What is the best bath screen? How to choose the right bath screen: different types and selection tips

For a long time, the owners of apartments and houses have been using screens to cover the free space under the bathroom. With the help of these simple devices, water pipes, plums and other interior items that spoil the “whole picture” are easily hidden. Although screens appeared quite recently (about 10-15 years ago), they have become an indispensable part of any bathroom. Today, screens of various sizes and functional characteristics are sold on the construction market, which even an experienced builder may have problems choosing. Therefore, in this article we will tell you how to choose a screen for a bathtub, what to look for and what materials are the best.

What materials are used to make screens?

Various materials can be used for the production of screens, such as plastic, moisture-resistant drywall, processed metal, mirrors, acrylic, MDF, etc. So which one is better to buy a bath screen? To date, the most popular is plastic and there are several reasons for this:

plastic is not afraid of the aggressive humid environment of the bathroom;
any dirt can be easily removed with a regular detergent and a soft sponge;
products made of high quality materials are absolutely safe for health;
plastic screens are very durable;
This material is durable and with careful care will last for decades.

Along with plastic, screens made of MDF panels are very popular. Although this material at first glance is not very suitable for the bathroom, but thanks to a special manufacturing technology for the protective coating, MDF perfectly repels moisture.

Important! MDF panels will last a long time, provided they are treated with care and the protective coating is not damaged. Otherwise, moisture that has penetrated inside will quickly destroy the material.

Other bath screen options are less popular for a number of reasons. This may be the high price of the product, poor water repellency and poor functionality.

What to look for when choosing a screen design?

When wondering which screen to choose for a bath, one should also not forget about the functional side of the product. The most practical designs are sliding or removable screens with shelves inside or outside for small items.

For large spacious baths, removable screens with shelves located on the front side are the best option. When the room is less spacious, the most rational will be a sliding screen with or without shelves inside. And non-removable tightly closed models are the most impractical and in the event of a break, a water pipe passing under the bathroom or a leaky drain, it will be extremely difficult to get to the place of damage. So what are bath screens?

Removable leg screens

Among the simplest screens in terms of design and installation method, we can distinguish designs equipped with special legs or spacers, which fix the product. In installation, they are extremely simple, during the unwinding of the legs, they rest against the side of the bathtub and the floor, thereby fixing the canvas.

Such screens can be made from any materials (plastic, wood, metal, glass, etc.), while the canvas can be either solid or lattice. It is impossible to answer the question of how much a screen under a bathtub with legs costs, because the price depends on the material used for the canvas and design.

This type of screens is most often installed under acrylic bathtubs. The most popular materials are acrylic and plastic.

The disadvantage of this type of screens is the need to unscrew the mount to remove the canvas, this is especially true if the space under the bathroom is used as a niche for things. Therefore, in the space under the bathroom it is best to put things that are practically not used.

Sliding screen on a metal frame

If you ask yourself, “Which bathroom screen is better?”, then the answer is unequivocal, the most functional, and, as a result, convenient is a device made in the form of a sliding structure. Such screens are made in a metal case, where special sleds are placed, along which the canvas moves, hiding the space under the bathtub. This type of screens is perfect for small rooms, where every centimeter of the area needs to be rationally applied somehow.

Basically, housewives in such baths rationally use the space under the bath to store various detergents, brushes, tools and other rarely used items.

Need to know: How much does a bathroom screen cost? Of course, this type of screens is not cheap, although they are not of special quality and are made of very flimsy material. In addition, the blades easily pop out of the seats of the sled.

These types of screens are mounted under the bathtub using the wedging method, that is, the frame along which the canvases move is installed between the bathtub rim and the floor. As a result of the installation, the metal structure is pressed directly onto the bath itself.

Sliding screens with shelves

This type of screens, according to users, is considered the most convenient. In fact, these types of bathroom screens are shallow cabinets, because they have a door and a back wall. Such screens are ideal for storing small items, such as sponges, brushes, detergents and chemicals, but the wall present limits access to communications.

Removable bath screens

In addition to sliding removable structures, what other bathroom screens are there? The classic type of screens are non-removable products made directly to the size of the bath.

When using fixed bath screens, there are several problems such as:

Lack of ready-made models. Therefore, such a screen will have to be made to order or independently;
Limited access to communications. Although a door is provided in the design, it is very difficult to crawl to hidden water pipes or a drain.

Doors for fixed screens can be fitted in a variety of ways, allowing varying degrees of access to the space below the bathtub. It can be hinged or sliding, as well as removable or folding structures.

How much does a screen for a bathtub with a stationary mounting method cost? Stationary screens can be several times more expensive than removable structures, it all depends on the chosen finishing material.

Firstly, individual production increases the cost of the product, since manual work is always more expensive than factory work.
Secondly, the cost of the material will be comparable to the price of the finished product.

How to choose a bath screen with a fixed mount so that it is as cheap as possible, but reliable?

First of all, you need to decide on the finishing material, if it is plastic or moisture-resistant cardboard, then manufacturing and installation will be cheaper. If the screen will be used brickwork with tiled lining or mosaics, or other expensive materials that require special knowledge and tools. Then the installation of the screen will cost much more than finished removable products.

What do you need to know to make the right choice?

Which bath screen is better to choose? When the bathroom is small and there are problems with free space, it is best to use sliding screen designs. For large rooms, a one-piece removable or stationary screen is the best option.

