The corner between the bathroom (washbasin) and the wall of the bathroom itself is usually enclosed by a plinth, which can be made of different materials. Sometimes it is also called a border or a curb for a bath. This modern device has not only decorative, but also practical value, protecting the angle from getting there moisture.
Most often plinths for a bath are made of plastic or ceramics. The latter are considered more reliable, look more stylish and, accordingly, are more expensive. Plastic, respectively, is cheaper, their service life is much less, and they can also proceed if the installation has been performed poorly. In addition, some craftsmen, in order to save money, make homemade skirting boards made of ceramic tiles for cladding the lower part of the wall, coupled with the floor. Another option is the purchase of straight ceramic skirting boards. This is relevant for the floor in the bathroom, if it is tiled. So, what is the difference between ceramic skirting boards, what are their pros and cons?
The advantages and disadvantages of ceramic skirting boards
Ceramic skirtings for a bath have a number of advantages over plastic or tape analogs:
- greater strength of the material;
- resistance to moisture and mold;
- Longevity: this skirting board will last you for decades, without losing its presentability.
As for the shortcomings, they are the reverse side of this medal:
- ceramics, although strong, at the same time very fragile. A plinth made of such a material is easy to break if, for example, it drops something heavy;
- in comparison with other types of skirting, ceramic because of the lack of flexibility is difficult to install on indirect surfaces (for example, a modern acrylic bathtub having an irregular shape);
- The process of installing a ceramic skirting board - both for the bathtub and the floor - is also more difficult, in particular because of problems with cutting (a special tool is required - a tile cutter).
Installation of ceramic skirting boards for a bath
Start by choosing the right skirting board for your bath. If you plan to make a major overhaul of the bathroom, it is advisable to purchase a wall tile, complete with skirting boards and ceramic corners. They will be executed in a single design solution, and you can, having made the necessary measurements, immediately buy the amount of tiles you need. Such kits are not uncommon now, and their purchase greatly facilitates the process of selecting decorative finishing materials for repairs.
As for the installation of the curb for the bath, there are two types of installation: on top of the tile and under the tile.
If the skirting board is installed over the tile, it is first necessary to carefully prepare the surface: treat the bath itself and degrease the tiled wall covering, and then glue the ceramic plinth using liquid nails or other waterproof glue. If the skirting board is to be installed under the tile, in addition to the obligatory preparation of the working surfaces, first of all, fill with a sealant the seam between the bathroom and the wall, and then carefully glue the curb directly into the angle formed by these surfaces. When gluing it is desirable to use the level and as scrupulously as possible to approach the work with corner joints. One day after the glue dries, it will be necessary to water the masonry with water and treat the joints of the ceramic tiles with a special grout. And to skirt served as long as possible, this grout will need to be updated periodically.
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