6 steps to fit a bath panel

Fitting a bath panel may seem daunting, but we've broken the process down into six bite-size steps to get your bath looking its best in no time.

1. Remove your old panel

Out with the old and in with the new. The first step to fitting your new bath panel is to remove the old one. Luckily, this is a fairly simple task.

Before you remove the panel, you'll need to look at the edge of it to identify which type of fixings are being used to hold it in place. These could be screws, clips, or even a simple adhesive glue. Once you know which type of fixing has been used, it's time to remove them.

"If your old panel uses screws, take a screwdriver and remove them,” explains Brian. “Simple enough. However, the process is slightly different when removing a bath panel without screws. To remove clip fixings, use a pair of pliers and squeeze the clips to release them.”

“Alternatively, if your panel has been fixed with adhesive, you'll need a retractable safety knife to remove the build-up of glue. To do this, slowly scrape the knife along the bottom of the sealant line to cut through and repeat as many times as needed. Just be careful not to damage the finish of the tub itself or the surrounding tiles. Remember to take things slowly and work in small areas."

Once the fixings have been removed, you should be able to lift the old panel away. You’re now ready to fit your new one.

2. Measure your bath or old bath panel

Next, it's time to measure your bath or old bath panel to determine which size bath panel you need. If you've never measured a bath before, you're probably wondering how to do it. The good news is that it’s a very straightforward process.

“Using a measuring tape, start by recording the length of the gap from the bathtub's rim to the floor. This will tell you the height of the bath panel you'll need,” Brian says. “Next, measure your bath's total length to find the required panel length.”

With this measurement in hand, it’s time to buy your new bath panel. Once you have this, you’ll need to test the fit to determine whether you need to make any cuts for a better installation.

"Using the two measurements you recorded earlier, it's time to hold your new bath panel up against your bath and test the fit," Brian says. "You should use a spirit level to do this, as a straight measurement is needed. Hold the spirit level vertically against the panel, with the bottom of the level touching the bathroom floor, and ensure that the panel remains straight while you take your measurements.”

“Usually, most baths will fit a pre-fabricated panel. However, if your bath panel is overlapping with the bathtub or getting caught on any of the fixtures around the bath, you may need to make cuts in the panel to fit the bath or slot into place around pipework and skirting boards," Brian explains.

Alternatively, if you’re replacing your old bath panel but keeping the same bath, this process is even simpler. Rather than measuring the bath, you can measure the old panel you’ve removed to find a new one of the same size.

"If you're replacing an old panel with a fresh, new model, you'll need to learn how to measure a bath panel to identify the size that fits your bath," Brian explains. "Once you've removed your old one, use measuring tape to find the length from end to end. As bath panels come as pre-fabricated pieces, you may need to purchase the closest size and trim some of the excess to create a secure fit."

3. Trim the bath panel

Although we always recommend purchasing the correct-size bath panel, in some cases, it may need to be trimmed to fit perfectly around skirting boards or other immovable bathroom fixtures. Additionally, irregular bath shapes – such as an L-shaped bath – may need to be trimmed to create a seamless finish that accounts for the corner.

Whether your panel is made of acrylic or wood, you can use a standard hacksaw to cut it to size. The steps to do so are as follows:

1. Hold the bath panel up to your bath and create a small mark on any overlapping areas.
2. Using a hacksaw, cut the panel carefully along the markings you have made, ensuring the acrylic panels don’t crack.
3. Smooth down any of the cut edges using fine-grit sandpaper.
4. Seal any cut edges with sealant or a PVA solution if your bath panel is wooden.

“When you trim your bath panel, the material it is made from will determine your approach,” says Brian. “If you’re cutting an acrylic panel, do so slowly and carefully to prevent cracks.”

“Alternatively, if your new panel is made of wood, you’ll need to be more cautious with sealing any exposed wood from trimming to size. Water is prone to penetrating unsealed wood, which may cause the panel to rot.”

“To create a watertight seal on any cut edges, coat them with a PVA solution or standard sealant and allow them to dry fully for around six hours before proceeding with the rest of the installation.”

4. Mark the position of the bath panel

Once your bath panel is the right size, you can finalise the placement against your bath.

First, consider the type of bath panel you have. Brian explains: "If your bath panel features a slight inward-facing lip at the bottom, you'll need rebated timber. This wood has a horizontal groove allowing the panel's lip to slot in securely."

“For bath panels that already have pre-drilled holes, you can use a standard batten and screw your panel directly into it. However, if there are no pre-drilled holes, you'll need to drill them yourself.”

"It's important to check the specific instructions for your chosen bath panel to determine which steps are required to prepare for installation."

Next, ensure the panel is correctly positioned. "Place a spirit level vertically against the panel to check that it's at the right angle," advises Brian. "Then, mark two lines on the floor with a pen or pencil – one slightly behind and one in front of where the panel sits. These will guide the placement of your wooden battens."

"You can now align your wooden batten with the lines you created. Once you are happy with the placement, the next step will be screwing it into place."

5. Screw down the wooden batten

"Now that you have marked the spot and lined up your wooden batten, it's time to screw the wood into the floor," explains Brian. "It's important to check beforehand whether there are any live wires or pipes under the floor where you plan to install your batten, which can be done using a digital pipe and cable detector."

"First, take an electric drill and create some pilot holes (holes for the screws to slot into) in the floor. Then, using regular screws that are suitable for wood, fix the batten in place."

6. Slot your bath panel into place

"This last step is simple," Brian says. "It requires you to slot the panel into place against the timber framework you've created on the floor."

There are different ways of doing this depending on the type of panel:

• Panels with a lip – Line up the panel's lip with the groove in the timber beneath the rim of the bath, and gently lower the panel so that the lip slots into this groove.

• Panels without a lip – Position the panel against the batten, aligning the pre-drilled holes with the support structure. Use screws appropriate for your panel material (such as wood screws for wooden panels) and securely fasten the panel. Be careful not to overtighten the screws to avoid damage.

Alternatively, you can use magnetic door catches on the back of the panel to hold it in place, which would eliminate the need for drilling through the panel.

Once your bath panel is in place, fill any gaps between the panel and the bath with  sealant to prevent water from accumulating inside the panels.

You'll need to wait between 6 to 24 hours for the sealant to dry and cure before you get it wet, but once the sealant has cured, your bath is fully usable once again.

Find your perfect bath panel with Wholesale Domestic

If you're looking for a new bath panel to add the perfect finishing touch to your bathroom makeover, we've got a wide range of options. Choose from modern designs for contemporary bathrooms and traditional styles for a touch of the classics. Discover standard acrylic panels or sleek wooden finishes in various sizes to fit any space requirements.

If you need a new bath to match your bath panel, we have a varied selection of options to suit every home, from classic straight tubs to space-saving corner designs. Pair your favourite style with accessories like a set of matching taps, a bath shower screen or even a waterproof TV.