When choosing screens, be sure to pay attention to the accessories with which the product is sold, namely handles, legs for adjustment, etc.

If you want to achieve special effects by installing a panel under the bath, you can pay attention to non-standard finishing materials. For a small bathroom, you can apply a mirrored canvas to the screen, this will visually increase the space. Also, tiling or mosaic will look original.

Conclusion

To the question "How to choose a screen for the bathroom?" cannot be answered unambiguously, because there is a huge amount of materials suitable for finishing. Whatever the choice of the screen, it should be remembered that it must be made of moisture-resistant materials or treated with a special moisture-repellent coating.

Bathtubs can be of various sizes and ways of execution. But one thing remains unchanged in them - the space under the bowl. The designs look great without any modifications, but most products require a screen to cover the space under the bathtub. These screens are available in various designs and types. What types exist and what is better to choose for your bathroom? This will be discussed in the article.

Do you need a screen

The screen is not a module, without which the functioning of the bath is impossible. But its presence is desirable, because it completely covers the space from its side to the floor, which gives the whole structure a complete and attractive look. There are practically no restrictions on what material the screen will be made of. In its place, it performs two main functions:

decorative;
protective.

About the decorative was mentioned above. It is also practical. The fact is that the space under the bathroom can be used as a place to store various containers with household chemicals. The screen in this case will make them invisible to prying eyes. In addition, this approach will save space on the shelves in the bathroom. In this case, the bath screen must be of a special design so that access is easy. The protective function of this design is to reduce the ingress of moisture under the bath. If this is not done, then corrosion can begin to harm steel or steel elements, which even acrylic bathtubs have.

Varieties of design

All types of screens can be divided into three broad categories:

stationary;
removable;
sliding.

Stationary perform a decorative and protective function. At the same time, they can be dismantled, but this is quite difficult to do. The detachable version of the screen is a panel that has latches and a simple mechanism through which the panels can be removed. Such products are suitable in cases where something is stored under the bathroom that is not used often. Sliding screens are inferior to the first and second options in terms of appearance, but they win in practicality, because at any time you can move the door and get the required item from under the bath.

The profile on which the screen is mounted also differs. He can be:

standard;
multifunctional;
end.

The standard version of the profile belongs to the first group, which was mentioned above. It is a plastic construction that has a marbled finish. The task of the profile is to fix the stationary panels. A multifunctional profile is a combination of several materials. The frame can be made of aluminum, and plastic or other doors that are sliding are attached to it. Some profiles come with a system that allows you to install storage drawers under the bathtub. The purpose of the end profiles becomes clear from the name. They can also be multifunctional, making it easy to build a folding storage box.

Available materials

The material options that are used to make screens are unlimited. It is easy to find among them:

plastic;
metal;
wood;
glass;
a rock.

Each option has its pros and cons, so it's important to weigh them before buying.

Plastic

This material is most often found in the manufacture of screens. The advantages of this option are:

light weight;
ease of cleaning;
moisture resistance;
a wide selection of colors;
long service life;
low price.

Plastic bathroom screen panels are the lightest in their class. This simplifies their installation. It is quite simple to implement it even without outside help. Plastic items are easy to clean. The screen surface is smooth, so dirt does not eat into the material. The main indicator for the material that will be used in the bathroom is moisture resistance. Plastic is absolutely neutral to water, so the service life is unlimited. Plastic screens are presented in a wide range, so there will be no problems with the selection of material for the bathroom. Along with all this, the price of products is democratic.

Of the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting:

comparative fragility;
the possibility of loss of appearance;
not compatible with some types of finishes.

Plastic screens are quite fragile. If you exert a significant mechanical impact on them, then they can simply burst. If a white plastic screen is being installed, then there is a chance that it will turn yellow over time and it will be impossible to correct the situation. This applies to cheap screen options. Plastic products are not always easy to combine with some types of tiles, because the design looks cheap against its background.

Metal

Structures of this type look more solid than the previous version. The frame and walls of the product are most often made of aluminum. The advantages of this solution are:

resistance to corrosion;
long service life;
pleasant appearance;
light weight;
high strength.

This option will last for several decades and, with proper handling, will simply get bored, but the structure will remain intact. Aluminum has a protective oxide film that prevents it from interacting with chemicals and water. Aluminum products are lightweight, so there are no difficulties when installing them on plastic bathtubs. The downside of such a solution can only be the price or incompatibility with a certain type of finish.

Wood and MDF

The most affordable are screens made of MDF. This is a type of fibreboard, which is used in the decoration and manufacture of furniture. Such structures have their advantages:

wide range of;
no need for special care;
various design options.

MDF panels have a wide range of shapes and colors, it is easy to order a design according to your own drawing. Panels of this type do not require special care. It is enough to wipe them from streaks and stains. Designs can be very diverse, which includes drawers or folding drawers and doors. The main disadvantage of this design is the short service life. It is due to the instability to moisture. Because of it, the material is deformed and becomes unusable.

Wooden bathroom shields are also used. They can be made by yourself or to order. This design option is perfectly combined with the interior, which has natural finishing materials. The color and shape is selected depending on the needs. At the same time, there are requirements in processing so that such a design lasts as long as possible. It is advisable to cover it with several layers of yacht varnish, which stands out for its special resistance to water.

