The bath screen is a popular element in the bathroom interior. It solves the problem of using space under the bathroom, turning it into usable area for storing and placing various items.
Peculiarities
The screen is a structure that covers the sides of the bathtub, as well as adjacent sections of the walls and plumbing communications and water pipes located near the floor. In addition to its decorative function, the screen can be used for storage household chemicals and household supplies, as well as limit access to the bathtub for pets. Screens are made from modern and environmentally friendly safe materials, able to withstand the humid conditions of bathrooms and constant temperature changes. The frame is usually a steel or aluminum profile, which is rust-resistant and durable.
The aluminum frame is lighter than its steel counterpart, but may be subject to deformation due to excessive mechanical stress. You can safely attach light weights to such a profile plastic doors, as well as elements made of MDF and acrylic. Steel frames are designed to form screens from natural wood, as well as for the production of lattice models.
In this case, a chrome profile is used, which will harmoniously combine with mirrors, taps and other chrome-plated bathroom accessories.
The shape of the models depends on the configuration of the bathtub and the preferences of the apartment owner. To make it more comfortable to stand near the bathtub, some front panels have recesses for feet, and to prevent water from entering the floor, inclined structures. The fabric of the models can be solid or lattice. The first looks more attractive and allows you to close pipes and communications, while the second prevents mold and promotes normal air exchange under the bathroom.
Standard factory screens for steel and cast iron bathtubs have a length of 1.5 to 1.7 meters and a height of up to 60 cm. The legs are often adjustable, which allows you to independently install the model to the desired height and ensures the convenience of placing a person close to the bathtub. On modern market presented a large number of corner screens acrylic bathtubs, as well as for non-standard curved models. This allows you to choose a product of any size and shape, to refine appearance premises.
Kinds
The modern market offers a large number of different models made from various materials, and differing in cost, performance characteristics and appearance.
- Screens made of plastic. The models are characterized by hygiene and the ability to apply any pattern, relief or photo printing to the surface. The frame of plastic screens is made of aluminum, which gives the structure lightness, strength, corrosion resistance and durability. The service life of the models is up to 30 years, during which the material perfectly retains its performance properties and original appearance. The advantages of plastic screens also include low cost, ease of maintenance and ease of installation.
- Plexiglas screens. The material is hygienic and aesthetically pleasing. The wide range of glass screens is due to the wide variety of colors and textures. The structures are made of thick organic glass with transparent, frosted or mirror surface. The models look harmonious in combination with a sink made of glass and chrome-plated sanitary ware, and also visually increase the area of the room and do not hide the space. The disadvantage of glass screens is high price products, heavy weight, complexity of installation and the need for regular maintenance.
- Models from MDF. Inexpensive, beautiful and easy to care for, the material is often used to make screens. It is available in the form of laminated panels with a wide variety of colors and textures. Models with imitation patterns of wood fibers, natural stone and tiles are very popular. The design may have sliding doors, a service hatch or hinged doors. The disadvantages include the low moisture resistance of the models, due to which the elements absorb moisture, swell and deform. To prevent this from happening, the bathroom must be equipped with a working exhaust hood. ventilation system. The service life of MDF screens does not exceed three years.
- Acrylic screens. Lightweight, hygienic and practical acrylic harmoniously combines with bathtubs and sinks and has high stability to the effects of household chemicals and is characterized by high levels of moisture resistance and heat resistance.
- Aluminum models. The products are characterized by low cost, durability and corrosion resistance. The low weight of the screens facilitates quick transportation and easy installation of the structure, and a wide range of colors allows you to choose products to suit any color and style of the room.
- Drywall. A popular material for making screens, allowing you to independently form a curved structure for custom bath. The front part can be lined ceramic tiles or mosaic.
- Tree. Practical, environmentally friendly and durable material. Wooden screens are made in a monolithic, sliding or hinged design. They are distinguished by their elegant appearance and practicality. The disadvantages of these models include the heavy weight and high cost of some products.
Criterias of choice
Bath screens are available in large assortment and differ from each other in the door opening system, the presence of a technological hatch, shelves and design. For spacious bathrooms, there are retractable models on casters that roll forward and allow easy access to pipes and plumbing if they need to be replaced. Stationary screens are a fixed structure. They are used in small spaces. In the event of a plumbing breakdown, gaining access to communications is quite problematic.
