The Complete Guide to Removing and Installing Bath Panels

By / March 27th, 2024 / There are currently 0 comments

If you’re completing a new bathroom fit, bath panels can add style and tie your bathroom together. Whether you have a modern or traditional-style bathroom, find a bath panel to match its aesthetic and complete its bathroom look perfectly.

Alternatively, updating the bathroom panels is an easy way to give your existing bathroom a fresh look without doing a complete suite refit. Either way, bath panels are essential unless you have a free-standing bath. 

In this complete bath panel fixing guide, you’ll discover three methods for removing an old bath panel and fitting a new one. Plus, learn about all the tools you need to complete the job.  

Table of contents:

The Complete Guide to Removing and Installing Bath Panels

Understanding bath panels

What are bath panels?

Bath panels are the panelling on the side of straight singled-ended or double-ended baths. Unlike free-standing baths, their purpose is to hide the underside of the bathtub and the plumbing and to protect the floor beneath from splashes. 

Depending on your bathroom layout, you’ll have one, two or three panels to cover the exposed sides and ends. 

Materials

The most common bath panels are acrylic, MDF or wood. Usually, wooden bath panels are between 5 and 18mm thick, while acrylic features a fibreglass core warped in plastic. Acrylic ones are cheaper than MDF panels and are easier to cut as they are thinner. 

Sizes

Bath panel sizes correspond to standard bath sizes, usually 1700mm long. However, you can get front panels for baths of varying lengths for different-sized baths. At Build & Plumb, we stock bath panels in the following lengths. 

  • 1800mm
  • 1700mm
  • 1650mm
  • 1600mm
  • 1500mm

For side panels, typical sizes include

  • 800mm
  • 750mm
  • 700mm

However, you might have to cut your bath panels to size if you have a uniquely sized bath or have to accommodate pipework or skirting boards. 

How to remove a bath panel

If you need to replace an existing bath panel or do plumbing work underneath the bath, you will need to remove the old bath panel. Here’s our easy-to-follow step-by-step guide on how to remove a bath panel.

Tools you will need:

Steps:

  1. Preparation. First, clear the space around the bath to give yourself ample workspace. Then, protect your bath panel by placing a drop cloth or old towel on the floor to prevent scratches or damage if it falls.
  2. Locate the fixings. Examine the edges of the bath panel to identify the fixings – it could be screws, clips or adhesive.
  3. Remove fixings. If the bath panel has screw fixings, use the screwdriver to unscrew them. If you’re keeping your old bath panel, place the screws in a safe place so you don’t lose them. Some bath panes have clips that snap onto the bath frame to hold it in place. Use the pliers to squeeze the clips and release them. Be careful not to damage the clips or bath. If your bath panel has adhesive, gently pry it away using a putty knife or scraper. Be careful not to damage the bath finish or surrounding tiles. 
  4. Remove the panel. Once the fixings are removed or released, lift the bath panel away. 

Does any bath panel fit any bath?

You must measure your bath dimensions before purchasing a new panel, as not all baths are the same size. Most baths have universal sizes, which are listed above. However, some unconventional baths require bespoke bath panel sizing, which you must cut to size. Furthermore, some bath panels are a fixed height, which you can’t cut so they won’t fit all baths. However, you can purchase a 2-piece bath panel, with a main panel and plinth to help adjust the height. Equally, if you have an L or P-shaped bath, these will require an L or P-shaped bath panel. 

How to fit a bath panel

Fitting a bath panel can be an easy DIY job if you want to save money on hiring a professional. Follow these steps for a successful bath panel fitting. 

Tools you will need:

Steps:

  1. Inspect the bath panel. First, visually check the panel to ensure it is in perfect condition and free from damage like scratches or dints. Most plastic panels have a protective clear film; you must remove this for inspection.
  2. Measure for your panel. First, you need to get your measurements for your bath panel. Measure from the bath edge to the floor to get the height. Then, measure the length. 
  3. Cut the panel to size. If you need a non-universal bath panel size, cut it to size using the hacksaw. It can be challenging to cut a bath panel neatly. So be careful and use the hacksaw slowly and gently to avoid an uneven cut or damaging the panel. Even if you don’t need to resize the bath panel, you may need to cut room for pipes or skirting boards. Check your cutting work by placing the panel against the bath, and use your spirit level to check it’s straight. 
  4. Install battens. Typically, you will need a frame around your bath to have something to fit the bath panels to. If you’re using clips, screws or adhesive, you will need to build a wooden perimeter along the floor, called battens, and, if necessary, vertical battens where you want to fix the panels to. Use soft wood if you’re using screws for easy insertion. Battens help attach two panels to form an “L” shape. They also help keep the panel upright against your bathroom flooring and provide a seamless join between the panel and the floor. You can use screws or adhesive to secure your battens to the walls, floor or bath. 
  5. Install plinths. Some bath panels, particularly wooden ones, have plinths. A plinth is a separate piece of wood which overlaps the main bath panel. It will either sit behind to give depth or in front for a skirting board effect. They can also help level out uneven bathroom flooring. Attach the plinth to the main bath panel for your desired effect. 
  6. Position your bath panel. When your frame and panels are ready, manoeuvre your panels into position to see how they fit against the bath and wall. You may need a batten vertical along the wall to attach the panel and create a more secure frame. 
  7. Attach your bath panel. Once you’re happy with the fit, attach your bath panel to your battens, whether you’re using screws, clips or adhesive.
  8. Seal the bath panel. Finally, use silicone sealant where the panel meets the wall to create a watertight seal and smooth it off. 

How do you attach a bath panel to a bath?

There are three ways you can attach a bath panel to a bath; screwing, clipping and adhesive. 

Adhesive is the most secure and watertight solution. Apply it to the inside ends of the bath panel to stick it to the battens. However, if you need to do additional plumbing under the bath, the adhesive makes it nearly impossible to access the bath plumbing without damaging your bath, panels, flooring, or tiles.

You can use screws to attach your panel to your battens which can prevent the bath panel from being permanently fixed. These may work better for wood and MDF bath panels but may look odd with acrylic bath panels. They will also prevent your bath panel from having a sleek and seamless look.

Alternatively, you can use bath panel clips, which you can fix to the bath, battens or other panels. The clips will slot together to create a fixture you can reverse to access underneath. 

A man fitting a bath panel using the Inventive Creations Unipanel Fixer Bath End Panel Fixing Kit

Similarly, you can also use the Inventive Creations Unipanel Fixer Bath End Panel Fixing Kit, which uses Velcro pads to secure the bath panel firmly in place, making it fully removable. 

Additional care tips and considerations

  1. If fitting an acrylic bath panel, you will need rebated wood lengths or timber for each panel to lay along the floor. Rebated wood has a groove cut into the edge to slot the panel.
  2. If you’re using adhesive and it comes out the sides from applying too much, wipe it away quickly to avoid unsightly glue smears. 
  3. Keep wooden panels as dry as possible to prevent them from rotting. Clean your acrylic bath panel regularly to prevent limescale build-up and keep it looking smooth and shiny. 
  4. Replacing or fitting a bath panel takes skill and precision. Always contact a local plumber for assistance if you’re unsure about any part of the process.

Bath panels at Build & Plumb

At Build & Plumb, we want to provide you with the tools and knowledge to achieve your DIY projects. By following our guide above, you should have a successful bath panel installation project under your belt.

If you still need to decide which panel to select, browse our bath panel collection and find the perfect style and fit for your bath and bathroom. Browse modern and traditional styles in various materials to match your vanity units and bathroom decor at Build & Plumb today!

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