Plastic panels for the bathroom

Varieties and features of finishing ↑

Bathroom wall panels are seam and seamless, film and printed. Of the whole variety of materials of manufacture, only three types are suitable for finishing a bathroom, on which the features and cost of repairs depend.

Solid PVC wall slabs are a common budget option. Their quality and strength directly depends on the stiffeners that permeate the inner space of the sheet. The more, the better.

Types and sizes of PVC cladding:

sheet or PVC plates. Width from 80 to 203 cm, length - from 150 to 405 cm;
rack (lining). Width 10 or 12.5 cm, length - 300 cm. They are made mainly of light colors without a pattern or with streaks of other shades;
panel. The widespread width is 25 cm, the length is 260, 270 or 300 cm. The difference from the lining is in the inconspicuous seams during installation.

Experts recommend checking the actual dimensions with those indicated on the package. In order to avoid complications, it is better not to purchase goods at dubious points of sale. The key quality of plastic bathroom wall panels is environmental friendliness, and when using cheap plastic, harmful emissions are possible.

The cladding is based on MDF sheets made from finely dispersed dry shavings pressed under high pressure and temperature. From above they are covered with a reliable layer that protects against moisture.

Differences from the plastic counterpart:

despite the presence of a wooden component, the material is much stronger. It cannot be damaged by accidental impact;
if a cabinet or a mirror is not hung on the plastic (they can only be fixed on a rack frame under the wall cladding), then any furniture is attached to MDF;
if the outer coating is damaged in some way, the board needs to be urgently changed, because MDF without a protective layer is afraid of moisture.

Types and sizes of panel MDF:

sheet with dimensions 1.25x2.50 mm and a thickness of 3-7 mm with a minimum number of joints;
type-setting rack, similar to long boards. Standard sizes - 130x2500 and 280x3800 mm, thickness 8-14 mm;
type-setting tiled. Smooth squares that allow you to lay out a complex pattern. Dimensions - 30x30 or 95x95 cm.

In appearance, the material can be with original patterns, imitate natural stone, tiles or wood.

The basis of wall-mounted plastic panels is a material similar in composition to fiberboard (fiberboard), covered with a dense moisture-resistant layer that imitates tile or stone. Fiberboard consists of wood fibers, and chipboard is made of shavings, which means that in terms of characteristics they are approximately equivalent. Fiberboard is also not afraid of blows and can withstand the weight of shelves and any other bathroom furniture.

Types and sizes of fiberboard panels:

sheet, allowing you to quickly revet the wall. Standard size - 1220x2440 mm, thickness - 3 mm;
rack and pinion. The most common option, which is mounted using guides. Standard length from 2400 to 3700 mm, width 125-300 mm, thickness - from 8 to 12;
tiled - squares for walls and ceilings. Suitable for combining colors and textures. With their help, you can lay out the original contrasting wall. Sizes: 30x30, 98x98 cm.

Installation methods

Today, there are several methods for installing PVC panels, with the most widely used is the installation on the crate. The frame structure is assembled from both metal profiles and plastic or wooden beams. If a tree is chosen for the lathing, then it should be pre-treated with antiseptic agents. Standard metal profiles are usually used for the frame, and the size of wooden and plastic beams should not be less than 4 × 2.5 cm.They are fixed to the wall and ceiling with screws, observing a step of 40 cm.

The battens must be fixed perpendicular to the direction of the panels. At the same time, regardless of whether it is a suspended ceiling, a panel or a screen, the cladding can be carried out both vertically and horizontally. The choice usually depends on the characteristics of the room and style.But it's worth noting that vertical mounting has its advantages. It allows water to flow down unhindered

This is especially important when the shower stall is sheathed. As for the vertical installation, it contributes to the visual "expansion" of the walls

When assembling the lathing, the structure should be additionally reinforced at the corners with supports, which are used as small pieces of panels.

The installation process is as follows:

Finishing starts from one of the corners of the room or from the door. First of all, the starting corner is fixed, it is attached to the surface with staples or nails. Then, using the fastening system, the first panel is installed, which is hammered into the frame with nails.
The next step is the installation of the second panel, it is placed close to the first and thus the cladding is continued until the next corner.
At the end of the sheathing, the finishing corner is attached and the final panel is inserted into it. The joints between the elements are carefully coated with sealant and proceed to the installation of ceiling or floor skirting boards.

