Panels for finishing a bathroom under tiles: types and features of application

The modern market offers the consumer many different materials for repair, where a special place is occupied by products whose quality has been tested by time. However, most of the materials of the latest generation are not inferior in characteristics, and in some moments even surpass the raw materials that have been used for a long time. This also applies to tiles for bathroom tiles.

Very often, not having complete information about the new products that appear on building counters, deciding to make repairs in the bathroom, consumers use traditional materials, in particular, tiles, unaware that there are worthy alternative finishing options for this room. Moisture-resistant MDF panels and PVC products are high-quality and attractive products that have proven themselves in practice as a practical and durable finishing material for bathrooms.

The panels are resistant to high humidity, and are also able to imitate the texture of tiles. The main function of wall panels, in addition to the aesthetic component, is to protect the base from moisture, since high temperature and water contribute to the formation of mold and mildew on surfaces.

In order to get rid of such unpleasant situations in the bathroom, where the tiles are finished, aggressive chemical compounds are used that help get rid of microorganisms, but at the same time gradually destroy the material itself. When using wall panels, the risk of such situations is minimal, and the appearance of the products is not inferior in its attractiveness to expensive finishing.

Like any other material, panels have strengths and weaknesses. The product benefits include the following product qualities:

• Good level of moisture resistance, due to which the panels are recommended for use in bathrooms.
• Quick and easy installation of products - anyone can cope with the task of installing MDF panels or plastic elements, it is enough to have minimal construction experience. To carry out the work, there is no need to purchase specialized tools, the products are lightweight.
• For the installation of panels, it is not necessary to provide a perfectly flat base, as required by the tile.
• Thanks to the use of such products, the level of thermal insulation increases, since plastic and chip elements are warm raw materials.

• The level of soundproofing of the bathroom is increasing, which is important for residents of apartment buildings.
• The products are characterized by such qualities as durability and long service life, however, the correct installation of products in this case plays an important role.
• The elements do not need specific care; to keep the panels clean, it will be enough to wipe the surface with a damp cloth and avoid prolonged exposure to water.
• Wear resistance and resistance to mechanical stress.
• Acceptable cost, which can be attributed to the absence of the cost of paying for the work of a specialized hired force and the purchase of expensive consumables.

The disadvantages of moisture resistant bathroom panels are:

• Unlike conventional tiles, MDF furnishings swell when immersed in water. It follows that in situations where the bathroom is flooded from the upper floor, the material will be irrevocably damaged.
• Low level of impact strength of panels.
• The absence in some models of grooves at the joints between products, due to which the gaps will need to be filled with a sealant.

To make the right choice, you need to study the varieties of this product. The main criteria by which the panels are classified are the material that plays the role of the fundamental component, as well as the shape of the products.

Panels are made:

• from MDF;
• from polyvinyl chloride.

The first group is produced using wood shavings and a special impregnation, consisting of paraffin and adhesive components. Paraffin is responsible for the resistance of products to moisture. Products that are manufactured taking into account all the requirements do not emit formaldehyde in excess of the permissible value during operation, therefore the fumes from the products will not pose a threat to humans.

Due to the specific composition, MDF tile panels can be used even in rooms where the humidity level is about 80%. The thickness of the products varies between 3-8 mm. In order to create an imitation of tiles, the tiled panels are additionally treated with polyvinyl chloride or covered with a special film on which a pattern or any other decor is set.

PVC boards come in various sizes. The thickness is usually 4-8 mm. This material is easy to cut.

Considering the shape, there are the following types of products:

• tiled;
• leafy;
• rack and pinion.

The first type most often has the shape of a square, but there are products that are made in more complex versions, for example, there are hexagonal elements. Installation of the panels to the base is carried out using an adhesive composition, and the composition is connected to each other by fasteners, due to which a complete mosaic is formed on the surface.

Plastic products are very popular because tiles can be combined regardless of size, color and shape. Thanks to this, it is possible to realize your most original fantasies regarding the design of the room.

