Mdf panels for the bathroom, how to choose and install. Mdf panels for the bathroom (44 photos): how to choose and install Decorating the bathroom with mdf panels interesting ideas

Landscaping and layout 17.06.2019
Landscaping and layout

As soon as there is a need or desire to make repairs in the bathroom, it is necessary to take into account the fact that this room has characteristic feature, namely, high humidity. This is why it is so important when choosing necessary material pay attention to environmental friendliness and resistance to moisture.

Wall panels MDF not so long ago appeared on the building materials market, but for this short term were able to gain recognition a large number professionals. This perfect option for bathroom furnishings, which meets all the basic standards of quality and practicality, meets the requirements that are necessary for installation in a room with high humidity.

In addition, if we compare the process of installing tiles and MDF panels, then the second option wins much more. This type of finishing material offers a wide color range, as well as a variety of textures. Thanks to this type of material, almost any design fantasy can be realized by harmoniously combining panels with furniture and other details. These panels differ in length and width, in addition, the melamine elephant is able to withstand the heavy weight of cabinets and shelves.

Positive sides of MDF panels

  • The room for which the cladding was applied given type panels will preserve their original state for a long time.
  • This is a huge savings in time and money, since their installation and cost compared to other materials are much lower.
  • MDF panels for bathroom do not need any special care and it is quite easy to clean them of any contamination.
  • They have good resistance to mechanical stress. However, even if severe enough damage has occurred, it is possible to replace the damaged panel without much difficulty and problems.
  • If the bathroom is of a fairly modest size and you want to visually add volume, you can use a material with a glossy or mirrored surface. This technique is used by big number designers.
  • Since such panels are quite diverse in color scheme and texture, with their use you can imitate wood, marble, tile and other.
  • In cases where it is necessary to pick up Exact size panel details, cutting it will not be difficult.
  • Installation does not require expensive tools, as is the case when working with other finishing materials.
  • Another plus of this material is that you can make a bathroom renovation with it yourself, without the help of specialists. Even a person without professional skills is able to install a wooden or metal crate and fix with glue or fix the panels in another way.
  • You should also take into account such an important aspect as the ability to hide the wiring and any imperfections and deformations of the walls. In addition, pipes and electric cables will not become an obstacle either, and they can be easily “masked” by covering them with panels.
  • There is no need for special training.

MDF panels are made from finely dispersed dry shavings, which are initially pressed using high pressure and temperature. This good material, which is often used where humidity is high, such as in basements, bathrooms and kitchens. Thanks to the technology of creation, they can be installed in the shower. But before purchasing panels for this purpose, you should pay attention to the presence of a drop-shaped icon on the package.

Also, this material has high strength, hygiene, thermal insulation, sound insulation.

Disadvantages of MDF panels

  • If the installation takes place on aluminum rails, then the area of ​​the bathroom suffers a slight decrease.
  • The following is difficult to attribute to disadvantages, since most of facing materials needs some kind of improvement.

It's important to know!

To hide the inner and outer corners, and the joints were not conspicuous, you must use the molding. There are various forms of this decorative piece. They can be of several types, for example, ceiling ones, created specifically to hide the cracks in the connection between the ceiling and walls. Connecting, which will close the joints between the wall panels. And also those that are used horizontally or vertically at the very beginning of the installation: starting, universal, internal corner, external corner, end.

What are the types of MDF panels?

  1. Tiled panels - type-setting. Due to their square shape, they can be used to lay out a variety of patterns or designs. The most common and popular sizes among them are from 300 by 300 to 950 by 950 millimeters.
  2. Tiled panels - slatted. They look like long planks. The most common sizes are: 13 by 28 centimeters wide, 250 by 380, and their thickness is from eight to fourteen millimeters.
  3. Wall panels - sheet. Their size greatly facilitates the work with the decoration of the premises, since the joints become several times smaller. Their dimensions look like this: 1.25 by 2.50 m, with a thickness of three to seven millimeters.

How to prepare the foundation?

When the time is right self installation panels, which, as previously reported, is not particularly hard work, it is necessary to pay attention to some nuances that can make the course of actions simpler and more understandable, and now in more detail:

The first step is to prepare the base of the walls. To do this, you need to remove the remnants of the wallpaper, if any. If in some places it is not possible to do this, you can leave it that way.