The door opening system determines the ease of use of the screen and the rational use of space under the bathtub. Doors are sliding, hinged, with a blind leaf, with a retractable block and removable. Blind models are often used when self-production and perform exclusively decorative function, covering pipes and plumbing communications from the view of the visitor.
If it is necessary to repair communications, such models must be completely dismantled.
photos
Hinged doors are quite practical and allow you to easily find the necessary item stored on the screen shelves. Such doors can be closed using a lock with a magnet, hooks or a latch. The disadvantage of this type is the need for free space in front of the bathroom, ensuring unhindered opening of the doors to access the shelves. Sliding doors are ideal option for bathrooms with a small area and do not require extra space to open. The disadvantage is the presence of a non-visible area, which can be accessed by alternately sliding the door to one side or the other.
You can either make a screen for the bath yourself or purchase it finished model. Among the most famous domestic producers we can note the companies “Vann Bock”, “Techno”, “Metakam”, “Domino”, “Triton”, “Professional”, “Kapli” and “Breeze”, which produce high-quality universal models of medium price category. Russian experts offer big choice models that have an adjustment function and are suitable for the sizes and shapes of bathtubs famous brands. There is also a wide range of materials used, including glass and non-woven material. Among foreign brands the most popular products are Jacob Delafon, Jacuzzi and Kaldewei.
Installation methods
Self-installation of the finished screen is carried out using a tape measure, building level and screwdrivers. Factory models are already equipped with fasteners and fittings, so additional purchase of screws and self-tapping screws is not required. Before installation, the bathtub should be filled with water. This applies to previously installed bathtubs. If you are installing a screen and a bathtub at the same time, then this is not necessary.
Initially, you need to take measurements of the space under the bathtub and mark where the frame will be attached. Then, strictly following the sequence of fastening the parts indicated in the instructions, you should install the frame. Then you need to adjust the legs. To do this, they need to be unscrewed so that the fixation of the frame between the side of the bath and the floor surface is maximum. To prevent the frame from dangling, it is recommended to apply thin layer sealant and press them tightly to the floor. After making sure that the frame is securely attached to the floor, the gap between the frame and the side of the bathtub should be foamed. Thanks to this procedure, the structure will acquire additional rigidity and stability.
Next stage includes installation decorative panels, hanging doors with a swing system, and installing them in a guide channel with a sliding system. Then you need to screw the handles to the doors and seal the seams with sealant. If it is not possible to purchase a ready-made model, then you can assemble and install the protective screen yourself. The most in a simple way is the production of a screen from sheets of plasterboard and galvanized aluminum profile with a section of 75x40 and 60x27 mm. The design consists of compartment doors that move along W-shaped gutters.
Installation and installation are carried out using a building level, a ruler, metal screws, dowels, a drill and metal scissors. Initially, you should clear the space under the bathtub from construction waste and make sure that communications are working properly. Next, you need to install a frame from the profile and attach W-shaped guides to it. Distance between top bar frames and bathtub should be foamed.
The plasterboard door panels are cut in such a way that they overlap each other in length. The cut sheets are then inserted into a framing frame made to fit the doors and inserted into the gutter. Excess foam must be trimmed using a clerical knife. The last stage of installation is decorative finishing drywall tiles screwing handles.
The space under the bathroom may not be used in any way or, conversely, become additional area for storing household items. But in both cases, it is recommended to cover it with a special screen to hide everything unnecessary and give the interior a more neat, attractive look. Many models modern baths are equipped with ready-made screens made of plastic or acrylic, but choosing a separate design is not difficult.
The screen consists of a durable frame and a panel attached to it. The frame is made of aluminum or steel; in budget models, it is made of hard polymer. The range of these products is very wide, especially in terms of decorative design. There are models in plain colors, with photo printing, in various textures and shapes.
By design, screens are:
- sliding;
- removable;
- deaf stationary;
- with folding and hinged doors;
- with shelves;
- with a technological hatch.
The screen canvas can be either solid or lattice. The second option helps improve air exchange, which eliminates the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors from under the bathtub.
Most factory models are equipped with adjustable legs, and the gap created between the floor and the bottom edge of the screen allows you to comfortably stand close to the bathtub. The standard length of products is 1.5-1.7 m, height - from 50 to 60 cm, but other standard sizes are presented very widely.
