Typically, renovating a bathroom is the most troublesome for homeowners. The room is small in itself, which clearly does not contribute to the speed of work, all kinds of taps and pipes interfere, a lot of dirt when removing old and laying new tiles. But somehow it can be endured. However, such repairs are also very expensive. What to do in such a case? Consider such an option as finishing the bathroom with PVC panels. What, in fact, will be discussed further.
Pros of the method
Finishing a bathroom with PVC panels is a modern and very budgetary way. The preparation process will not take much time, since the base surface does not need to be leveled when using this method, which today, in conditions of high cost of finishing materials, is a definite plus. And the PVC plastic panels themselves are quite affordable, especially if you buy products from a Russian manufacturer, which, by the way, is of good quality. And most importantly, everything can be done by hand, without the help of professional craftsmen, whose wages today are simply prohibitively high.
Pros of finishing material
PVC sheet panels (even if some are confused by the decoding of the abbreviation) are made today from high-quality materials that fully comply with environmental standards. In simple terms, they are safe for our he alth. In addition, the manufacturer takes care of the aesthetic component. At the moment, the PVC panel for interior decoration is not only white. The range of goods is more than diverse and is able to satisfy almost any request. The panels can be not only of various shades, but are also ready to please the buyer with an abundance of drawings applied to them, up to photographic images. That allows you to create your own unique interior. In addition, for fans of the classics, the so-called PVC lining is produced, which imitates a wooden surface so successfully that it is possible to distinguish a fake only upon closer examination.
And this finishing material does not require careful maintenance, is not afraid of exposure to moisture and high temperatures, and has a very long service life.
In general, there are a lot of advantages. And that is why the PVC paneling of the bathroom is quite popular.
What to consider when buying
First of all, it is worth considering that there are ceiling and wall panels. That is, when purchasing material, you must know what surface it will go to. At first glance, the difference seems to be insignificant. However, it is. Wall panelsthicker and therefore stronger. Of course, no one will forbid you to decorate the walls with ceiling plastic, especially if you like its design. But remember! If the bath is used by elderly people or children, they may damage the panel by leaning on it inadvertently. So keep this in mind when choosing.
Besides, when going to the store, be sure to take a tape measure with you. PVC plastic panels have different lengths. This also needs to be taken into account. For example, if your room has a height of two and a half meters, then the material must be purchased in the appropriate size. There is no need to take three-meter panels, since in this case there will be a lot of waste, which will entail unreasonable financial expenses. Well, a tape measure is needed, of course, not in order to run around the store and measure the length of each panel. Just in case, to make sure that the size of the material you like corresponds to the one declared by the manufacturer. As they say, measure seven times…
And, of course, you need to pay attention to the appearance of the panel. The coloring should be uniform, and the pattern should be bright, not smeared. In addition, it must be remembered that all material must be from the same batch. In principle, the seller should take care of this, however, it definitely won’t hurt to control his actions once again.
Mounting Methods
Well, we will assume that the material has been successfully purchased, and therefore we will continue to talk about how the walls of the bathroom are finished with PVC panels. By the way, they also trim the ceiling. Most often forThis uses a white PVC panel. However, that's not the point. What color to make the ceiling is a master's business. We wanted to note the following: the algorithm for finishing surfaces is the same in both cases. That is, PVC panels are attached to both the ceiling and the walls in the same way. But there are two ways. More on them later.
Adhesive
Not the most popular method. Provides fastening of panels directly to the base itself using liquid nails. Not particularly good because in this case it will not be possible to hide engineering communications under the finishing material. In addition, it requires a perfectly flat base surface. Yes, and if necessary, the dismantling process, tearing off the glued panel will be very problematic. So we will not draw your attention to it, but will tell you about the most commonly used method - fastening to the frame.
Frame version
Provides for the creation of a so-called crate. It is made from wooden bars or a special metal profile. We warn you right away: the first option, even taking into account the fact that it will require less material costs, is best not to be considered at all. Why? Because the bathroom will be finished with PVC panels. The key word is "bathroom". That is, rooms where a priori high humidity. Which the tree oh how does not like. And therefore, the crate from it can very simply be deformed, and with it the panels themselves will bend. Which will mean one thing: all your labors are in vain. The look of your bathroom will evokenot admiration, but despondency. So for the crate we take only a metal profile. Yes, more expensive. But with a guarantee of reliability.
What tools do you need?
So, when finishing the bathroom with PVC panels, the home master should have at his disposal:
- Metal profiles.
- Secrets.
- Electric jigsaw or hacksaw.
- Building level.
- Drill.
- Roulette.
- Screwdriver.
Preparatory work
As we have already mentioned, finishing the bathroom with PVC panels does not require special preparation.
Nevertheless, some manipulations will still have to be carried out. First of all, of course, if this is in the plans, you need to deal with communications. Replace pipes, conduct electrical wiring for light bulbs or ceiling lamps, sockets. In addition, you need to thoroughly clean the walls and ceiling from mold, if any, and also treat the surfaces with an antifungal compound specially available for this. And further. A very important point that worries many craftsmen: what to do if there are old tiles on the walls? Can you leave her? It is possible, but provided that it is well adhered to the surface. Tap the walls carefully. And if the old coating does not hold only in some places, remove the tile, and carefully cover the resulting defects with plaster. Well, in the case when more than forty percent of the surfacedamaged, it is still better to knock down the old tile. Fortunately, after this, the walls will not need to be leveled. And dirt - well, you'll have to endure somehow.
Creating a frame
First of all, we mount the crate. We fasten to the wall (and to the ceiling, if its finishing is also provided) a metal profile, as agreed. The step between its elements should be about fifty centimeters on the walls and thirty to forty on the ceiling. The lowest bar is installed close to the floor, while the upper one is strictly at the level of the edge of the panels. All manipulations are carried out using dowels. The next stage is the installation of special corners and guide profiles that will mask the transitions in the corners of the room. For fastening, it is best to take liquid nails.
Mount panels
PVC lining (or other type of panels) is attached to the crate with self-tapping screws. You need to start from the most prominent corner. Carefully measure the desired length, cut off the excess with a construction knife and insert, focusing on the level, into the first panel guide in the corner. We attach it to the profile. We insert the second panel, also already cut to size, into the groove of the first one, snap it in, and also screw its second edge to the profile. And so to the very corner. The latter may be larger than the remaining space on the wall. Well, we cut it to size, since PVC sheet panels are cut without much difficulty. According to exactly the same algorithm, all walls are finished. In the same places where, say, a faucet or socket will be attached, holes of the appropriate size should be pre-cut.
Same asthe ceiling is also finished. The joints between it and the walls are then, after the work is completed, masked with a ceiling plinth, which can be glued onto the same liquid nails without any problems.
As you can see, for a home craftsman who knows how to hold a drill and a hammer, the finishing procedure will not create any difficulties.
Last tips
All work must be carried out at a temperature that must be at least fifteen degrees.
Never install panels fresh from the store. Typically, the temperature in the warehouse where they are stored is quite cold, so give the finishing material at least a few days to "get used" to home conditions.
When purchasing panels, always take them with a margin, because losses during the installation process are inevitable. At the same time, do not buy by eye. Carefully calculate the right amount of material, especially considering the height of the room, so that later you do not have a mountain of unnecessary scraps.
And, of course, buy only high-quality material. Find out the average cost of panels in your area and don't be fooled by the cheapness. Of course, there is no need to buy very expensive plastic for the bathroom, however, clearly underpriced prices should not attract your attention. It's most likely a fake. And very low quality. Well, what does the miser do, we hope you know without us!
