How and Why to Use Bath Panel Tiling

Bath tiling is a somewhat rare way to add an extra wow factor to your bathroom, and when done right can look extraordinarily good. We particularly recommend tiled bath panels as a small bathroom idea, as the way that they make the bath fit in creates extra visual space, but a larger bathroom with a minimalist aesthetic may also like the style of bath panel tiling.

Before we get into the how of bath panel tiling, however, let's first address the what and why:

What is Bath Panel Tiling?

Bath panel tiling is simply the process of adding tiles to the side of your bath, usually in the same style that you have tiled the floor or walls. The process involves using specialist tile backing board which won't warp, and requires a bit more effort than using standard bath panels, but you may consider it well worth the extra effort.

So Why Tile Your Bath?

Tiling your bath will make it fit into its surroundings much more smoothly, whether it's part of a larger tiled shower area, fitted into an alcove or seeming to extend from the floor. Whereas usual bath panels will set the bath aside as distinct from the rest of the bathroom, tiling the bath allows you it to melt into the design, lending more space to the area visually, and making it feel less cluttered.

For an example, take a look at the bath as part of this shower area, and notice how it all seems to fit together as one, rather than multiple distinct objects:

So how do you go about creating a tiled bath panel for your own bathroom?

Timber Frame

The first thing you'll need to do as part of tiling your bath is building a frame for the backing panel to go on. Take into account the thickness of the backing board and the tiles, and set up wooden supports under the bath that will support the backing board. Generally you should be able to use 2x2" timber supports for this.

As with all DIY work, make sure your measurements are well made. Too far out and your tiles could protrude. Too far back and the effect will be ruined.

Tile Backing Board

Next, you can screw in place your tile backing board. Some people will recommend that you use ply for this, but ply will warp and bend with heat and water, ruining the tiling, so it's much more advisable to use specially made tile backing boards.

UK Bathroom Store stock Abacus Elements Waterproof Tiling Panels which are ideal for this purpose and are easy to cut to the size you need.

Tiling

Tiling your bath is just like tiling any other part of your bathroom. Preferably you should try to align the tiles with the tiles on your floor or wall, and of course make sure you know how they're going to be placed before you start applying adhesive. Once you're done with the tiling, make sure you use sealant to waterproof and fill the gap between the tiles, the walls and the floor.

Access Panel

One of the disadvantages of tiling your bath is that it can make later access to the underside more difficult. If something goes wrong and you need to access the underside of the bath, you may prefer having an access panel installed to allow you to get in without undoing all of your hard work.