For the manufacture of screens, materials with increased water resistance are used - plastic, organic glass, MDF and moisture resistant drywall. Each type of screen has certain pros and cons that influence the choice of model.
| View of the screen by material of manufacture | pros | Minuses |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable price, huge variety of textures and colors, ease of installation. The plastic screen can be easily cleaned of soap scum and other contaminants, does not deform, and retains its attractive appearance for a long time. | Low mechanical strength, poor resistance to chemicals and abrasives | |
| A plexiglass screen always looks very unusual and impressive. There are options in matte and mirror finishes, with a corrugated surface, painting and other decor. The material is strong, durable, highly resistant to abrasion and detergents | Heavy weight, high cost, more complex installation compared to plastic screens | |
| Relatively low price, large selection of colors, ease of installation. Such screens are easy to clean from dirt, do not require special care, and are suitable for any interior. | Limited sizes, short service life, prone to deformation | |
| The most popular option for homemade screens. Drywall can be easily adjusted to any size and shape of plumbing fixtures, is lightweight, and has a long service life | The installation process takes longer; the screen requires mandatory finishing with decorative materials |
bath screen
Installation of most screens requires the construction of a frame around the perimeter of the bathtub. The frame is usually assembled from aluminum profiles, less often - from wooden blocks.
For lightweight plastic screens, such a frame is not needed, since the product is attached to the side of the bathtub. Sometimes the space under the bathroom is closed brickwork, which is faced with tiles or mosaics. It is recommended to make an emergency hatch in the masonry in case of repairs to communications, so that you don’t have to break everything. This screen looks good and is highly reliable, but at the same time it requires more time and effort to install and excludes the possibility of rational use free space under the bathroom.
Subtleties of screen selection
Before buying a screen for a bathtub, you need to think in advance which model is best suited. In this case, several criteria must be taken into account:
- functionality;
- price;
- durability;
- complexity of installation;
- appearance.
If the screen is needed only to cover unsightly communications, you should pay attention to simple removable models or stationary products with a hidden hatch. If you plan to actively use the free space under the bathroom, the screen must have doors. The most convenient are products with sliding doors - this is a universal option for rooms of any size. Hinged doors are convenient to use only in a spacious bathroom.
All fittings must be made of corrosion-resistant material, otherwise the screen will very soon lose all its attractiveness. It should be taken into account that plastic fittings wears out faster and is less durable, while parts made of galvanized steel retain their qualities throughout the entire period of operation. When purchasing, be sure to check the quality of fastening of all elements, the smooth movement of the doors and the tight fit to the frame.
If the repair has not yet been completed, and it is not possible to calculate the exact parameters of the screen, you should purchase a model with the ability to adjust. Such products cost a little more, but there are no problems with installation and fitting. But it's best to select the screen after completion finishing works, when it is possible to accurately take measurements and select the best option.
The decorative design of the screen should match the interior of the bathroom as closely as possible. color scheme and texture. In small rooms, mirror screens look very good: the reflective surface visually makes the room more spacious. Photo printing or drawing on the front panel must also correspond to the general style of the interior, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve a harmonious combination. For example, a screen with a floral print can be very beautiful on its own, but in a bathroom decorated in nautical style, he looks out of place. An image of waves, sea life or pebbles on the beach would be more suitable here. If there are a lot of bright contrasting details in the room, it is better to choose a single-color screen, and vice versa; for a bathroom in soothing colors, a model with a large colored pattern is perfect.
Metacam - bath screens
Installation of a purchased screen
By the time the screen is installed, everything renovation work in the bathroom must be completed, communications connected. If the bathtub has been used without a screen for some time, you need to inspect the space under it, remove dust, make sure there is no dampness, mold or damage to the finish on the floor and walls. It is impossible to leave such defects, especially if you plan to install a blank screen.
When everything is ready for installation, you should unpack the product and check the contents. Standard model includes:
- aluminum frame guides and stands;
- legs;
- plugs;
- self-tapping screws;
- panels with holes;
- handles with mounting screws;
- assembly instructions.
Step 1. On a flat surface, both guides are laid parallel to each other with the grooves inward.
Step 2. The racks are laid on top across the guides and the mounting holes on the profiles are aligned.
Step 3. Insert self-tapping screws into the holes and tighten them slightly to fix the racks in the desired position.
Step 4. The panels are carefully inserted into the grooves of the guides, after which the structure is adjusted in height, the screws on the racks are tightened, and the ends of the guides are closed with plugs.