Glass

Glass screens have a pleasant appearance and a long service life. They are quite fragile, but you can purchase a tempered glass product. Glass can be frosted, patterned or mirrored. The latter option allows you to visually expand the space of the bathroom. The biggest disadvantage of glass products is their soiledness. In the case when the screen is made opening, then in the area of the handles it will always be with fingerprints.

Other options

Bath screens can be made from all kinds of stone and ceramics. In the first case, natural stone or certain types of artificial stone are used for the screen. In this case, the frame turns out to be quite heavy, so it is made self-supporting, and a bath is inserted into the middle. In this case, the finish of the bathroom must match the selected stone. To prevent the material from absorbing moisture, it is treated with varnish or other hydrophobic substance. Ceramic screens are most often made by laying tiles on an installed frame. The advantage of this solution is a harmonious combination with the overall interior.

DIY screen

Making a bathroom screen is easy and does not require specific skills. Easy to assemble are designs from:

bricks;
drywall.

The first version of the screen will require efforts in the delivery of heavy building material to the job site. First you need to calculate how deep the brick should be recessed in relation to the edge of the bath. This is done so that later it would be easier to veneer with ceramic tiles. Masonry is half or a third of the brick. The second option will be relevant if there is little space under the bathroom. You can partially level the masonry plane with a mortar, so there is no need to worry about drops. The latter is prepared from sand and cement in a ratio of 1 to 3. After complete drying, you can proceed to tiling.

The next option is in a certain sense more complicated and easier to install. Buying a profile for the frame and drywall for the screen will cost less than a brick. In this case, it is necessary to correctly calculate the amount of material. The frame will require a top and bottom bar. Their length should be equal to the perimeter of the bath without one long side. Vertical screen stands are mounted every 50 cm. Their height will depend on the overall height of the screen. The amount of drywall you need to build a bathroom screen is equal to the area of each of the rectangles, which is formed from the height of the bath, its length or width.

First of all, vertical strips are fixed to the wall. To do this, you need a puncher, screws, dowels and a screwdriver. In the same way, the lower bar is attached to the floor. After that, the top and vertical strips are mounted simultaneously. Between themselves, they can be fastened with small self-tapping screws with a drill or a special tool for the profile. After that, the drywall is cut to fit the side of the screen and screwed on. The joints are closed with tape and puttied. Finishing can be done, for example, with tiles. For such a project, it is necessary to purchase moisture-resistant drywall. You can clearly see the screen construction process in the video below.

Note! A plastic lining is suitable as a screen. To do this, a plastic or aluminum frame is mounted, into which the lining strips are inserted.

The screen is considered quite an important element of the decor of any modern bathroom. Of course, not only the original appearance itself is appreciated, but also the comfort when using it. A bath without a screen not only can hardly fit into, but also has an unpresentable appearance. This design is installed in order to hide sewer, heat pipes, to make the room more modern, and, of course, safe for young children.

It also creates a place where you can easily store your cleaning and detergents, as well as other personal hygiene items. It is very convenient and practical.

Due to the fact that in any bathroom the level of humidity is always increased, you need to choose a screen from materials that do not respond to humidity. First, decide on the material. Most often, of course, MDF is used.

They are made of chipboard, which is covered with a protective film.

Among the many advantages of MDF, the following can be listed:

You can choose for yourself a variety of shades of the future product. Before installation, each plate undergoes a lamination process, due to which they acquire specific various shades;
MDF products are easy to care for - you just need to periodically wipe them with a dry or damp cloth a couple of times a week;
Democratic price. Screens made of MDF material are cheaper than any other and such an acquisition will not significantly affect your budget;
They have a wide variety of designs. In stores, you can find sliding screens, models with doors, as well as one-piece designs. Everyone will be able to choose for himself and his bathroom what he likes best.

Do not forget about the cons, we will also consider them in order to know what to expect from an MDF screen:

Short service life. Due to the fact that the material used for manufacturing deteriorates quite quickly, reacts to moisture and cracks, the screen can serve you no more than three years. That is why you will not be able to install it once and for all. You still have to periodically replace it with a new product;
Deforms over time. Despite the lamination, the panels still react to the humidity of the environment in which they are installed. Therefore, over time, a new product may be deformed.
Standard sizes. What is this shortcoming? The fact is that panels made of MDF are produced in modern enterprises only in exclusively certain, strictly established sizes. This is very inconvenient in cases where your apartment is re-planned and the interior is unique. In such a situation, you will have to simply call the master at home, who will also install the screen, which implies another expense.

In addition, there are bathroom screens made from a material such as plexiglass or plain plastic. These products, in turn, have their own advantages and, of course, disadvantages.

To begin with, consider the advantages of plastic screens:

When compared with MDF, then plastic screens definitely win in terms of "service life". Such products can serve not for a year, but for decades. And with all this, there will be no significant external changes, because plastic is a more durable material in terms of moisture resistance than wood in any of its forms;
Different shades of the product. MDF products, of course, are also multi-colored, but on plexiglass screens, the manufacturer even draws a picture, paints them. You can see on the surfaces of the inhabitants of the seas, wonderful nature, etc. Such products will truly become a real decoration and a worthy part of yours.
They are also easy to care for. They can be washed. Wipe with the simplest detergents. On such surfaces there will be no streaks and stains. It's also hard to scratch them.
Produced in various sizes, have different shapes and types. You can easily find plastic models with the parameters you need on your own. They are produced in a variety of sizes. Plastic bath screens can be with separate doors, monolithic, etc.