Equally popular is the installation of PVC on special fastening clips; for this, a strong frame is made at the beginning. In the event that there are significant irregularities on the surfaces, plastic or plywood gaskets are placed under the strips and profiles and fixed with self-tapping screws. Similarly to the first method, an inner corner is fastened with clips near the door or in one of the corners, after which the first plate is inserted into the profile. Then a second one is placed in its groove and with latching clips. Then everything continues according to the previously described scheme.

If the bathroom is small, then frame installation for it is considered not the best option, since the design reduces the useful area of the room. Therefore, for small bathrooms, panels are most often installed in a frameless way, on glue. The only drawback of this technology is that it requires a perfectly flat surface, so the ceiling and walls have to be well prepared for cladding. To fix the material, you should purchase special adhesive mixtures that do not contain organic solvents in their composition, since they adversely affect plastic. A suitable tool for this is "liquid nails", for 5 m2 they require no more than one spray can.

Installation of panels on glue is carried out in several stages:

The first step is to dry the working base well with a heat gun or a construction hair dryer. Then the surface is primed with an antiseptic.
After that, the walls and ceiling should be leveled in such a way that the differences do not exceed 3 mm. The presence of minor bumps and caverns is allowed, they are easy to cut off with a grinder

Great attention is paid to the joints in the corners. They must be strictly perpendicular, otherwise the installation work will be complicated, creating problems with the fastening of the initial and final frame strips.
When the base for finishing is ready, glue is applied to the panel, leaving a small distance from the edge, and it is applied to the surface at a level, pressing for 5 minutes, until the adhesive mixture sets.

Sheathing elements that adjoin the floor and ceiling are cut, fastened with dowels and decorated with skirting boards.

Decorative 3d wall panels - defining characteristics

The quality of the products depends on the composition from which they are made. But there are general characteristics:

environmental friendliness - typical for all types of facing elements. But in the first place are bamboo, wood, plaster;
long service life. Unlike other types of finishes, they are dismantled and installed in another place;
wide design possibilities due to the assortment of wall panels and the ability to apply various coatings to them: veneer, paint, varnish;
resistance to temperature extremes;
moisture resistance;
fire safety - even wooden panels have a special coating that protects them from the effects of flame;
soundproofing properties - they muffle noise, therefore they are good for decorating bedrooms, nurseries;
3d wall panels are lightweight, which greatly facilitates their installation;
combined with any decor options;
easy to install, paint.

Installation and decoration of 3D gypsum panels

Advantages and disadvantages

Plastic panels are popular and demanded finishing materials. The relevance of such a cladding is explained by many advantages.

Plastic panels are durable materials. They are not afraid of moisture and dampness. Thanks to this quality, the finish can be safely used when decorating a bathroom or kitchen.
High-quality plastic panels retain their original appearance for many years.
Such a finish does not require complex and regular maintenance. Plastic does not accumulate dust and dirt. If stains appear on its surface, then you do not have to purchase special and expensive compounds to remove them - most of the dirt from plastic panels can be removed with an ordinary damp cloth.
Plastic panels are inexpensive. That is why many consumers choose this finish option. It will cost several times cheaper than decorating walls with tiles or wood.

Wall panels made of plastic can boast of good soundproofing qualities.
The installation of such finishing materials is simple and quick. It can be produced without the involvement of specialists, which can significantly save money.
With the help of PVC panels, you can zoning the existing space.
Such finishing materials are lightweight, so it is easy and convenient to work with them.
Plastic is a material that is very easy to process. Due to this quality, these coatings are represented by a fairly rich assortment. To decorate a room, you can pick up canvases with absolutely any images and colors.

Plastic is a safe material. Even at high temperatures, it does not emit hazardous or harmful substances. However, when buying panels, you should ask the seller for a quality certificate and make sure that there are no toxic compounds in the plastic, since such components can still be contained in low-quality material.
You can install finishing materials not only in city apartments, but also in private houses. In addition, they are well suited for installation in confined spaces.
With the help of such a material, many floor defects can be hidden: cracks, drops, potholes, depressions and other flaws.
Various communications, such as electrical wiring, can be hidden behind plastic panels.

Despite the large list of positive qualities, plastic wall panels also have their weaknesses.

The material is highly flammable. In the event of a fire, this product burns very intensely and emits suffocating smoke in the room.
In a room with a plastic finish, a characteristic chemical smell can persist for a long time. But here it is worth noting that many owners did not notice such a defect.
Plastic panels do not tolerate temperature extremes. In such conditions, they can undergo deformation.
Plastic itself is not the most reliable and durable material. Panels made from such raw materials can break from accidental impact or severe stress.