Step 5. Screws are inserted into the holes on the panels and the handles are screwed on.
Step 6. If there is a pipeline running along the floor to the side of the bathtub, you should measure the width and height of the indentation from the wall and make a cutout in the screen. First, measure the required distance on the guide profile, mark the cutting line with a marker and saw off with a hacksaw. Then cut a corresponding hole in the panel itself using a mounting knife.
Step 7 The legs are inserted into the racks from the lower end and twisted a little. Raise the structure, place the top edge under the side of the bathtub and level it vertically. After this, unscrew the legs all the way so that the screen fits tightly into place.
Advice. If you need to cover not only the front part, but also the end of the bathtub, you need to purchase a screen with an end panel. After assembling the main frame and panels, the ends of the guides are inserted into the grooves corner profile and fasten with self-tapping screws. On the other side of the profile, the end panel is screwed. Install the resulting structure in the same way as a regular screen.
Installing a homemade screen
Homemade screens, provided high-quality installation, have greater reliability and durability, and therefore many craftsmen prefer this option. The most common method is to make a screen from plasterboard and metal profile followed by tiling. As in the previous case, all work on finishing the bathroom must be completed, the space under the bowl must be cleared of dust and construction debris, and communications must be connected.
For installation you will need:
Since this screen will be stationary, you need to take care in advance about the presence of a technical hatch for inspecting communications under the bathroom. You can also make it yourself, but it is much easier to buy ready-made, because the cost of such products is very low. This will save you both effort and time on making the screen. In addition to the usual ones, on sale there are hatches for tiles, which, after cladding, do not stand out at all against the background of the screen.
Marking
Step 2. Measure the exact distance from the floor to the side of the bathtub and cut the rack profile according to the measurements. A section of the profile is applied to the wall at the level of the second mark, set vertically and draw a line with a marker to the very bottom.
Step 3. The profile is laid on the floor and one hole with a diameter of 6 mm is drilled in its lower and upper parts. Place the stand against the wall again and mark the locations of the fasteners through the holes.
Step 4. At the marked points, drill the tiles with a spear-shaped drill with a diameter of 6 mm, after which they insert the drill into the concrete, turn on the hammer drill mode and go deep into the wall to the length of the dowel.
Step 5. Place the profile in place, level it and fix it to the wall with dowel nails. On the other side of the bath they do the same.
Step 6. A horizontal guide is laid on the floor between the side posts. It is also attached to the floor using dowel-nails in increments of 30-40 cm.
Step 7 At the top of the rack they are fastened with a guide made of two 60x27 mm profiles. For reliability, the profiles on the sides are fixed with self-tapping screws with press washers every 40-50 cm. The guide should be 30-40 mm below the side of the bathtub.
Step 9 On the side where the drain is located, additional sections of the profile are attached to the frame, forming a frame for the technical hatch.
Step 10 The drywall sheet is cut exactly to size, and if necessary, cutouts are made for water pipes. Apply the canvas to the frame and fix it with metal screws to each rack and both guides. The fastening pitch is about 15 cm.
Advice. To more securely fix the screen in the upper part, you can drill a couple of through holes and blow a little foam through them. After hardening, the foam will firmly connect the screen to the wall of the bathtub, and the structure will not move.
At this point, the main work is completed and all that remains is to complete the cladding. Before gluing the tiles, the drywall must be well primed and wait until the surface dries.
Screen tiling
Installing a screen under a bathtub with your own hands may seem difficult only at first glance. In fact, there shouldn't be any difficulties. Let's try to understand all the intricacies of the process.
What is required to install a screen under the bathtub?
For installation under the bath modern design you will need:
- the bathroom screen itself;
- legs and accessories;
- key certain size(depending on the model, the diameter of the base may differ);
- level.
When purchasing a product, you receive everything you need (except tools) included. You do not need to separately purchase legs for the bathtub screen, stands for the frame, guides or handles. Responsible manufacturers and suppliers also provide instructions in the kit. It describes all the main stages of installation.
How to install a screen under a bath quickly and effortlessly?
Let's look at the installation process using the example of a sliding plastic structure with an aluminum frame.
- Insert the top of the bathroom screen under the rim (the convex lip of the bowl).
- The lower part of the product to which are attached metal legs, place the product so that the product is placed perpendicular to the floor (at an angle of 90 degrees).