This product has its downsides. And the most important of them is its price. It is much higher than for MDF products. But, of course, this disadvantage becomes not so important, especially if you want to make your bathtub creative and original.

Glass screens

Modern production is also engaged in the manufacture of glass bath screens. This is a rather specific product, and it is best not to purchase it if there is an alternative. To mount them, you will need to hire a specialist, since it is not so easy.

They are also quite expensive and very fragile, and can simply break or crumble from the slightest extra movement. Yes, and care for such "capricious" products needs a special and thorough. The best option would be, of course, plastic.

Before you decide on the final choice, carefully study the room where you will install the screen. If there is enough space in the room, then you can easily choose any screen and even install it yourself.

If the room is very small, then it is better to buy a sliding type model. If you are in doubt which one is better to choose: sliding, removable or monolithic, then it is better not to purchase the second type. Monolithic will be convenient only for a very small bathroom, where there is very little space.

The best and most economical option would be a screen decorated under a shelf in the bathroom. This will be a design with legs or special props. The legs will rest on part of the bathroom.

The screen surface itself can be of various types: lattice or solid. In order to use the place behind the screen for its intended purpose, you will need to remove the top every time.

If you still want to install a sliding option in your bathroom, then it will have a dense metal frame that plays the role of a base, and the body will allow you to more actively use the space behind the screen. But such products are quite expensive, but very practical and comfortable.

Also, another drawback is the unreliability of the design itself. It happens that the screen fails very quickly when the user opens and closes the doors frequently.

The most optimal is a screen with a sliding mechanism and shelves inside. Such a product is considered the most convenient, and its appearance is quite original. There is also a back wall, which makes the design more and more like a separate full-fledged locker. Here you can safely place powders, detergents, everything that you so want to remove away from children or animals.

For acrylic baths, removable screens of a monolithic type are often installed. They are also made from a material such as a bathtub or from plastic. Installation of such a structure will take some time and require skill.

There is also a fixed screen. These are made by specialists on individual private orders. You will hardly find such a copy in the store. Usually, the interior space is either not accessible at all, or only partially.

Doors in such a screen can open, as in a conventional cabinet, move apart to one side, recline, or simply unscrew and remove.

What hardware is best?

This is a very important element of the screen. Always pay attention to this part. If your screen is made like a cabinet, look at the handles. They must be made of a material that will not be subject to rust and other destructive influences.

If you neglect the choice of fittings for your bathroom screen, then pretty quickly handles and other small elements under the influence of moisture can lose their attractive appearance and functionality.

If you have chosen a model with legs, then pay attention in advance to the possibility of adjusting the height of the product. If there is a possibility of height adjustment, then you can easily cope with the installation yourself.

It is best to buy a screen or make it only with metal fittings, and not plastic or otherwise. Plastic will quickly break, crack, and in general it is clearly not reliable as an accessory.

As for the appearance, then choose it solely to your liking. Now manufacturers spoil buyers with various bright variations, original and modern ornaments of natural, floral, children's themes, etc.

If you have experience in the repair or decoration of apartments, you will be able to cope with this task without much difficulty. For manufacturing, you will need tiles, or tiled mosaics, wooden slabs, wood planks and much more.

Even leather can be used! And it doesn’t matter whether it is natural or artificial leatherette. Mosaic is generally considered a very good material for making a screen. Using it, you can decorate a variety of surfaces, a bath and much more.

If you want to make a screen of a monolithic type, then you can make the construction cladding of the entire surface of the bath just a continuous layer. This is not really a screen, but just one of the many ways to make up the free and unnecessary space under the bathroom.

Wanting to reduce the cost of production of sanitary ware, the manufacturer produces products with a minimum set of devices and fixtures, giving us the opportunity to independently decide whether or not to buy bathroom screens.

And not everyone wants to buy exactly plastic panels, if there are other materials. How to choose the most suitable option, what should I pay attention to when buying or ordering individually?

The design of the screen, which is installed under the bath, consists of a set or only one front panel and a frame, which is made in the form of two guides or a frame. The decorative screen can be straight or angular, solid or consist of several elements made in the form of hinged or sliding doors.

The main difference between the screen and the panel is that the latter is made mainly of plastic by the bathtub manufacturers themselves. It clearly matches the shape and size of the bowl of the same model. Choosing the right panel, you can be sure that the dimensions fit perfectly.

The location of the screen may also differ: strictly vertical, tilted at an angle, with a notch for the legs. Both options have their pros and cons. The first will not allow you to come close to the bath, make its maintenance inconvenient, the second will worsen the appearance, create an acute angle between the floor and the screen, which will be difficult to clean with a mop.

The space under the bathroom can serve as a small pantry for detergents, rags, plumbing fixtures and tools. Such functional shelves are included with the main product or purchased separately.

The sizes of finished screens that go on sale have standard values. The front panels are produced with widths: 75 cm, 85 cm, 90 cm, 102 cm, 120 cm. Front panels can be from 130 to 210 cm in size. Their height is from 40 to 60 cm. you can order the product with the desired parameters.

If there are small children in the house, small locks are additionally installed, blocking access to household chemicals from them.

Screens are equipped with two or three legs, the bottom of which is equipped with plastic to protect against slipping. They are adjustable, so finding the right height is easy, especially considering that the height of the bowls is mostly standard. With the help of the legs, the screen is installed by surprise, protecting the space under the bathroom from moisture.