The next step is to coat the surface with a primer. This is a mandatory step, since the humidity in the bathroom is very high, this is just a necessity. In addition, this stage will help to protect yourself and loved ones for a long time from pathogenic bacteria that may appear during the appearance of fungus or mold, which, unfortunately, spreads very quickly. This is the first important stage completed.

Materials and tools

  • UD and SD profiles;
  • Self-tapping screws, whose length is 2.5 cm;
  • Self-tapping screws, which are called flea beetles;
  • An important tool and an integral part of any repair is a hammer drill;
  • Screwdriver;
  • The corrugation is self-extinguishing.

If this kind facing material is intended not only for walls, but also for the ceiling, it is also important to have suspensions and chiseled lamps available.

It is better to start installing panels from the ceiling area.

Ceiling mount

  • Using the hydro level, you need to find the lowest point in one of the corners;
  • You should draw a flat horizontal line around the entire perimeter of the bathroom, making an indent of about five centimeters.
  • Using " quick installation»0.6 by 6 centimeters, the UD-profile should be fixed along the drawn strip to the wall.
  • Again using the "quick installation", only now 40-60 mm, fix the suspensions, calculating them every 600-700 mm on the ceiling. To do this, you need to make holes in the base with a diameter of 0.6 cm. SD profiles are attached to the suspensions. Thus, a universal frame is obtained.
  • It is necessary, using self-tapping screws, to attach the first strip, and the reverse side to fix the frame to each profile, using the clippers.
  • By assembling the panels one by one, the ceiling will be ready soon. All that remains is to make holes for the fixtures and install them.

Wall mounting

The first step is to make the correct measurements of the walls, on which the panels will later be attached. The main facts for the installation to go well and efficiently are: a dry, even and smooth surface that does not have any flaws.

In order for the material, namely, waterproof panels, to adapt to new conditions, such as different room humidity and temperature, it is important to place them near the walls forty-eight hours before the start of installation.

An important and crucial stage will be the fitting of panels, as well as cutting out holes for sockets, taps and the like. It is important to be accurate to the size. In the event that the material is matched to the tile, you need to adjust the cut so that the seams coincide with each other.

If installation will take place without installing moldings, a distance of 0.3 centimeters should be left between the panels. To make the seams look neat, as well as for tightness, you must use a waterproof sealant.

If it is necessary to create an atmosphere of tightness in order for the entire installation to acquire water resistance, then both the lower and upper edges of all panels should be coated with a sealant. You can follow the advice of professionals and apply moldings from the corner and end, and, in addition, when installing waterproof panels for granite and marble, interpanel.

To get perfect germatization, you must use silicone sealant and for moldings.

Place the panel face down on a clean surface and then use waterproof adhesive. To make it convenient to do, you can use a spatula with teeth from 0.4 to 0.6 centimeters. In order for the panel to fit snugly against the wall, it must be pressed firmly.

Finally, clean all panels with a sponge or soft cloth. To get rid of static stress, you need to treat the surface of the material with an antistatic agent.

This completes the process of installing MDF panels in the bathroom.

Thanks to these panels, you can change the look of not only the bathroom, but also other rooms, without much investment.

The most common material for finishing "wet" rooms is, of course, tiles. But moisture-resistant panels for the bathroom fiberboard, MDF, chipboard are much easier and cheaper to install. And in terms of functionality, these panels do not differ much from ceramic tiles.

Advantages and types of bathroom panels

Decorating the walls of the bathroom with tiles, you have to spend a lot of effort not only on laying it, but also on cleaning after working with solutions. And the skills for such wall decoration need serious ones. Moisture-resistant materials can easily replace tiles. And special skills are often not needed to work with this material. Due to its low weight, even one person can handle the installation.

Moisture-resistant bathroom wall claddings can mimic a variety of expensive materials. These panels can look like ceramic tiles, marble, a natural stone... Moreover, they weigh several times less than the named finishing materials. The ratio of prices for natural and artificial wall decoration is exactly the same.

An important advantage of the latter is that the walls need to be leveled for laying the tiles, and the panels, on the contrary, can hide irregularities.