- Using a wrench, unscrew the legs until the top of the screen rests under the rim of the tub.
All! Installing the screen, if you follow all the recommendations, will not take you more than 10-15 minutes.
How to install models other than sliding ones under the bathtub?
Similar! The process will be no different!
If you received a sliding or other plastic construction disassembled, it will first need to be assembled and prepared for installation.
- Place the guides on a flat surface with the grooves facing inward.
- Lay across the rack and line up all mounting holes.
- Tighten the screws to securely fix all structural elements.
- Insert the panels into the grooves and adjust the structure in height.
- Close the ends with plugs.
- Screw the handles (if any).
Now you know how to install a screen under a sliding bathtub, either assembled or disassembled.
Professional installation secrets
Do you want the gap between the plastic screen and the floor to be minimal? Insert the top part of the product not under the edge, but all the way to the edge. This way you will gain 1.5-2 cm and the appearance of the bathtub will be as neat as possible.
If you are still not sure that you can place the screen under the bathtub with your own hands, invite a specialist.
A decorative screen is a method of camouflage engineering communications under the bathroom. Installing a decorative screen is a practical solution for using free space.
The factory standard size is 70 x 50 cm. The parameters of non-standard panels vary between 75 – 120 cm in length and 40 – 60 cm in height. The factory package includes the frame, legs and fasteners. The structures are divided into three groups.
Sliding screens
These are two or three sections that slide apart on different sides of the doors. The benefits of decoration are obvious and do not require additional advertising. Retail offers sliding mechanism on rollers and panels on runners.
Hinged screen
Swing or folding screens- a rare option. Manufactured according to individual projects. Hinged/tilt doors require significant space. In conditions small apartments deficit square meters. Therefore, doors that swing outward are a luxury.
Dull screen
Deaf - monolithic stationary structures factory or self-production. Installed under heavy plumbing fixtures made of cast iron or steel. 
Subtleties of choice
Quality affects service life. What to look for when purchasing.
- Frame material.
- Panel material.
- Accessories and fasteners.
Let's look at each point in more detail.
- The frames are made of steel, less often - of aluminum. The price of the aluminum version is three times lower than the steel counterpart. Welcomed as a frame for light acrylic bathtubs. A cast iron container can only be supported by a steel support.
Masters recommend steel. Aluminum is subject to deformation. A steel base with greater weight is more stable and less susceptible to corrosion.
Panels in mass production are stamped from:
- plastic,
- plexiglass and tempered glass,
- artificial stone(ceramics).
- Plastic and acrylic are lightweight and have a long service life. The main competitive advantage is price. The material is resistant to high humidity bathroom. Even a person without construction skills can install a plastic/acrylic screen. Availability is sufficient the right tools and free time.
- Panels made of plexiglass or tempered glass. Matte screens are a spectacular decoration for the bathroom. The only drawback is susceptibility to moisture. The material is capricious and requires careful handling. Even small drops of water leave a mark. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase special care products.
- Decorative panels made of artificial stone are monolithic structures without doors. Disadvantage: heavy weight. The minimum service life of an artificial stone product is 10-15 years.
The fittings of the factory product are made of corrosion-resistant material.
The nuances of installing a screen under an acrylic bathtub
The installation principles are the same for all types of structures. The sequence is described in detail in the manufacturer's instructions. However, there are nuances to installing non-standard forms.
For example, the decoration of bowls is round or trapezoidal shape will require Masters recommend using plastic, flexible PVC lining.
For the frame, a galvanized special profile for drywall is taken.
Tools required for installation:
- tape measure and marker,
- screwdriver,
- building level,
- silicone sealant,
- construction adhesive,
- rags.
Making and installing a screen yourself
Most economical option homemade screen– MDF and plastic lining. The advantage of the model is the interchangeability and easy availability of parts.
Step by Step Actions
- Marking. The first lines are drawn in the direction from the floor along the wall to the expected top point of the frame. Base lines are drawn on the floor around the perimeter. Application is controlled by the building level.
- Starting profiles are attached using self-tapping screws along the floor marks. Vertical profiles are installed every 50-60 cm under the edges of the bathtub. The joints of the finished frame are additionally treated with silicone sealant.
- Use a construction knife to cut plastic (or drywall). Holes for handles are drilled in the section for the doors.
If the facade is covered with plasterboard, cutting is carried out only after additional processing moisture protective agents.
