be made of plastic or MDF. The second option is appropriate when there is enough space in the room. With regards to the shade of any screen, it is worth proceeding from the color background of the interior. If desired, you can buy a white screen, as this color is combined with all the tones of the color palette.

In this case, it is desirable to choose a screen with the ability to adjust. In other words, you need to take the model that has spacers and legs. This will simplify the process of installing the protective casing of the bath.It is undesirable to buy sets with wooden beams, since the tree is characterized by the possibility of expansion and contraction.

When choosing a material, ventilation can also be taken into account. If there is no such system in the bathroom, it makes no sense to purchase an MDF product. When there is a good hood, moisture will not linger in the room, so the life of the screen will not be reduced.