Large sheets are in demand due to the ease of installation and the minimum number of joints. This feature is very relevant for rooms with a high level of humidity, since it is through these places that moisture can get inside. The design options for sheet panels are not limited to monochromatic options, since many products are sold with a bright design.

Slatted panels allow you to visually expand the space of the room. In appearance, they are similar to ordinary clapboard. An excellent option would be to use such products in bathrooms, where there are various niches and protrusions on the bases.

The purchase of moisture-resistant wall panels is an option that allows you to create a more attractive finish in the bathroom, in comparison with conventional tiles. The combination of elements different in size, color or texture will allow you to decorate the room in an exclusive style, the main thing is to use panels of the same thickness and made by the same manufacturer.

An unusual pattern is quite simply formed when the products are mounted at a certain angle from the floor - the products can converge at one point and diverge in different directions. You can decorate with panels a ceiling of any complexity, it all depends on your imagination.

Products with a frieze do not require the creation of complex shapes, since they are remarkable already due to their decor. In addition, they can imitate the texture of wood or stone. The panels are made in glossy and matte finish. To visually increase the area of ​​the room or to visually raise the ceiling, you can use products with a reflective surface or arrange elements with mirror inserts.

The panels are either solid or colored. The use of offset printing makes it possible to create original compositions. The use of a frieze greatly expands the range of products, since the panels can have a variety of textures, colors and shades.

The main characteristic of the panels is size. In order to select the required dimensions, one should proceed from the area of ​​the room.

Sheet products have the following dimensions: width - 1.25 m, length - 2.5 m, with a thickness of 3 to 7 mm. Tiled panels are available with a side of a square from 30 to 95 cm. Rack elements are produced in widths from 13 to 28 mm and lengths varying from 2.5 to 3.8 m. The thickness of the lamellas is 8-14 mm.

There are several ways to lay the panels:

• using glue or liquid nails;
• on a special frame.

Arrangement of the frame is carried out using an aluminum profile according to the following technology:

• the arrangement of profiles is performed, the stiffeners of which are placed horizontally;
• the fastening step is calculated based on the width of the product, but this value should not exceed 50 cm;
• then the preparation of the slats is carried out - the ends of the MDF elements are recommended to be additionally treated with a sealant;

• in the case when the floor in the room has an insufficiently even surface, the resulting gaps are hidden with the help of a plinth;
• all areas where switches, sockets or communication outputs will be located must be indicated;
• the rails are fastened with self-tapping screws or staples, in some cases you can use special clips.

Installation of panels on glue can be carried out in bathrooms, where the bases have an even geometry, and also do not require specific preparation. Otherwise, the walls should be pre-finished with plaster and the surface should be primed.

After completing such work, you can start gluing the panels. The technology for performing this task is as follows:

• Joints between elements of the composition, including corners and places of joining panels to the floor and ceiling, can be decorated with moldings. This option will provide a cleaner appearance to the surface. This work is not necessary if the fixing of the components is carried out using grooves or other fasteners.
• The application of the composition to products can be done pointwise or in the form of zigzags.
• The panel with the composition applied to the back side is applied to the wall and pressed over the entire area.

• If excess glue has come out around it, it must be carefully removed from the base.
• Installation of panels should always start from a corner.
• All unattractive places where the cuts on the edges of the products are visible are best hidden under the skirting board.It can be made of any material and have a similar color, or vice versa - serve as a contrasting component of the created composition.

Blue has always been associated with sea and water. To add vibrant color to your bathroom, you can use nautical-themed tile panels in blue. This option will refresh the design and are guaranteed to appeal to kids. And the image of marine flora and fauna will help you relax during water procedures and remind you of the mass of positive impressions from the rest on the seashore.

A bathroom in a modern style, decorated in black and red colors, will be an original and bold solution for connoisseurs of extraordinary ideas in creating interiors. This finish will be a real highlight of the entire living space, as well as a luxurious, but, nevertheless, inexpensive option.

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