These products are not breathable finishing materials. They prevent the movement of air through the walls, and this is simply necessary for high-quality ventilation. For this reason, experts do not recommend installing such coatings in children's rooms.
The voids that are present in plastic panels can be a home for insects. This problem is especially relevant for the southern regions of the country.
Before installing the cladding material, it is necessary to carefully prepare the floors. Many masters consider this fact as a disadvantage, since it takes a lot of time.

Features, advantages and disadvantages

Plastic panels with a 3D effect are a great alternative to sleek but expensive tiles. This is a relatively new material on the market that even a beginner can work with. PVC panels for walls are dense sheets in the shape of a rectangle. There are special relief holes on the back of the cladding material, which ensure strong adhesion and good ventilation. A 3D drawing is applied to the outside of the tile.

Plastic panels have a lot of advantages that allowed the material to quickly become in demand.

Among their advantages:

large size, thanks to which the installation will take place many times faster;
no requirements for thorough cleaning of the walls;
the possibility of independent high-quality installation;
good protection from the wet environment of the bathroom;
long service life;
a huge assortment of various designs;
low price.

Along with such seemingly indisputable advantages, the panels have several disadvantages:

when ignited, the material releases toxic toxic substances;
plastic is quite fragile, will not withstand an accidental blow;
is not environmentally friendly;
some people associate with office space.

Installation tips

The first thing to do after receiving the long-awaited panels is not to install them right away. Experts recommend waiting about two days for the material to get used to the room temperature, in this case it should be a bathroom. When the acclimatization time is over, you can proceed with the installation. Be sure to lay the panels on the floor and see how the finished drawing will look.

There are two ways to mount PVC panels - on glue and on a frame. The first method can be chosen by those who have smooth and even walls. Attaching the cladding material is not difficult - for this use special glue or liquid nails.

Fastening to a frame is an alternative method that will hide the curvature and uneven surfaces of the walls. The frame is made of different materials - plastic, wood or metal. The panels are fixed from above; self-tapping screws are used for this. It is a good idea to install the frame in difficult places - areas where pipes and wiring are located.

Installation of plastic PVC panels is a relatively simple matter that can be dealt with in a few hours. However, if you feel insecure in this regard, have never dealt with repairs, or simply do not want to do this, seek the help of specialists. Craftsmen are usually inexpensive, and will cost up to 20% of the value of your order.

Varieties of panels with a 3D effect

It should be noted that these panels can be made from a variety of materials. Sometimes there are very exotic options.

Aluminum

In order to give such a skin the desired shape, it is pre-perforated. The resulting pattern is covered with a PVC film.

Exotic interior using 3D aluminum panels

The advantages of 3D panels for metal walls are as follows:

Low weight. This means that the load on the walls will be minimal.
No corrosion. This makes it suitable for use in bathrooms.
Durability. The service life is calculated in decades.

If you draw up a correct design project, then the use of such products ensures the individuality of the interior.

Pvc

This option has similar advantages to aluminum materials. But it is divided into several types:

with a mirror effect;
textured;
with perforation;
completely smooth.

Unusual texture, effect of visual expansion of space

This variety allows the cladding to be used in different situations. If desired, it is possible to combine them in one room, creating a common, complete composition.Low weight and increased strength - the key to quick and successful installation.

MDF

Environmentally friendly 3D MDF panels are quite an expensive option. This is due to the fact that for each new series it is necessary to produce an individual mold. The service life of such products is quite long, but the range of decorative options is even greater. The choice of colors, textures and patterns - makes it possible to select the necessary solutions.

Stylish interior using 3D MDF panels

Due to their many advantages, MDF panels are suitable for decorating living rooms and even children's rooms. But there is one limitation - they cannot be coated with surfaces that are exposed to moisture. Although wet cleaning can be carried out without fear for the safety of the material.

Products made of chipboard and fiberboard have similar parameters.

Wood

Of course, any wall panel with a 3d effect, which is made of natural wood (oak, alder, cedar, maple), will look a win-win in any interior. But this pleasure is expensive enough to limit the use of the material.

A noble look worthy of admiration

This cladding has the following features:

Rich and respectable look. The room turns out to be such that it will make you show admiration.
The procedure of rubbing with wax or impregnation with various compounds is periodically repeated. If this is not done, then the service life will be significantly reduced.
The environmental factor cannot be ruled out either. After all, natural wood is a symbol of safety.
This naturalness provides warmth and comfort, as well as the preservation of the aroma of the wood.

