Bathroom design with plastic panels

The bathroom, along with the kitchen, is traditionally referred to as rooms with a “complex” microclimate. It maintains “chronic” humidity and high temperatures that not every material can withstand. Until the beginning of the last century, out of competition was the "queen" of decoration - ceramic tiles. But over time, despite its ever-expanding range, the consumer wanted even more variety. At this point, plastic appeared on the scene - a modern, cheap, lightweight material. Over time, he outperformed all competitors in finishing and became a universal design solution for both budget repairs and luxury apartments. Bathtub design panels made of PVC are classified as practical options. For finishing use three variations of the material:

• Panels;
• Sheets;
• Tile.

Let's talk in more detail about the panel design.

About the material

PVC or polyvinyl chloride is used for the manufacture of the insulating layer, records, furniture fronts, clothing, windows, doors, dishes, wallpaper and finishing materials. His invention was an accident during one of the experiments of the French chemist at the beginning of the XIX century. At that time, unknown material did not attract due attention and put the results of the research on the shelf. Only patented the invention of polyvinyl chloride in 1913. Immediately after the start of production on an industrial scale, plastic began to actively “survive” natural analogues, which were inferior to it primarily in price. The most acute problem is the utilization of PVC, since under normal conditions its incomplete combustion takes place with the release of toxic and hazardous substances to humans. A full cycle of destruction of PVC can provide only in special enterprises. There is a legend about the incredible toxicity of the material itself, especially if it is used for decoration of residential premises. However, the myth was debunked after a series of tests.

Pros and cons of the use of plastic panels

PVC has several undeniable advantages:
• Complete lack of moisture phobia. Material perfectly withstands the test of microclimate bathroom. The fact is that in its structure there are no pores, as, for example, in natural wood. Accordingly, the water has nowhere to leak. The following advantage follows from this advantage of PVC:

• The absence of favorable conditions for the life of colonies of fungi and mold.
• Durability. Plastic is able to survive more than a dozen years, if you take care of it properly.
• Easy installation. Wall panels are attached to the surface in two ways, but even a man in the street can handle the task.
• Price. The low cost of the material causes its widespread use in various areas of life, and PVC is not limited to finishing.
• Ease of care. Plastic panels are regularly washed with soapy water. There will be no harm to the material from systematic cleaning.
• A wide range of colors and patterns.

Naturally, polyvinyl chloride, like any other material for lining, has its minuses:

• Sensitivity to mechanical damage. Although PVC is considered a flexible material, with a strong blow, a dent is created or a panel breaks. Inside the plate have a hollow structure. Since the design is going on a modular principle, any of its individual elements can be replaced.
• Excretion of toxins during combustion. We already spoke about this fact above. PVC belongs to fireproof materials, that is, they cannot self-ignite. But, if the fire arose in another place and spread to the bathroom, then breathing the substances released during combustion is strictly prohibited.
• Panels do not pass moisture. There is a disadvantage in this advantage: the walls stop breathing. Over time, this fact will adversely affect the insulation.

For many opponents of the use of plastic, dislike arises on the basis of associations with office premises, where repairs are most often made using material. In fact, its range is not limited to standard panels of a neutral brown color. To make sure of this, it is enough to visit the nearest “building” outlet.

How to choose

When choosing PVC for decorating a bathroom, three main aspects are oriented:

• Dimensions. Selected in accordance with the future interior of the room and its dimensions;
• Quality. From this parameter depends on the life of the material;
• Texture. Determined by the desired decorative effect.

Panels are classified into two types depending on the location:

• Ceiling;
• Wall mounted.

At the same time, their appearance is divided into three types:

• Seamless. Of course there are joints, but they are hardly noticeable and create the illusion of a continuous coating;
• Relief. They have well-defined seams;
• Combined options. Something in between obvious joints and disguised.

The most important requirement when choosing polyvinyl chloride is still its quality. Design features are second to the security of homeowners.

Style selection

Traditional for the bathroom is considered the marine style. It most clearly reflects the functional purpose of the room. In the decoration of the walls are usually used a combination of white and blue. The texture of the panels can imitate sand, small pebbles or water surface. High tech prefers imitation of steel, and Provence - aged wood. In the design with more expensive decor get special panels that are assembled in the manner of mosaic. On their surface there is a drawing: dolphins, starfish, skates, jellyfish and other inhabitants of the depths. For a romantic atmosphere, panels with appropriate images are used: roses, irises, tulips, orchids. In the Japanese style, pagodas and branches of cherry blossoms are sure to be present. For the timeless classics choose panels with floral patterns and imitation of stucco around the perimeter. In minimalism, only monochrome versions are allowed in soothing shades: white, gray, blue. In small bathrooms it is better to use light, modern trends, where designers choose functionality to the detriment of the complexity of the finish. In spacious rooms, you can experiment by dividing them into zones (bath, toilet, washbasin) with a different texture finish.