There are several types of bathroom finishing materials that are resistant to water, warm water vapor and temperature changes. These panels can be made from different materials.


Tiled panels in the bathroom
  1. Sheet panels are produced from wood-fiber materials with various additives by pressing under high pressure and at high temperature. The resulting very strong sheets are laminated with special PVC films and painted, giving them the appearance of a variety of materials.
  2. Tiled panels are made in the same way as sheet MDF. But they are made in the form of square or rectangular slabs. With their help, combining different colours and textures, you can create a beautiful and original design of the bathroom.
  3. Rack panels are produced in the form of strips or strips of various widths. You can call them moisture resistant clapboard. Their popularity has dropped over the past decades compared to sheets and tiles.

What are moisture resistant wall materials made of?

Recently, MDF panels have become widespread.

It is a medium density (MD) material made from wood fibers (F) and synthetic resins with various additives. It is very durable and easy to handle. It can be used to create a wide variety of shapes.

Also, the sheet material is made entirely of PVC. This the best option for covering the walls and ceilings of the bathroom, since polyvinyl chloride does not react at all to the effects of moisture - it does not deform. It can have a matte or glossy reflective surface, which is often used to visually expand the space.

Plates and sheets can be made from particle boards. Chipboard is well known to everyone who at least once bought furniture, faced repair or construction. The difference between moisture-resistant chipboard and ordinary chipboard is in its special processing. To give the plates or sheets strength and resistance to moisture, they are impregnated with special substances and laminated, like MDF.

Fiberboard sheet panels are made large sizes... One sheet of fiberboard can cover an entire wall of a small bathroom. This material is most often made “under the tiles”. But there is fiberboard that imitates stone, brick, wood and other materials.

Installation methods for waterproof materials

Installation sheet materials quite simple: most often they are attached to a special glue. It is applied to the sheet with a notched trowel (5 mm notch). For finishing edge panels and corner joints need moldings and plastic corners... If you do not use these devices, then the joints can be treated with a sealant.

You can also fasten the sheets to the wooden crate. But this method is suitable only for rooms with decent dimensions, since the crate “steals” a lot of volume.

Clapboard type panels usually have tongue-and-groove locks. They are also easy to install.

When installing tiles, as with laying ordinary tiles, all joints are sealed with a sealant.

Short summary

With the help of water-repellent wall finishing materials for the bathroom, you can create a very Beautiful design this room. After all, the variety of such materials is huge.

They are easy to handle. To do this, you do not need to have a special tool and professional skills. At the same time, the strength and durability of the panels is not inferior to ceramic tiles. Wall maintenance will be very easy too.

In a word, for relatively little money, you can arrange a luxurious bathroom, approaching the matter with a certain imagination and taste.

Related entries:

MDF wall panels for the bathroom appeared on the market of finishing materials recently and quickly gained their place among other alternative design options for bathrooms.

And this is no coincidence. In the article we will look at what this is connected with.

There are a number of advantages that make MDF wall panels for a bathroom an excellent material.

So this:

  • affordable price;
  • various textures and colors;
  • durability;
  • good sound insulation;
  • ease of installation;
  • unpretentious care;
  • moisture resistance.

These MDF panels are similar to fiberboard, only their density is 670 - 850 kg / m3. The production of such panels is based on MDF boards.

Their production is based on finely dispersed dry shavings, which are pressed at high temperature and pressure. Such panels can be used in rooms with high level humidity, that is, in kitchens, bathrooms, basements.

Their technological characteristic even allows them to be mounted in shower cabins. This is confirmed by a drop icon on their packaging.

Sound insulation and thermal insulation, hygiene and strength make the wall panels a very high quality material, and the ability to withstand any loads allows you to attach cabinets, shelves and other furniture to the panels.

These panels are available in a variety of colors. However, in addition to the variety of shades, there are also panels with imitation various materials such as ceramic tiles, wood, stone and much more. This is subconsciously perceived by us as the possibility of using such a material in rooms with high humidity levels.

If you decide to decorate your bathroom with wall panels, then you do not need to undergo special training for this, you can easily carry out the installation yourself, you just need a desire and a little time.