- We place the cut out façade under the side of the bathtub and fix it with self-tapping screws onto profile guides.
- The hinges are screwed on and the screen doors are hung.
If the front wall is assumed to be monolithic without openings, decoration is done tiles. Before laying the tiles, a primer layer is applied.
For sliding design upper and lower profiles with rail recesses are installed. In this case, precise marking and adjustment of the façade parts is required.
How to install a screen on corner models
The front screen is an oval set of metal plates and magnet holders on the front part of the bathtub legs.
- We assemble the frame and screw on the legs.
- We bring the frame under the side of the bowl and adjust the height.
- WITH inside We glue the plates with silicone sealant.
- We check that the plates are installed correctly. To do this, you need to attach the screen to the frame. The magnets and plates must match.
Corner screen rectangular or square shape fastened with self-tapping screws. The installation principles are discussed in more detail in the video.
Decorative tiled screen on a brick base
The advantage of a decorative screen on a brick base is reliability and durability. Flaw - monolithic design consists of difficult-to-replace elements. Instead of tiles, you can glue plastic panels.
Make markings on the floor surface.
- Lay the first row of bricks. The second row is laid after 24 hours. During this time cement mortar will set completely and dry. Shift each subsequent row 1-2 cm to the side.
- Let me down brick wall under the edge of the bathtub. Leave space for a technical opening.
- Cover the finished structure with a primer mixture.
- Apply adhesive over the primer.
- Lay the tiles on the glue and leave to dry.
- Treat the joints with sealant.
- Paste decorative plug into the technical opening.
The best manufacturers of bath screens
Aquanet is a Russian manufacturer. The main competitive advantage is the production and sale of asymmetrical front panels at a low price. For example, the Aquanet Borneo model made of white acrylic with dimensions 58 x 170 costs 2,300 rubles. That is, half the price of foreign analogues. 
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Greetings, comrades. This review is dedicated to sliding screens for bathtubs. We will find out how practical the arrangement option we are discussing is and what you should pay attention to when purchasing such a product.
Which design is preferable?
It is clear that the most interesting option is a quickly mounted screen model.i.e. not requiring the use of power tools, solutions and grouts upon completion of installation.
Often these are movable plastic elements with a rigid frame and height-adjustable legs that fix the entire structure on the bathroom floor.
The installation of such a product is based on the fact that the upper part of the frame rests against the side of the bathroom, and the structure itself is fixed in the spacer between the bathtub and the floor. Fixation is carried out using adjustable legs. Often this is simply a bolt, equipped with a plastic stop so as not to scratch the floor surface, and screwed into the frame itself.
For standard bathrooms, the screen has only 2 legs; for other models, their number can vary in the range of 3-4. Dimensions of sliding screens for the bathroom:
- Length 1.5 m and 1.7 m;
- Screen heights from 500 mm to 560 mm.
As for the frame material, manufacturers most often use:
- Plastic (PVC);
- Metal;
- Aluminum.
Captain Obvious informs: it is better to abandon the metal frame, since damage is inevitable during operation protective coating, which will lead to the occurrence of corrosion spots.
What materials to choose moving elements from?
The choice is quite large: PVC, acrylic, chipboard and MDF, glass, including mirrors, wood, plexiglass, etc. Most practical solution from my point of view, there are moving elements made from:
- Plastic;
Captain Obvious informs: glass models are quite common, but I would not recommend them for the bathroom. Firstly, glass is not the most the best option in terms of safety, and secondly, the glass will not hide the structure, which means the meaning of the screen is lost.
If ordinary plastic seems banal, you can get acquainted with plexiglass. I think that's enough interesting material, it is presented in a huge number of different colors and textures, but has one significant drawback - it is very fragile. A light blow is enough, and that’s it...
Separately, I would like to mention products made from chipboard, including moisture-resistant types - when used in a bathroom, the service life of such products is no more than five years. This applies equally to screens and furniture for kitchens and.
In addition, this material cannot be called environmentally friendly, therefore, I also cannot recommend it.
Features of materials
So, the choice is in favor of plastic and MDF. And if no one has any questions with the first material, then MDF application in a damp room it still raises concerns.
The material itself inherited hygroscopicity from its ancestor (wood), i.e. the ability to accumulate water, which inevitably leads to swelling and loss of mechanical strength.
Everything is true, but...