A variety of textures and colors

The texture of PVC can imitate almost any natural material. The most popular are:

• Wood pattern;
• Brickwork;
• Marble or granite

The color scale of PVC panels has no borders. The range includes a variety of colors, but for the bathroom traditionally preferred:

• Blue;
• White;
• Pink;
• Beige.

In small rooms at the expense of monophonic panels with relief seams (horizontal) push the spatial framework. A similar reception (vertical) works in rooms with low ceilings.

Mounting methods

Before you go to the store for finishing materials, it is necessary to take measurements. Calculate the total surface area that will be decorated with plastic. Its width is multiplied by the height. From the resulting number, subtract the area of ​​doorways and windows, if any, in the room. The last ones for rooms in Khrushchev houses are rare, of course, but in a private house a bathroom can even have several of them. It is also worth removing from the general meaning the bath zone, if it is adjacent to the wall, and the repair does not imply dismantling it. After the calculations are sent for the material. There are two ways to install PVC panels:

In addition to a set of tools for the work, you will additionally need:

• Floor and ceiling plinths;
• Corners.

These materials perform a decorative function, but without them the interior design will seem unfinished.

Required Tools

The list of tools for finishing the bathroom with PVC panels includes:

• Drill, handsaw, screwdriver;
• Construction level, tape measure, pencil, square;
• Screws and dowels;
• Construction glue, screws or kleimery;
• Bars of wood or metal obreshetka;
• Sealant for processing joints.

The list can be added. The set of tools depends on the method of fastening the panels to the wall surface.

Frame method

This type of installation is not suitable for small rooms. The frame will inevitably "eat up" valuable centimeters. Typically, this method is chosen for the ceiling. As mentioned above, the material has a special structure (without pores), so it will not become a breeding ground for harmful organisms. But, if there are voids under the panels, then over time, whole colonies of bacteria and mold can settle in them. In addition, in the presence of a frame, the risk of damage to the material increases significantly; it becomes more fragile without having a solid surface under it. Of the obvious advantages are the ability of the batten to hide the obvious defects of the wall: it can disguise their irregularities or curvature.

Finishing works are conventionally divided into several stages:

• Marking and installation of the first rails. The future crate is constructed from wooden or metal bars. For the bathroom it is better to stop the choice on the second, since the tree is less durable and is subject to rotting. The main line is carried out horizontally around the perimeter of the room. Focusing on it, with the help of dowels attach the first rail. On the bottom of the floor in a similar way set the second. They will be repelled in future work.
• Fastener extra rails. The optimal distance between them is considered a distance of 50 cm. Before installing additional rails, check their “horizontal position” using a level.
• Fastener moldings. They are necessary to mask the joints in the area of ​​the corners.

After the work on the frame is completed proceed to the installation of plastic panels. Begin the process from that wall, which is always in sight (far). The material is attached to the crate with screws using a screwdriver. Panels are inserted into the corners (moldings) and screwed to the frame. On each side there are special grooves that allow you to connect them together. To ensure better coupling, lightly tap them with a hammer.

Glue lining method

The glue method is devoid of all the flaws in the frame, however it is associated with additional finishing works: putty and primer surface. The first is carried out only when necessary, it does not apply to the mandatory preparatory stages. If the walls have obvious irregularities, nicks or damage, then you can’t do without applying putty. Defects smooth out, and the surface level. After the putty has dried, the wall is primed to ensure good adhesion to the adhesive. Panels before installation, if necessary, cut.

A layer of glue (the so-called “liquid nails”) is dotted on the surface of the wall. At the same time, they try not to gloss over the places where the panel seams will be located, since the substance may leak through them. As in the adhesive method, it is necessary to monitor how smoothly the material lies on the surface. The process is completed by installing a framing profile.

How to cut the panel

For cutting PVC suitable hacksaws for wood or metal with fine teeth. Using these tools, you can process several panels at once, which is convenient for a large amount of work. Do not press hard on the material, as it may crack or break. When cutting, the panels are held at an angle of about 45 degrees face up. The electric jigsaw is also suitable for work, but during the process it is necessary to carefully control the pressing force in order not to break the material. “Circulars” and “grinders” are not suitable for cutting PVC, because PVC is too fragile for such tools. In addition, with the rapid rotation of the disks, the material heats up, and, as is well known, it begins to release toxins in parallel.

Conclusion

The main advantage of plastic panels is that their installation is easy to do it yourself without involving a team of specialists. All that is required of a novice master of decoration is the smooth attachment of each module. For the bathroom, kitchen and corridor PVC is considered the best option, which combines good functional characteristics and the possibility of translating any design fantasies. Panels trim not only walls, but also a ceiling. It looks especially luxurious when installing spotlights that highlight the surface features.