Bathroom Panel Installation Guide: How to Clad a Bathroom in 5 Easy Steps
This step-by-step bathroom panel installation guide walks you through cladding a bathroom 2.5m wide by 2.5m long. Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or tackling your first installation, our PVC wall panels make the process straightforward and rewarding.
Before installation begins, check your walls. If they’re fairly flat, you can glue the panels directly to the wall using panel adhesive. For uneven walls, fix timber battens first to create a level surface before installation starts.
Step 1 – Fit the First Internal Corner Trim
Starting from an internal corner, measure the wall height and cut an Internal Corner Trim to length. Glue the internal corner trim into the corner with panel adhesive, pressing it fully flush so there’s no movement or wiggle. Getting this right is the foundation of a clean installation. For guidance on surface preparation, see the PVC Manufacturers Association advice.
Step 2 – Cut and Fit the First Panel
Cut your panel to the correct length. Apply panel adhesive to the back of the panel in long S-shape movements, then push the panel firmly onto the wall. Slide the rounded edge of the panel into the internal corner trim to lock it in place.
Step 3 – Continue Along the Wall
Continue the installation by fitting each subsequent panel, sliding the corresponding tongue-and-groove edges together as you go. Work steadily along the wall, pressing each panel firmly against the adhesive.
Step 4 – Handle the Next Corner
When you reach the next corner, cut a new internal corner trim to length and slide it onto the edge of the next panel before it goes up. Glue that panel complete with the attached corner trim to the wall to carry the installation neatly around the room.
Step 5 – Finishing Edges and External Corners
If your wall ends against a door architrave, use a Starter Trim to finish the edge. Starter trims can be used on both the top and bottom of panels to hide any cut edges cleanly. Cut the starter trim to length, slide it onto the side of the panel, and glue the final panel with the starter trim attached into position.
For walls with external corners or panels fitted around a window, use an External Corner Trim in exactly the same way as an internal corner trim.
For a full range of panels, trims, and adhesives to complete your installation, browse our bathroom cladding range or visit our installation guides page for more help.
Ceiling Cladding Installation Guide: How to Clad a Ceiling Step by Step
This ceiling cladding installation guide walks you through fitting PVC ceiling panels in a room 2.5m by 2.5m. Whether you’re upgrading a bathroom or kitchen ceiling, this installation method will give you a clean, professional finish.
Before Installation Begins
We recommend fixing your ceiling cladding onto timber battens for the best result, though this isn’t strictly necessary depending on your ceiling condition. Taking time to prepare properly before installation makes the rest of the process much smoother.
Step 1 – Fix the Battens
Drill and plug battens around the outside edge of the room. Then fix three battens across the width of the ceiling — for a larger ceiling, you’ll need additional battens to provide adequate support throughout the installation.
Step 2 – Fit the Starter Trims or Coving
Screw or pin your starter trims or coving around three sides of the room. These form the frame that your panels will slide into during installation, so make sure they’re level and secure before moving on.
Step 3 – Fit the First Panel
Cut your first panel to size, then slide it into the starter trim. Screw or pin the tongue of the panel onto the batten to hold it firmly in place.
Step 4 – Continue the Installation
Clip the infill trim onto the edge of the panel, then repeat the process — cut, slide, fix, clip — working your way across the ceiling until you reach the final panel.
Step 5 – Fit the Last Panel
For the last panel, the easiest approach is to push the starter trim or coving directly onto the panel before it goes up, then glue it into place using panel adhesive. This gives a neat, finished edge to complete the installation.
For everything you need, browse our PVC ceiling cladding range or visit our installation guides page for more help.