CREATE A STYLISH SHOWER IN A FEW SIMPLE STEPS

Quick and easy to fit, wall panelling can create a stylish look in shower enclosures without the time and hassle of tiling. Steph Harris, product manager at Showerwall, takes us through how to fit its Acrylic wall panelling system in a shower enclosure.

If you’re looking to create bathroom feature walls whilst offering your customer a lowmaintenance, cost-effective alternative to tiles, Showerwall offers a large choice of stylish designs, which can create a visually striking finish. Watertight and hard-wearing, wall panelling can create a seamless look with no grouting required. It’s simple to fit, making it perfect for use in a shower enclosure.

Showerwall’s Acrylic and Custom collections offer a library of stylish and bespoke designs, manufactured using a 4mm acrylic sheet that is rear printed to create a polished, glass-like finish.

The panels don’t require the use of trims and can simply be joined with Showerwall’s acrylic panel sealant, which is available in 14 colours providing exact matches to its Acrylic wall panels.

Showerwall’s Acrylic wall panelling can be installed in a shower enclosure following these steps:

Showerwall’s Acrylic panels are available in either 900mm or 1220mm x 2440mm and its Custom panels are available in either 896mm or 1200mm x 2400mm. Both are adhered to the wall with Showerwall’s Translucent Silicone Sealant. Before you begin, ensure you are familiar with the pattern configuration of your wall panels, indicated by the coloured dots.

The tools you will need include: 1200mm spirit level, a tape measure, suction cups, power drill, set square, clamps, a sealant gun and a jigsaw or circular saw. Ear protection is also recommended.

The wall panels can be fixed to an existing wall or directly over tiles, providing the surface is flat and plumb. It is essential that the walls are completely dry, clean and free from dust. If the walls are not flat, then treated battens must be used to install the panels.

STEP 2 - PREPARING THE FIRST PANEL

Before you begin, measure the width, height and location of the water supply. Then measure and cut panel one accordingly. You can do this with either a jigsaw or circular saw.

Refer to the installation instructions for the correct blades.

Next, mark your water supply cut-out, making sure you cut larger than required to allow for

expansion. Any internal square cuts will need to have the corners drilled out prior to cutting, as sharp 90 degree corners will crack the Acrylic.

STEP 3 - INSTALLING THE PANELS

Once panel one is ready to install, apply vertical beads of Showerwall Translucent Silicone Sealant to the wall 100mm apart. Next, fix the panel to the wall making sure you’re allowing a 3mm expansion gap at the internal corner. Use a straight edge to press the panel against the wall at regular intervals.

For the second panel, apply the sealant as before and then fix it to the wall. Remember to maintain the same 3mm expansion gap to the face of panel one, before pressing the panel with a straight edge to fix securely to the wall.

STEP 4

The next step is to apply sealant down the internal corner and butter flush it to make sure there are no gaps within the seal, before finally applying the sealant to cross the shower tray and profile.

STEP 5 - FINAL STEPS

Finally, seal the expansion gap at the ceiling edge to ensure it is watertight. Fill any holes made for pipes or showerheads with sealant, before sealing around the fixtures and fittings. Leave for 24 hours for the sealant to set, and it is ready to use.

Available in a range of designs, Showerwall offers Acrylic and Custom Collections as well as its attractive HPL panels.

Showerwall’s HPL panels are available in either square cut or Proclick options. Proclick technology is a mechanical tongue and groove system that provides seamless, almost invisible joints.

The full Showerwall collection offers over 80 decors to suit all tastes, with panels available in sizes 600mm, 900mm and 1200 x 2440mm, backed by a guarantee of up to 15-years. For further information visit:

www.showerwall.co.uk