With a screen that is angled or has a notch, it is more convenient to service the bath itself or bathe children. But this design does not look very aesthetically pleasing.

When choosing a product, it is also important to evaluate the quality of the fittings used. Handles, frame and guides must be made of a material that is not susceptible to corrosion. Otherwise, it may happen that the screen will serve for many years, and the shabby coating will “please” you for the same amount.

It happens that the height of the screen is not enough, then instead of standard bolts, longer bolts are selected

What material to choose a panel for the bath

Since the main purpose of the screen, in addition to being decorative, is to protect the space under the bathroom from moisture, the materials for the manufacture of products must be water-repellent and do not deteriorate under the influence of steam with water.

Almost all materials that are used in the manufacture of bath screens have this property, but there are some that are puzzling.

MDF screen: aesthetics or practicality?

A screen with an MDF panel is most often made in the form of hinged or sliding doors. A shelf can be fitted inside. Such a decorative panel looks much more beautiful than the plastic type, moreover, when ordering MDF furniture for the bathroom, it is possible to choose a product in the same style and color scheme.

Buyers of MDF screens are apparently attracted by the novelty of the material used in this particular capacity, and in appearance they noticeably outperform plastic products.

Of the main disadvantages - weak resistance to the effects of a humid environment. Despite the fact that moisture-resistant MDF is used in the production, in case of frequent contact with water, the material swells, the outer coating peels off.

Afraid of moisture and the frame, which is made of moisture-resistant chipboard or wooden bars. Negative customer reviews of MDF panels assure that problems begin to appear within six months after installation. Another disadvantage is that the material is difficult to cut.

If the finished product does not fit in size and needs to be adjusted, then this will be problematic. The fact is that MDF must be cut on powerful equipment used in woodworking with a large number of revolutions, otherwise the cut edges will turn out to be torn. An ordinary hacksaw or an electric jigsaw can greatly spoil the appearance of the product.

Those who have encountered working with MDF will consider such a choice, to put it mildly, strange, and the point here is not in marriage, but in the properties of the material itself. The responsibility for the use of materials that do not tolerate contact with moisture lies entirely with the manufacturer.

Aluminum bath screen: reliability and variety

Aluminum screens are primarily an aluminum profile frame. As a decorative panel, plexiglass, MDF panels, PVC can be used. The range of products with different designs is quite high, you can choose for every taste.

The guides of the aluminum screen for the bathtub are much more reliable than the plastic ones, which deform over time and stop holding the doors.

The main properties of the screen, which suggest themselves, even without reading the manufacturer's specifications, are reliability and durability.

The aluminum frame and guides do not corrode, the products tolerate mechanical loads well and do not deform under the influence of moisture. Not the lowest cost fully pays off due to the durability of the material.

Plastic decorative panels for a bath: pros and cons

The screen is a panel made of cellular plastic, which is installed in a frame made of PVC or aluminum profile. The cheapest and most common models are white. They also produce screens covered with a self-adhesive film of various colors, including those with a 3D pattern.

It will not be difficult to choose the right version of a plastic screen so that it matches the interior - the assortment available for sale is very diverse

The popularity of plastic screens can be explained by a number of advantages:

ease of installation, adjustment to the required size;
low cost compared to panels made of other materials;
the greatest variety of sizes, shapes, designs, colors and ornaments;
insensitivity to high humidity, to direct and prolonged contact with water;
long service life - depending on the quality of production, they are used from 10 to 30 years.

Judging by user reviews, plastic screens are not very durable construction, and some models can be directly called fragile. Therefore, they require careful handling, they must be protected from shock. Do not use abrasive materials to clean the panels.

Glass screen: longevity despite seeming fragility

For the manufacture of glass screens under the bath, tempered glass is used. The material has all the necessary qualities for use in the bathroom: it is moisture resistant, strong, durable, easy to clean and, unlike plastic, is not susceptible to scratches and plaque to the same extent.

Glass panels can be solid, with sliding, opening or folding doors. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, which is coated with powder enamel.

Glass can be both matte and glossy, have different colors. If there are no suitable sizes, then the glass screen is made to order.

They also produce for baths, which look great in the interior and visually expand the space. The disadvantage of such products is their rather high cost and fragility.

In addition, mirrored panels are more difficult to care for, as fingerprints and water splashes are clearly visible on the surface. To keep them clean, they need to be wiped down regularly.

Tiles and mosaics - traditional quality

During repairs, the choice of protective and decorative cladding makes it possible to focus on the already traditional mosaic or ceramic tile finish. Such a solution will allow you to maintain a single style, and will serve as a good protection against moisture and will last until the next overhaul.

An argument in favor of the decision to make a screen under the bath of tiles or mosaics is the possibility of constructing panels for baths of a non-standard shape - semi-circular, S-shaped, etc.

Ceramic cladding, compared to other options, is more expensive, especially if the tiles in the bathroom are not cheap, and installation time and effort will be more. But on the other hand, the result will be pleasing to the eye, and you can forget about the maintenance or repair of the screen for a long time.

Be sure to provide access to the drain fittings under the bathroom, in case of preventive or emergency work

The basis for the tiles can serve as a surface of moisture-resistant drywall or tongue-and-groove slabs, brickwork. For an oval or semicircular bowl, it is easier to use polystyrene foam plates. The frame is installed from a galvanized metal profile. Less commonly, the frame is constructed from wooden bars.