Modern MDF bath screen is made from a waterproof variety of this material and is called VMDF. From the classic furniture board it differs in the type of binder used: instead of melamine-modified urea resin, urea-formaldehyde is used.
What does this give to the consumer?
- He resists well high humidity, but at the same time not intended for the street or other conditions that require constant contact with water;
- Individual splashes do not cause any harm to it or products made from it. For better protection manufacturers laminate sheets with vinyl film or plastic;
Designers' Choice
Both materials are good, but MDF has one undeniable advantage– the screens turn out to be voluminous, while plastic ones, due to their small thickness, are not endowed with such a visual effect.
Accordingly, if the dimensions of the room allow it to be filled with furniture, then it is better to give preference to MDF screens. And if we are talking about Khrushchev, feel free to choose a plastic screen. It takes up the smallest possible space.
Separately, it is worth mentioning acrylic screens - they are presented quite widely in plumbing stores, including three-dimensional 3D products, as in the photo below.
But often they come complete with a bathroom; accordingly, their dimensions are initially adjusted, and such screens are unlikely to be suitable for separate installation.
Also, a number of models of plastic screens have two types of latches - magnetic and spring, designed taking into account the characteristics of the bathtub itself and its legs. This information can be provided to the buyer by the factory instructions - Don’t be lazy to ask the sellers for it, you’ll save time and money.
What's on offer
Having understood the design and materials, you can begin to get acquainted with the products presented in retail chains. And it’s best to consider them by manufacturer.
The Crimean stores available to me offer screens from:
- EDELFORM;
- JIKA;
- RUNO;
- ROCA;
- SANTEK;
- NONAME.
The last “brand” in the list of manufacturers is the name of a faceless product. This is quite common in small plumbing stores that accept goods for sale.
Concord
If you consider products from famous manufacturers, I recommend paying attention to the range of adjustments. To do this, before going to the store, you must measure the distance from the side to the bathroom.
A good model that will elevate most bathrooms. The manufacturer also offers organizer inserts, which are niches with plastic shelves inserted behind the screen, which significantly expands the functionality of the entire product.
ROCAelegance
This model has furniture handles, which somewhat limits the space - unlike the model presented above, you can get caught on them. However, it is a solid model, easy to install, and can transform a room in a couple of minutes.
A plus would be the high quality and the presence of 3 legs at once, increasing stability. The disadvantages include the mentioned handles.
Lux
Another model with the usual furniture handles protruding beyond the screen plane. The absence of a middle support raises a question, because its presence allows you to withstand shocks when approaching the bathroom closely. With the stated dimensions of 1.7 m, its absence causes vibrations of the entire structure under mechanical influence.
The controversial point is the two-color solution, as well as the presence of only two legs, although this is not critical for lightweight plastic. The advantages are light weight and affordable price.
Self-installation
Let's look at how to install sliding screen under the bath with your own hands . Let's assume that you have chosen a screen in a store and delivered it home, but you are not confident in your abilities.
In fact, everything is very simple:
- Prepare a building level, tape measure, silicone sealant, open-end wrench, pencil or marker;
- Determine the quality of the surface of the bathtub rim - there should be no protrusions or irregularities on it. The side itself must be monolithic;
There are no particular problems with a cast iron bathtub or a steel bathtub. But acrylic ones cannot boast of such quality. As a rule, they have a block along the sides. This is where the screen frame should be installed.
- Measure the distance from the side to the floor;
- Screw in the adjusting feet, measuring the height with a tape measure (so that it is a couple of millimeters less than the measured height);
- Place the screen frame under the side;
- Pre-fix it by unscrewing the legs;
- Using a building level, align it vertically;
- Mark a line on the adjacent wall with a pencil or marker - you will use it to navigate a little later;
- Remove the frame again;
- Apply silicone sealant to the top of the frame;
- Place the frame under the edge of the tub again;
- Fix its position using an open-end wrench, focusing on the line drawn with a marker;
- Check the correctness using a level; if necessary, correct the position relative to the vertical;
- Remove the tile marker and any exposed sealant;
- Check the operation of the valves - nothing should jam or cause difficulties.
That, in fact, is all the wisdom of installation.
Conclusion
I hope that after studying this material, readers will have enough knowledge to make an informed purchase. And it won't cause any problems. self installation screen in your own apartment.
As always, Additional information the reader can find in the video in this article.
I look forward to your comments, questions and additions to the material. Good luck!