But you need to remember one important detail - the material has increased requirements for the climatic parameters of the room. That is, any temperature extremes, high humidity or dryness - all this has a detrimental effect.

Eco 3D panels made of bamboo allow you to create a unique interior using natural textures

Decorative 3D panels can be made of bamboo. To obtain the required shape, it is preliminarily crushed and pressed. Such a product is much cheaper than wood.

Gypsum

This option is not as popular as the previous materials. This is due to the fact that gypsum is heavier and less resistant to mechanical damage. But all this is compensated for by excellent decorativeness, a variety of colors and textures.

3D gypsum wall products provide the following features:

Installation is carried out on any base that has been previously prepared. Only slight differences are allowed.
Their use creates additional heat and sound insulation.
Perfectly combined with other solutions that are used for interior decoration.

Which panels are best for you?

The design of a bathroom made of plastic panels begins with the right choice. Today there are many different types of pvc panels for the bathroom, they differ both in shape and size, as well as in texture and method of attachment.

According to its shape, 3 types of plastic panels can be distinguished:

Rack and pinion. In appearance, they resemble an ordinary lining. They come in different widths, they are installed both on the frame and on glue. Planks are convenient for finishing in a non-standard bathroom with different angles and projections. In addition, with their help, you can visually raise the ceilings (if installed vertically) or move the walls apart (if installed horizontally). The width of standard products is in the range of 10-30 cm, the height is 90-300 cm.

Tiled. A budget alternative to tile has the same shape - a square. They often imitate mosaics, marble or concrete. The main advantage of this type is the integrity of the structure, which is achieved through special fasteners on the tiles. The sizes of the tiles vary from 10 * 10 cm, but 30 * 30, 100 * 100 cm are considered standard.

Leafy

The larger the material, the fewer joints, and this is important for the bathroom. After all, moisture penetrating into the joints provokes the formation of a fungus

In addition, even a large bathroom with large sheets can be repaired in just a few hours. The width of the leaf reaches 50 cm, and the length is 260-300 cm.

Conclusion: For the design of the bathroom, determine the priorities: visual correction of the room, the absence of joints or the speed of installation. This will tell you the ideal shape of the pvc panels.

Distinguish by thickness:

Up to 0.5 cm. This thin and fragile material is best used for ceiling decoration.
0.8-1 cm. Thick panels are more durable and suitable for wall decoration. In addition, they are protected from mechanical stress and burnout in the sun.

Conclusion: For wall cladding in the bathroom, use strips 0.8-1 cm thick.

Pictured is a bathroom finished with black plastic panels

PVC panels also differ in surface treatment technology and appearance:

Offset printing. UV resistant, protected from moisture, scratches and other damage. Reinforced with varnish.
Thermal printing. There is no protective lacquer coating, the pattern can be easily damaged and even erased.
Lamination. Embossed film on the panel is considered the most durable option and has the highest resistance to damage.

Conclusion: It is recommended to use offset printing in the bathroom, and it is better to install laminated lamellas around the bathroom itself.

Another difference between PVC panels is the connection method.

Seamless. Most often these are ceiling slats. It is assumed that the installation is as close to each other as possible, the seam becomes almost invisible.
Rusty. Otherwise - chamfered lamellas. They also adhere to each other, forming a single canvas. They decorate the walls and ceiling.
Embossed. The uneven coating of the plastic panels masks the seam, making the space solid. This is the most suitable option for walls, moreover, it is resistant to damage. But the cost of such finishing will increase significantly.

Conclusion: Decorate the walls in the bathroom with embossed or rustic panels.

There are 2 ways of fastening:

Wireframe. Lamellas are installed on wooden or metal battens. The main advantage of the method is that there is no need to prepare the walls. In addition, communications can be hidden in the frame - pipes, ventilation or wires. The disadvantages are the cost (the frame can cost more than the planks themselves) and a decrease in the area of the bathroom by 5-7 cm.
Frameless. The panels are fixed directly to the wall using glue, self-tapping screws or staples. Suitable only for flat walls and makes it difficult to replace 1-2 slats if necessary. But at the same time it does not make the room smaller and saves time and money on the frame.

Conclusion: Choose the installation method based on the size of your bathroom and the smoothness of the walls in it.

To summarize - when choosing pvc panels for a bathroom, first of all, pay attention to the following nuances:

thickness from 0.8 cm;
offset printing or lamination;
embossed or chamfered lamellas;
availability of a certificate of environmental safety;
the number of stiffeners - the more, the better;
serviceability of lock connections;
the quality of the coating and the correct alignment of the pattern.