okay dokey, I've read few bits online about building a bath panel, tiling it with it being able to be removed. I've currently got a 12mm exterior ply panel. But have read bits saying this isn't ideal?

Therefore help appreciated in answering:

Whether the ply okay to use
Best way to make this panel accessible and how to fix (mirror screws?)
How to fix the panel temporarily when tiling
Best bit to drill tiles

Sooo many questions....

I am using approx 10mm thick tiles 666x333mm...jeez sign of the devil!

Ta

J

Firstly, think about the access you need. The taps and waste are at one end of the bath so all you need is an access panel big enough to reach the plumbing, and in reality it is highly unlikely you will need to get in to do anything anyway.

Tiling on timber is not ideal and even ply will have some movement that might pop the tiles. Aquapanel is a better substrate. If this is an end and front panel arrangement an idea might be to make a free standing 'L' shape that can be pushed in to position. If it is just the front panel then make it out of one board and fix using Velcro tape. You could construct sub frame or cleats to fix on to. This would avoid screws through tiles and difficult fixing.

Hope this helps

DWD

ta for that. the panel is the long edge. therefore i guess i could make access say the last row of tiles near the tap end. say 60cm high by approx 40cm wide (66.6cm long tiles but cut). Would the velcro principal work...as trying to avoid drilling sounds good to me.

I also have a access panel above the toilet to do, same principal or?

Cheers for your help, appreciate it

Yes, I have done panels with Velcro and it works fine, it is surprising how much grip it has. You need to figure how to fix some cleats to the walls for the hook set of Velcro. The loop set goes on the panel and l used staples to augment the self adhesive backings on the Velcro set.

DWD

Top tip on the velco DWD Cheers

_________________
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France! And where would we be with too many rules? Germany!"

FWIW, last time I did a panel like this I sized the panel slightly smaller then the tiles - so the tile edge overlapped by about 10mm

Then used silicon rather then grout between the movable panel tiles and the fixed panel tiles - kept the panel in place really securely and to gain access would just need a sharp blade to cut through the silicon.

_________________
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She said if she told me, it would defeat the purpose.

great! sorry new to me... but both bath and toilet access panels will sit on stud frame. So I guess staple loop set to the panel. Re cleats, what are these? The hook set i will be fixing to the stud frame.

Also (sorry more questions) the velcro size should be? And do I put a line of velcro just on top and bottom horizontal?

If I don't have tools for heavy duty staples, can I use another form of fixing?

Cheers

A cleat is just a batten screwed to the wall to use as a fixing point. Another tip is to seal the wood area where the Velcro is to be stuck with a varnish which helps adhesion. I used an office stapler that went into the softwood easy. Be careful not to use too much Velcro, about 20mm on each corner is enough as it will be too hard to remove. Make sure all panels are supported so the weight is not pulling down on the Velcro and it is just there to hold the panels flush.

DWD

great top tip on varnish...taken your advice., final question. I've done everything except attach velcro to aqua panel (using this instead of ply now). Can I just check the velcro sticks straight onto the back of this and then staple. Is it worth putting a quick dab of BAL primer on the back prior to sticking velcro as I know the aquapanel is quite chalky?

Cheers, promise thats my last question ;-)

Yes seal the Aquapanel as it is a dusty surface. Do not use staples on that though as they will not hold and it will possibly crack the board. Hope it turns out okay.

DWD