Brick or block masonry is the most suitable material for building a base for tiles, both in terms of reliability and the cost of materials and work. But making a choice in favor of masonry, it is necessary to take into account its considerable weight, evaluate the ability of the floor to withstand a large load, because the bathtub itself filled with water will weigh more than 200 kg

The main requirement for the material is resistance to moisture, strength, it should not deform under the weight of the cladding. In some cases, chipboard is also used, but its use in a bathroom is highly undesirable, since it is afraid of contact with water.

For semicircular bath models, mosaics are used - this is how it is better to repeat the rounded shape. The background is matched to the walls or floor, or contrasting colors are used, making the main focus on the bath.

A self-developed design allows you to competently and conveniently organize the space covered with a decorative and protective panel. and branches, find out their recommended articles.

Natural bathroom materials

The desire to increasingly use natural materials in interior design has become the impetus for the creation of screens from wood. It would seem that this material cannot be used in any way where it will often come into contact with water.

But modern production and processing technologies help to do the impossible. New wood preservatives make it possible to use the natural material outdoors, outdoors and, of course, in the bathroom.

Before ordering a screen made of wood, it is better to make sure that the manufacturer is competent. Not everyone is able to ensure high-quality production, installation, guarantee the durability of the product

Less often you can find a finish with natural or artificial stone. This design option is a great alternative to tile. And although the cost is quite high, but natural or imitating materials will last a long time and will always be relevant, will not go out of fashion.

Expensive screens made of natural or artificial stone are mainly used for the same expensive stone or high-quality acrylic baths.

Features of mounting decorative panels

Ready-made screens, subject to compliance with all sizes, are installed quickly enough. But sometimes the height of the legs is not enough to close the space under the bowl. Then the standard bolts are replaced with longer ones.

Problems can also arise if the bath is not installed strictly horizontally. In this case, it is better to first check the installation level of the plumbing itself and correct this situation.

Before buying or installing, it's best to measure the height of the bathtub and make sure the adjustable screen height is large enough to hide the unsightly space underneath.

Mismatching the width of the product can also complicate installation. A screen that is wider than necessary is reduced by cutting the frame on the sides. But you need to be prepared that not every product can be cut. If the screen is smaller, then the remaining space is covered with a small drywall wall.

Despite all the variety of models, sometimes you still have to make a screen with your own hands. This also happens because the required size or shape may not be available for sale. The incentive for self-construction of a decorative panel may also be the desire to maintain style, embody the original idea, make the most of the space in the bathroom.

Installing the screen yourself is easier if a one-piece design is assumed. If you want to provide maximum access under the bath, use this space for storage, then it is better to use a screen with doors.

Video #3 Variety of colors and patterns:

The bathtub screen is quite a significant detail of the interior. Therefore, often the aesthetic factor outweighs the scales in its favor.

But we should not forget about the practical side and choose a decorative panel for the bath that is not only beautiful, but also reliable, one that will last a long time without losing its appearance and without losing functionality.

Tell us about how you mounted the screen for arranging plumbing with your own hands. It is possible that your experience will be useful to site visitors. Please write comments in the block below, post photos here and ask questions on the topic of the article.

The beauty and practicality of the bathroom depends on many nuances. The water pipes located in plain sight do not correspond to ideas about comfort. The same can be said about the accumulation of dusty bottles, jars and boxes under the bathroom. A bathtub screen will successfully solve these problems: decorative panels will reliably hide water pipes, and at the same time help to organize the safe storage of household chemicals. It is worth noting the important role in interior design, which is performed by protective screens. Even if the rich color range of ready-made options is not able to satisfy a delicate picky taste, there is always the opportunity to assemble the structure with your own hands and arrange it according to your personal wishes.

Classification of bathroom screens according to form and function

The easiest task when choosing a facade for a bathtub is to determine the shape of the product: it must match the configuration of the bathtub. For a standard product, this is a straight frame and a panel in the form of a continuous removable canvas or doors. In typical apartments, a bathtub often occupies the entire space along one wall, so it is enough to purchase only a facade panel. In a spacious bathroom, you may need a bathtub end screen to decorate all exposed areas. There is also a solution for non-standard-shaped structures: manufacturers have provided an angled bath screen or a semi-circular one.

The design of the model can be divided as follows:

swing;
sliding;
folding;
deaf removable;
stationary.

The main task of any design is to decorate the space under the bathroom. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which should be considered in more detail.

Swing screens

This is the name of a bath screen with doors that are hinged and open in the usual way, like all doors. The basis is a frame made of metal, plastic or moisture-resistant timber. This design is best suited if you want to organize a screen under the bath with shelves. In addition, hinged doors allow you to easily reach the communications located under the bathroom if they need to be repaired or replaced. But for a small room, a screen with bath doors can be functionally inconvenient: swing doors require free space, which is always lacking in cramped conditions.

Sliding screens

A sliding bath screen is considered the most practical option. To access the hidden space, you need to move the sash to the side. The compartment screen for a bath is very convenient for typical apartments in which the bathroom area is limited. Among the advantages of this design is the fact that you can combine the screen under the bath with a shelf for storing detergents. The disadvantage is the low strength of such products: if you hook the panel with your foot, it can break off the guide rail. When choosing a product or purchasing materials for making a structure with your own hands, you need to pay attention to the quality of the fittings: it must be durable and resistant to moisture.