When installing the panels, careful preparation of the walls is not required, they will hide all the roughness and irregularities, moreover:

  • you can hide the electrical cable and even pipes behind the casing;
  • you can create any design solution in your interior.

A huge variety of decors open great opportunities to create interesting and fashionable solutions, using and combining different shades and textures of the panels, you can achieve flawless results.

Panel types

There are several types wall panels:

  • ... Due to its size, Finishing work less laborious, due to the reduction in the number of joints. Their dimensions are 1.25 x 2.50 meters, and their thickness is from 3 to 7 millimeters.

  • They look like long planks, and their dimensions are as follows: width 130 - 280 mm, length 2500 - 3800 mm, and thickness 8 - 14 mm.

  • ... They are square in shape, thus making it easy to lay out any pattern or pattern. The most common sizes are from 30 x 30 to 95 x 95 centimeters.

Preparation of the base

So, if you nevertheless decide to install the panels yourself, then, as mentioned above, this work is not difficult, but there are still some nuances and features. The first step is to prepare the foundation.

For this:

  1. Tear off the wallpaper, if any. In those places where they are badly peeled off, you can leave them.
  2. Cover the surface with a primer (since the bathroom has a very high humidity, in our case, it is necessary). A primer will help prevent mold and mildew from spreading.

Tools and materials

  • self-extinguishing corrugation,
  • screwdriver,
  • puncher,
  • self-tapping screws (fleas),
  • self-tapping screws 25 mm long,
  • SD and UD profiles.

If it will be sheathed and, then you still need Spotlights and suspensions.

  • In one of the corners, you need to find the lowest point using the hydro level.
  • Step back from this point somewhere about 5 cm and draw a horizontal line around the perimeter of the room.
  • Fix the UD-profile along the marked line to the wall using the “quick installation” 6x60 mm.

Important: Many people build frames from wood, but one should not skimp on its manufacture.

Experts say that the tree changes over time, and this leads to deformation and swelling of MDF. This means that it will be necessary to start repairs from the beginning.

  • Then, every 60-70 cm on the ceiling, fix the hangers using the “quick installation” fasteners 4-6 cm. To do this, drill holes with a diameter of 6 mm on the base. SD profiles are fixed to the suspensions. The universal frame is ready.

Please note: Such a frame (crate) is ideal not only for mounting MDF but also for installing drywall and plastic.

Before installing panels for ceiling lamps all electrical wiring should be pulled through.

  • Fasten the first strip to the corner profile using self-tapping screws, and from the back side, fasten it to each frame profile with clamps.
    By alternately mounting the panels, you will quickly get a finished ceiling. It remains to drill holes for the lamps and install them.

Wall mounting

Now let's proceed directly to the installation of the walls:

  • Start by measuring the walls to which these panels will be attached. The surface of the walls must be flawless, smooth, even and always dry.
  • In order to adapt waterproof panels to the temperature and humidity of the room, they must be placed near the walls 48 hours before starting work.
    Try on and cut them to the size you want, cutting out places for taps, outlets, and so on. Tile panels must be cut so that the seams of the tiles match between the panels.

If you decide to install panels without moldings, then leave a distance of 3 mm between them. This seam should be carefully sealed with silicone waterproof sealant.

To make the installation completely waterproof, seal the top and bottom edges of the panels with sealant. It is recommended to use moldings from the corner and end, as well as interpanel moldings when installing smooth waterproof panels like marble and granite.

Apply silicone sealant to the molding groove for a complete seal.

  • Now, waterproof glue should be applied to the reverse side of the panel, for this we lay it with its front side on a previously protected surface.
    A spatula with teeth from 4 to 6 mm will help you with this. For a snug fit of the panel to the wall, press it firmly along its entire length.
  • All that remains is to wipe them with a soft cloth or sponge. And to relieve static voltage, so that dust does not stick, you should treat the surface of the panels with an antistatic agent.
    After the work done, the cladding process can be considered complete.

Tip: When choosing an adhesive, you shouldn't save money, it must be of high quality and waterproof.

The main advantage of wall panels is that they make it easy to modify the interior of an apartment without much expense. They can be used in the decoration of walls, ceilings, in the creation of arches, partitions, columns. They are quite easy to install and also easy to disassemble, and with careful handling they can be reused.

