Making a box for pipes in the bathroom: step-by-step installation instructions

Communications laid on the walls are unlikely to decorate the interior of the bathroom.To camouflage and decorate pipelines, various structural forms are used, one of which is the box. Any home craftsman can handle its construction without any problems if he is familiar with the technological subtleties. Right?

We will tell you how to make a beautiful and durable pipe box in the bathroom with your own hands. For independent owners, we have listed a number of the most popular options available to an inexperienced performer. The tips given in the article will ensure the impeccable results of your efforts.

How to hide communications?

The wiring in the bathroom includes pipes connected to various plumbing fixtures (bathtub, washbasin, and with a combined bathroom, to the toilet), as well as various devices and devices: valves, filters, water meters.

To prevent communication systems from being conspicuous, they are hidden using various methods.

When organizing hidden wiring, the pipes are hidden in specially cut channels in the walls. Please note that this method has many limitations.

One of them is hidden wiring.In this case, the pipes are hidden inside the walls, arranging special grooves in the latter.

True, this method is not universal, since it has a number of limitations:

• wall gating can only be carried out during a major overhaul, since in this case the complete elimination of finishing coatings and replacement of communication equipment is required;
• when installing hidden wiring, it is impossible to hide a filter, meter or other device;
• building regulations prohibit punching grooves in load-bearing structures, since they sharply reduce the strength of the walls;
• there are restrictions on the dimensional characteristics of pipes that are used for hidden wiring: their diameter should not exceed 50 mm. Therefore, this method is in no way suitable for masking thick sewer pipe;
• This method is not suitable for risers, the appearance of which is unlikely to decorate the interior of the bathroom.

An alternative to hidden wiring is a combined system that involves installing a box on the surface of the walls. In this case, the pipes are placed in a specially allocated space, and the outer walls are finished in accordance with the style of the interior.

Advantages of a camouflage box

In the design of modern bathrooms, similar structures are often used, masking one or more pipes, since the boxes have a number of undeniable advantages.

A pipe box made of plastic panels or plasterboard will improve the interior of the bathroom. This design will fit well into any room

Similar designs are characterized by:

• A neat appearance, which is achieved by using high-quality materials for the manufacture and design of the structure.
• Easy to install.The system can be performed not only during major, but also during cosmetic repairs, since the box can be installed even on top of the existing finishing.
• Providing easy access to the pipeline, which allows not only to take meter readings, but also to monitor the condition of the pipes, and, if necessary, repair instruments and communications.
• The possibility of combining the box with a toilet installation, shelves and other parts, thereby achieving optimal use of the space of even a small room.

A carefully made and finished box can become a real decoration of the bathroom, combining functionality and aesthetics.

Selecting building materials for installation

To make a box, you must first build a frame, which is then covered with sheathing material, and often additionally finished, for example, covered with tiles. The base is made of galvanized metal guides (vertical and horizontal).

Various types of building materials can be used as coatings, which must have a number of qualities, namely:

• Moisture resistance. Boxes are installed in bathrooms, where there is a high percentage of water vapor.
• Light weight and small thickness. Both the ease of installation and the size of the finished structure depend on these factors: walls that are too dense can “take up” a significant part of the space.
• Environmentally friendly. Such structures should not emit toxic substances or have a pronounced allergenic effect.
• Aesthetic appearance or the possibility of additional finishing.

Most often, the following types of materials are used for cladding.

Option #1: plastic panels (PVC)

Polymer panels have a beautiful appearance. They are produced in a large assortment, which allows you to choose a finishing material that ideally matches the color palette of the bathroom.

In the assortment of construction stores you can find plastic panels of various colors and shades. In addition to its beautiful appearance, this material is also strong and durable.

In addition to aesthetics, PVC panels have high consumer qualities:

• ideal water resistance;
• resistance to deformation and mechanical damage;
• durability: flexible and durable plastic can last for many years;
• easy to clean - dirty parts can simply be wiped with a damp cloth;
• ease of installation: working with this material does not require special professional skills or special equipment;
• availability: PVC panels are a budget finishing material with low cost;
• possibility of quick repair: damaged structural elements can be removed without destroying the entire box;
• compactness. The panels are thin, so structures made from them do not take up much space, which is extremely important for miniature rooms.