Screens with flaps

In this design, the sash opens in a horizontal plane. They provide free access to communications and allow you to organize a storage area for the necessary little things. The inconvenience of such structures in typical interiors is associated with a lack of space so that the sash can be freely opened. Great importance is given to fittings, the material of the frame and doors. If the sashes are deformed from moisture, not only the appearance of the panel will suffer, but also its functionality. You should not save on fittings either: if the folding screen under the bath opens spontaneously, this can cause injury.

Deaf removable structures

A solid removable screen is a traditional attribute of acrylic bathtubs. The factory version is most often made of plastic or polymer material - cast marble. In the casting process, panels of any geometric shape are obtained. Since a sliding screen for an acrylic bathtub can only be selected for products with a standard rectangular shape and size, blind designs are the only alternative in all other cases. For the front panels, various options for external design are provided in the form of patterned embossing on the surface. One of the disadvantages of this decor is the high cost. At the same time, a solid construction is considered the easiest to manufacture on your own, so a plasterboard bath screen will be a good replacement for the factory version.

The installation of a solid removable facade reduces the functionally useful area of the room, since the space under the bathroom becomes inaccessible. The front panel is removed only in emergency cases, when it is necessary to gain access to communications.

Stationary structures

The peculiarity of such a product lies in the fact that a capital frame is being erected directly at the installation site of the bathroom. The traditional material for it is still brick, and the exterior finish is ceramic tiles. Typically, a stationary screen completely covers the facade of the bath. For preventive and repair work, an inspection window is provided.

The advantage of a stationary facade is strength and durability. Disadvantages - the inconvenience of performing repairs through a small hatch and the inability to use the free space under the bathroom.

Screen materials

The functionality of the screen for the bathroom depends on the design solution: the presence of doors, their location, and the method of opening. As for aesthetics, practicality and durability, these tasks are assigned to the material of manufacture.

Plastic

The plastic bath screen is the most popular design. Such products:

easy to install;
not afraid of water;
aesthetically attractive, thanks to a huge selection of textures and colors;
have a variety of designs according to the type of door opening, with or without shelves for storage;
unpretentious in care.

Manufacturers promise a fairly long service life of plastic facades: from 10 to 30 years. Given that this material does not deteriorate from moisture, then the information can be considered correct. But it must be taken into account that the durability of the product also depends on other factors: high-quality fittings, careful handling, correctly performed installation work. Cheap plastic does not have high strength and can break when mechanically applied to the surface. The appearance of plastic, although different in variety, still looks a little rustic and cannot compete with more expensive materials.

MDF bath screen is made from moisture resistant material. These products are characterized by affordable cost and a number of advantages, including:

variety of colors;
easy care;
a wide choice of designs with monolithic and sliding panels, doors, shelves.

Since MDF is a particle board, even after laminating the surface, it retains the disadvantages inherent in wood. If the ends are not well processed in the product or the edge is glued, its sensitivity to moisture can lead to swelling and deformation, peeling of the decorative film. Even for high-quality models, the service is limited to a rather short period: as a rule, products have to be changed every 3-4 years.

Aluminum

Strength, durability, resistance to moisture and anti-corrosion properties - these characteristics are fully consistent with the aluminum screen under the bath. If we consider the correspondence of price, quality and durability, then the popularity of such models is quite obvious. Aluminum in conditions of humidity and temperature changes for years retains its original appearance. The only problem that can occur in areas that are constantly exposed to hard city water is the appearance of lime deposits. It is not easy to clean off plaque, but you can prevent its appearance if you wipe the surface after water procedures.

Mirror

Mirror screen under the bath is a favorite technique of designers, which allows you to visually expand the space of the room. Mirror panels focus on themselves with a presentable appearance and do not deteriorate from moisture, but do not forget about the disadvantages, which are many:

high price;
brittleness of the material;
heavy weight of facade panels or sashes;
difficult installation process.

Another significant disadvantage is the need for regular cleaning. On a glass surface, even splashes from clean water turn into ugly smudges when dried, so each water procedure should end with wiping the panel.

Organic glass

The cost of organic glass models is lower than mirror ones, while their aesthetics are no less. Organic glass can have a reflective coating and faithfully imitate a mirror. Manufacturers offer many other options for external design: textured surface, color and monochrome drawings, matte and transparent canvas. If the Plexiglas panel is not impact tested, its service life will be very long.

Glass

The glass screen for the bathroom has the only significant drawback - fragility. True, manufacturers use the most durable glass for such products, but such a process as hardening or reinforcement necessarily affects the increase in the cost of the product.

The main advantage of glass screens is their decorative effect. For products, tinted glass, lacobel (glass painted on one side and varnished), matte and patterned panels are used.

Tile

You don’t have to go to the store for this design option for the bathroom, since you can only make a screen for a bathtub out of tiles on your own or with the involvement of specialists. Installation of tiles is made on top of a stationary structure. The bath is lined with bricks, then tiled. Another option is to assemble the base from the GKL.

The tile bath screen is highly durable and long lasting. The disadvantage is the installation process, which not every owner can do on their own.

How to choose and where to buy a bath screen

Choosing a good bath screen will not be difficult if you consider in advance:

the size and shape of the product;
material of manufacture;
type of construction according to the method of opening the doors.