Bottom line: Beauty, reliability, aesthetics, practicality, the presence of a hygienic certificate allow us to say that wall panels are the highest quality and affordable finishing material.
















The first question that arises before starting a bathroom renovation is which material is better to choose for decoration. Due to the constant changes in temperature and humidity in the bathroom, it must be resistant to moisture, mold and microorganisms. One of possible options finishes are MDF panels for the bathroom.

The choice of finishing material

MDF is a finishing material, which you can see in the following photo. It has a number of significant advantages:

  • Ease of installation. Finishing a bathroom with MDF panels does not require leveling the walls or removing old finishing materials. For installation works no special professional equipment, and during their implementation there is practically no dust, dirt and waste.
  • Versatility. The panels can be used for both walls and ceilings. In addition to moisture resistance this material possesses certain heat-insulating and sound-insulating properties.
  • Environmental friendliness and safety. MDF panels for bathroom - environmentally friendly clean material with its characteristics reminiscent of wood. MDF is much better than fiberboard panels for the bathroom, since they are not used in their manufacture epoxy resins and phenol. MDF in the bathroom, even under the influence of high humidity and temperature, will not emit toxic or harmful substances.
  • Easy maintenance. In order to keep the bathroom clean, it is sufficient to remove dust from time to time with a damp sponge. In case of heavier dirt or stains, it is recommended to wash the moisture-resistant MDF for the bathroom with a special detergent.

In addition, this finishing material has a relatively low cost, and the variety of colors and textures makes it possible to choose panels for any interior.

Important! The only weak point of MDF is upper layer, performing a protective and decorative function. It should be borne in mind that every damage to the protective film reduces the water resistance of the material.

How to choose MDF for your bathroom?

MDF is a relatively new finishing material made by dry pressing of finely dispersed sawdust under the influence of pressure and high temperature. Despite the fact that the material is made of wood, it is resistant to moisture.

Waterproof MDF panels for the bathroom can differ in shape, sheet thickness and dimensions. According to the form, MDF is divided into rack, slab and sheet. The width of the type-setting slatted panels does not exceed 28 cm. These are rather long slats (up to 3.8 m) with a thickness of 8 to 14 mm. This kind panels are quite easy to assemble. Tiled MDF wall panels for the bathroom are produced in the form of squares with a side length of 30 to 98 cm.

Using tiles different shades and textures can be created original design bathroom. With the help of tiles, you can lay out a variety of patterns and designs, zone the space. MDF sheet panels for a bathroom are rather large elements with dimensions of 1.25 * 2.5 m. MDF sheet panels for a bathroom with a large square are best suited. Installation of MDF sheet takes a little time, and the number of joints is minimal.

For your information: The thicker the material, the greater the load it can withstand. Shelves, cabinets and other furniture can be easily attached to the panels.

Depending on the finishing method, MDF panels can be laminated, painted or veneered. Most of all, panels of the first two types are suitable for a bathroom and toilet. Veneered panels are rarely used, as they require expensive preliminary processing.

Choosing MDF panels for bathroom walls, you will also need to purchase the necessary additional components for sealing and decorating joints and corners - moldings. Depending on the layout of the room and the material used, you may need different kinds moldings: connecting, ceiling, end, starting, etc.

Stages of finishing a bathroom

Decorating a bathroom with MDF panels can be done in several ways. The choice of method depends on many factors, primarily the shape of the material, the presence of irregularities on the walls, the area of ​​the room.

If the surface of the walls is relatively flat, and the area of ​​the bathroom is such that it is not desirable to reduce it by construction timber frame, it is worth dwelling on the installation method using glue.

Before gluing the bath with MDF boards, it is necessary to eliminate small irregularities with putty. Next, a starting molding is installed, from which the panels will be installed. It is most convenient to use this finishing method when choosing tiled or sheet MDF panels. To ensure reliable fastening of the panels, the glue should be applied in thin zigzag stripes over the entire surface at a distance of 5-10 cm from each other. After finishing the room, it is necessary to decorate the joints and corners.