An alternative to plastic panels is usually plasterboard, which is widely used in construction.

Option #2: moisture-resistant plasterboards

There are different varieties of this popular material. To decorate a bathroom, you should not use standard drywall (gypsum plasterboard), intended for rooms with moderate humidity (up to 70%).

Moisture-resistant plasterboard sheets are often used to construct boxes.This inexpensive material is easy to install; it also has good resistance to water vapor

At the same time, a moisture-resistant type of drywall - gypsum board, which is easily recognized by the green surface of the slabs - is well suited for finishing a plumbing unit. Such sheets are suitable for both standard cladding work and for creating complex structures with convex, concave and curved surfaces (in this case, however, working with drywall requires special skills).

Another additional advantage of GKVL is that the slabs are impregnated with antifungal agents that prevent the development of harmful mold.

At the same time, when choosing a material, you should take into account some features of drywall:

• Installation of structures made of gypsum board or gypsum board requires more effort than installation of systems made of plastic or MDF boards.
• It will not be possible to make a collapsible structure from plasterboard, so when making a box you must definitely provide a door or hatch that provides access to valves, meters and other elements of the communication system.
• GKL (GKVL) boards are not a finishing material: when making a box from them, it is important to think about the finishing. Given the high humidity in bathrooms, tiled paneling is usually used, but other types of decoration can be used: paint, decorative plaster, wallpaper.

It is important to note that experts advise additionally impregnating even moisture-resistant boards with a special composition in order to increase the strength and resistance of the element to moisture.

In addition, you can build a box from other materials.

Option #3: waterproof plywood

This modification differs from ordinary plywood in the special composition of the glue used.The sheets have a thickness of 6 to 40 millimeters and have fairly good consumer properties, however, despite the name, it is better to additionally treat them with special compounds that improve water resistance.

The main disadvantage of waterproof plywood is its high cost, which is why it is used less often than other building materials.

Option #4: MDF and HDF boards

Sometimes you can find advice on using MDF panels (Medium Density Fiberboard) for constructing boxes. It is hardly worth following such recommendations, since this material absorbs water vapor well and is not very suitable for wet rooms.

It is much more expedient to cover the structure with HDF sheets (High Density Fiberbord). This material resists moisture well, so structures made from it do not lose their properties for 10 years or more.

Option #5: OSB boards

Another suitable option that allows you to successfully hide pipes in the bathroom, can become oriented strand boards (OSB, Oriented Strand Board) - multilayer sheets glued together with resins, into which synthetic wax and other additives are added.

There are several varieties of this material. To make boxes, it is best to use OSB3 sheets (with additional impregnation), as well as OSB4 sheets. The latter can be used for particularly strong structures or in places where heavy loads fall.

To construct a box with lining made of OSB, plastic panels, plywood, it is better to construct the box from lumber:

Choosing the optimal design

Protective and decorative structures for pipes can be made in different ways, and the most common configurations are the following.

Boxes-cabinets. This option is usually provided for risers and other vertical systems. The design provides full access to communications. In addition, it can be easily combined with shelves and other devices that allow you to make maximum use of the usable area.

Partition boxes. These structures are installed over the entire width and height of the room, practically isolating a certain part. Although in this case the bathroom area is somewhat reduced, the room looks very neat, since all communication systems are masked.

This option is especially suitable for spacious bathrooms. It can also be recommended when using wall hung toilet, since the partition simultaneously with the communication systems allows you to hide the installation.Behind the partition you can also place devices for storing necessary things, for example, household chemicals.

In addition to vertical systems, horizontal boxes are very popular, which allow you to disguise pipes adjacent to the floor or ceiling

Compact box, built around pipes. The most commonly used design, which practically does not absorb space, but gives the interior a neat look. Such systems can be either vertical or horizontal, adjacent to the floor or ceiling.

Below we will analyze in detail the stages of manufacturing such a structure.

Preparing to install the box

Before starting the construction of the structure, preliminary work should be carried out.