How to choose a screen for a bath in appearance is a matter of personal taste, but the main condition is a harmonious combination of color and style with the decor of the room. It may turn out to be more difficult to deal with the manufacturer: which bathroom screen will better cope with its functional duties and last longer? Let's look at the most popular brands.

"MetaKam"- products of SibPlast LLC, which are highly valued not only in our country, but also abroad. The screen for the Metakam bath has a frame made of PVC or aluminum profile, depending on the model. For facade panels, the manufacturer uses PVC, cellular polypropylene. Facade decor - UV printing, thermal transfer film.
Alavann is a young, dynamically developing company. The Alavann bath screen is characterized by high durability. The company specializes in the production of aluminum screens.
"Techno" offers screens made of plastic, MDF, aluminum, acrylic. The range includes products of non-standard sizes. Here you can choose a screen for a cast-iron bath, steel or acrylic, in full accordance with its parameters.

Foreign manufacturers should also be mentioned: Kaldewei (Germany), Albatros (Italy), Cersanit (Poland). But it must be taken into account that domestic companies offer products that fit most standard models. If you purchase a screen for a 150 cm bath, then it will fit exactly. Most Western-made products are designed only for certain models of bathtubs. In some cases, this is very convenient. For example, when you need to purchase a screen for an acrylic bath with a non-standard shape.

It is best to purchase a bath screen in a specialized store where you can get professional advice on choosing a product and its benefits. Recently, online stores are gaining a wide turnover, but it is not so easy to determine the quality of a product by its photograph and technical description.

Protective screens can be purchased both in plumbing stores and hypermarkets specializing in the sale of goods for repair and home. In highly specialized salons, as a rule, a large selection of goods from different manufacturers will be offered. In hypermarkets, the choice may be limited, but prices will be more attractive. For example, the Leroy Merlin bath screen offers at a cost of 700 rubles.

Installation

The complete set of the finished product contains instructions on how to properly install the screen under the bath. For structures of the same type, the assembly process is approximately the same, regardless of the dimensions of the bath screen. The difference can only be in the parameters of the facades and components. The screen for a high bathtub and the legs for its installation have an additional 5 cm margin.

Since all fasteners and accessories are included in the kit, the process of preparation and installation takes very little time. Consider step by step how to install a screen under the bath.

Fill the tub with water.
Attach the handles to the front panel of the screen.
Insert the legs into the holes located at the bottom of the product.
Place the screen under the edge of the bathtub.
The height of the screen under the bath is adjustable with legs to such a position as to tightly fix the structure.

We looked at how to install a sliding bath screen that comes pre-assembled. If the structure needs to be assembled from individual elements, the installation process will look different.

Horizontal rails must be placed on a flat surface.
Put vertical frame elements across.
Align the mounting holes and fix with self-tapping screws without tightening them to the end.
Insert front panels.
Now you need to adjust the guides in height so that the canvas moves freely, but does not fall out.
Fix the screws.

Further, the process is carried out in the same way as in the previous version. If the bathroom has protruding pipes or a baseboard, the question arises of how to put the screen under the bath so that the doors move normally and completely cover the free space. To do this, it is necessary to measure the protruding elements, mark the parameters on the screen and cut out from it with an ordinary knife that part that bumps into the protrusion.

Cheap factory structures are not distinguished by high strength and rigidity, therefore, after installation, the owners are often unhappy that the structure “wobbles”. There is a little trick on how to attach the screen under the bath to make the structure more durable. The factory screens do not provide for fixing rails to the wall. This omission is easy to correct, and then even the cheapest panel will hold firmly in place and serve faithfully for a long time. To do this, you need 4 metal corners. They are attached to the ends of the horizontal rails and fixed to the wall with self-tapping screws.

Acrylic bathtubs come in a variety of shapes, and screens, as a rule, are also made of acrylic. How to attach the screen to an acrylic bath depends on the design of the screen and the configuration of the bath. If the product has a rectangular shape, an ordinary plastic or MDF panel is suitable for it, the installation of which we discussed above. If the bowl has a figured shape, the front panel is included in the package. In this case, the installation of the screen on an acrylic bath is carried out in accordance with the instructions. Mounting options may vary for products from different manufacturers. In most cases, the screen is attached to an acrylic bathtub by fixing its lower part to the frame, while the upper edge of the panel is brought under the bathtub rim.

DIY bath screen

If the finished models are not satisfied with the price, quality or decorative effect, a skilled owner will always find a way to make a screen under the bath with his own hands. The self-made design consists of two main elements: the frame and the front part. To assemble a sliding screen for a bath with your own hands, you need to stock up on two guide profiles into which decorative panels will be inserted.

For the frame, choose a material that is resistant to moisture: glued beams, metal profiles. For the front panel, you can use plastic, plexiglass. If the construction is capital, moisture-resistant drywall is attached to the assembled frame, the joints are puttied and tiled on top. Instead of a frame, you can build a brick partition. In both cases, when constructing a bath screen with your own hands, it is necessary to leave free access to communications so that you do not have to break the structure during a leak.

There is another option on how to make a do-it-yourself bath screen. This is an extraordinary, slightly impractical, but interesting solution - covering the frame with fabric. For such a case, polyester, nylon, membrane fabrics, artificial leather are suitable. The durability of the fabric facade will be small.

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