If you’ve ever wanted to add a shower to your bathroom but don’t want to go through the expense of hiring a professional, installing a shower panel is the perfect way to get the look you want. A shower panel is a pre-manufactured wall covering that’s available in a variety of designs, including white or gloss finishes and marble-effect finishes. The panels are easy to install, require little maintenance and can be installed in virtually any bathroom setting.
Direct-to-stud shower panels are ideal for new construction. They have flattened edges called flanges that can be nailed directly to the wall studs, but you can also install these panels in an existing bathtub or tub alcove.
You’ll need a few supplies to complete this project, including a caulking gun, a tape measure, a saw (electric or straight-edged), and a utility knife. You’ll need to make sure you’re using the right type of adhesive for your panels, as well.
To prepare the walls for installation of the panels, remove the tile from your shower or bath tub and apply a thin coat of caulk to the wall rim. This will help prevent water from leaking through the rim.
Once the rim is dry, you can install your panels. You can use a shower panel adhesive that’s specifically designed for these types of panels, or you can use a regular adhesive. If you’re using a regular adhesive, you’ll need to apply the adhesive directly to the drywall or studs and press it into place.
Glue-up panels, on the other hand, are not nailed to the drywall or studs; instead, they are held in place by glue that’s applied to the back of each panel. You’ll need a caulking gun and a utility knife to apply this adhesive, but you’ll also need to make sure you’re using the correct kind of adhesive for your particular shower panel.
The caulk will be thick enough to form a seal with the drywall or studs, but it will also be flexible, so you can work it into the seams of your drywall or studs to form a waterproof bond. Depending on the type of adhesive you’re using, you may need to wait about 30 seconds for it to harden before pressing your panels into place.
After gluing your panels in place, it’s time to set them up. If your panels have an adjustable corner panel, it’s a good idea to apply silicone caulk along the rim of the tub or shower pan before you install them. If you’re doing a glue-up project, it’s also a good idea to place a few tile spacers under the corner panels where they will overlap your wall. This will prevent your shower or tub from sagging or buckling as you put the panels in place.
For a glue-up project, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for attaching your shower panels to the wall studs or drywall. Once you’ve done this, it should be easy to get a tight fit between the shower panels and your drywall or studs.
