Panels in the Bathroom – A Design Hit?
A durable and moisture-resistant floor in the bathroom is incredibly important for the practicality and functionality of the space. However, we are not limited to choosing floor tiles. The highest quality, modern SPC vinyl panels will allow us to enjoy a beautiful floor with character that perfectly fits the style we've chosen. Why are these panels a good choice? Primarily due to the ability to install them over existing ceramic tiles, as well as on underfloor heating, which allows us to enjoy a warm and comfortable floor. These panels also offer a huge selection of decors that faithfully imitate not only natural wood grain but also marble, concrete, or stone textures.
What Should Bathroom Panels Be Like?
When choosing panels for the bathroom, we must first pay attention to the information regarding their waterproofing, which can be found in the technical data table. Only this type of floor will be resistant not only to splashes but also to prolonged contact with water (the Aquatus SPC collection guarantees this level of waterproofing). The best choice will be vinyl panels with a reinforced SPC core, which ensures high durability. Weninger panels also offer exceptional abrasion resistance. The wear layer in the Aqua Profi and Aquatus SPC series products is as high as 0.55 mm. The special, durable coating ensures resistance not only to water and moisture but also to scratches. The construction of the vinyl panels and the high-quality materials used make them almost the perfect material for use in damp rooms.
How to Install Waterproof Panels in the Bathroom? – Some Installation Tips
Waterproof panels in the bathroom can safely be installed over an existing floor made of ceramic tiles. This will save us a lot of time and costs associated with removing the old floor, as well as on a substrate that has not yet been covered with any finishing material. When installing over tiles, the best choice will be panels with a Click installation system, provided the substrate is stable and even. It is important to check if the tiles are not sunken, or if the grout lines are too large or deep; in such cases, these gaps should be leveled. It is also important that no tile elements are loose. Make sure to choose the right underlay, which will provide sound insulation and protect the vinyl panel's locking system. The ideal underlay should have adequate thickness and withstand a load of about 1000 kg/m3, with a CS parameter of no less than 400 kPa. Remember not to install vinyl panels directly in shower cabins or wet areas. When it comes to installation, vinyl panels are laid in the bathroom just like in other rooms, but it is necessary to consider proper sealing of the joints between the floor and walls. In "wet" rooms, after removing the expansion wedges, in a gap of 8 mm between the floor and wall around the entire bathroom, place a PE expansion cord with a diameter of 10 mm. Finally, seal the resulting joint with silicone. After it dries, install a suitable waterproof baseboard, and you can enjoy a beautiful and durable floor for many years to come.