If the walls have a lot of irregularities, and the decoration will be done with MDF slatted panels for the bathroom and toilet, on preliminary stage you will need a lathing arrangement. It is carried out from wooden bars 10 * 30 mm or a metal profile and attached to the wall with dowels. Planks for additional fixing of MDF are mounted perpendicular to the direction of fixing the panels at a distance of 40-60 cm from each other. First, the starting molding is installed and fixed. Moisture-resistant MDF panels for the bathroom can be attached to the frame with screws or nails. For this purpose, you can also use construction stapler... The final stage is the sealing of joints and corners.

Conclusion

You can also use the method of fixing the panels with clips. To do this, you should purchase the accessories necessary for the cladding. During the finishing process, the clip is placed in the groove of the panel attached to the wall. The following strip, after installation, hides the fastener.

Tip: After installing MDF panels in your bathroom, it is recommended to apply silicone to the panel joints to improve the waterproofness of the material.

Used in rooms with high humidity and variable temperature Construction Materials must be moisture resistant and environmentally friendly. It is these qualities that characterize moisture-resistant MDF panels, which are available in a wide range of colors and textures. This circumstance, as well as the low price and simple installation make them indispensable for budget option finishing of bathrooms and kitchens.

Positive and negative sides of MDF paneling

Such panels are often used in the bathroom.

The finishing material is supplied to retail chains in the form of panels with various widths, lengths and thicknesses. Their longitudinal sides are formed on the one hand with a recess (groove), and on the other - with a corresponding ridge, which ensures a tight connection of the elements during the installation process. Such a design of the edges of sheet moisture-resistant MDF panels for walls minimizes the amount of moisture that gets under the cladding.

Performance characteristics of the finishing material:

  1. MDF panels have good thermal insulation properties;
  2. their use allows you to hide the flaws of the walls, which eliminates the need for preliminary preparation of surfaces before installation;
  3. possible different options fasteners;
  4. panels are easy to cut without creating torn or "shaggy" edges;
  5. the area of ​​the room visually increases when installing sheet moisture-resistant MDF panels for walls with glossy or mirror surfaces;
  6. durability of the cladding and saving money and time for installation of the structure.

To the disadvantages of finishing small spaces moisture-resistant mdf panels for the bathroom include a reduction in their area in the case of installation using aluminum profiles.

Panel mounting methods

When choosing a finishing material, you should pay attention to the purchase of component parts - moldings. They are of the following types:

  1. starting;
  2. connecting, used for joining the panels together and covering the seams between them;
  3. ceiling skirting boards;
  4. decorative indoor and outdoor corner;
  5. universal.

Retail chains offer customers various options for panel surfaces, including moisture-resistant mdf panels for tiles, as well as with smooth surfaces various colors and textures, which are completed with the appropriate additional elements.

Installation of cladding

If there is a flat surface, it is possible to install the cladding using a special glue.

Waterproof mdf panels are glued to the walls horizontally or vertically, depending on the size of the room and the preferences of the owner of the apartment. Vertical installation visually increases the height of the ceiling, horizontal - increases the area of ​​the bathroom or kitchen.

After purchasing a sufficient amount of finishing material and connecting elements, the walls are measured and the panels and moldings are cut to size. The starting molding is installed vertically or horizontally, then the panels are alternately glued to the wall. The glue is applied in thin strips over the entire surface of the elements at an equal distance from each other. Panel joints and joints to the ceiling and in the corners of the room are closed with decorative moldings.

If the surface of the walls has significant flaws, and the area of ​​the bathroom or kitchen is large enough, moisture-resistant MDF sheet panels are mounted on aluminum profiles or wooden bar... The lathing is fixed on the wall perpendicular to the planned arrangement of the panels. In their design, a wider side is provided on one edge, which ensures the invisibility of fastening with nails or self-tapping screws. It is also possible to attach the finishing material to the frame using special clips and strips. The waterproofness of the panels is greatly increased when silicone sealant is applied to the ridges.

Installation of moisture resistant mdf wall panels using lathing allows you to place in free space insulation, communications different types and built-in lights.

An example of finishing a bathroom with panels

Video about moisture resistant panels

Learn more about moisture resistant panels and ceramic tile alternatives.

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