Before starting work on the manufacture of the box, you should make sure that the pipes and other elements are reliable by checking all communications for leaks and hidden defects

If a new pipeline is being laid, it is advisable to provide a minimum number of connections in it.

Then choose a box design that would be best suited for the bathroom, take all the necessary measurements, and then make a sketch of the structure. In this case, it is necessary to provide access to devices and instruments (filters, valves).

Before starting the manufacture of the box, it is important to carefully measure the distance, and then make a calculation, finding out the required number of profiles, PVC panels and other materials

According to the drawn diagram, you should calculate the required amount of building materials, providing a small reserve.

It is also important to stock up on all the necessary equipment in advance, as well as purchase panels, guides and other necessary structural elements.They need to be carefully inspected in order to identify chips, defects and damage in time.

Required tools and materials

If you have already decided which box is better hide heating pipes, drainage and water supply, then you should start preparing tools, fasteners and materials.

To build the box you will need the following equipment:

• a well-sharpened construction knife;
• roulette;
• metal scissors;
• level or square;
• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• pencil;
• fasteners (self-tapping screws, European screws, dowels);
• drill or hammer drill.

Materials you should purchase:

• galvanized metal profiles (types ud, cd);
• silicone sealant;
• GVKL, HDF, OSB boards or plastic panels (in the latter case, it is important to choose a shade that matches the color palette of the interior);
• PVC skirting boards designed to mask joints with walls.

To prepare the plasterboard box for additional finishing, you may also need putty and corners.

Frame installation instructions

Regardless of what type of coating the box design provides, first of all you should install a metal frame. To do this, it is important to adhere to the following regulations. Work should begin with the walls adjacent to the corner.

First of all, you need to make markings on vertical and horizontal surfaces.

The first stage of creating a pipe box is the installation of vertical guides, which are mounted on both sides of the corner or from communications

After this, you should install guides (ud profile), which determine the dimensions of the box. To attach them to the surface, you can use European screws (dowels) by drilling holes in the appropriate places with a drill.For walls lined with tiles, flea screws (length 2.5 mm, diameter 3.5 mm) are well suited, which can be screwed into the joints between the tiles.

If the pipes run horizontally, it is enough to lay out the guides parallel to the floor and secure them. After this, you should form the outer corner by twisting the corner post from two ud profiles. Their shelves need to be directed at right angles in different directions, and then connected with small screws.

The vertical structure should be fixed to the floor and ceiling using horizontal elements that are fixed to horizontal surfaces

The supporting profile cd is cut with a knife into pieces whose dimensions correspond to the width and length of the box. The first corner rib is fixed on the vertical surface, which determines the rigidity. The resulting sections of the profile are inserted with one end into the installed guide, and the other into the stiffener, so that the parts of the corner are connected to the profile.

At a certain distance, which can vary from 30 to 70 cm, jumpers should be added - they give the system strength and reliability, and are also used for hanging panels.

The finished frame of the pipe box combines vertical guides and horizontal jumpers, giving rigidity to the structure. It is also important to provide space for a door or hatch

Having completed the work on one side, a second corner profile is attached to the other wall in the same way, after which the work on creating the frame of the box is considered complete.

Two frame covering options

Elements of finishing material should be connected to the base. Let's look at the most common options, each of which has its own characteristics.

Working with PVC panels

This is one of the easiest ways to disguise pipes.

The box made of plastic panels has a collapsible design. If necessary, you can remove a loose part to gain access to pipes and other communication elements

Instructions for implementation:

1. Install the starting profile, carefully securing it using small self-tapping screws on the installed guide part. Measure a strip of plastic panel of the required size, then cut it with a knife.
2. Fix one panel in the starting profile, fasten the other to the corner profile, after which the latter is installed to another plane of the box. For fastening, you can use “fleas” (small self-tapping screws).
3. The second side of the box is assembled using a similar method, while the starting profile is fixed and secured on the last plastic panel, which is most easily done using silicone sealant.
4. In places where it is necessary to provide access to important communication elements (taps, joints, meters), it is important to cut inspection holes on which special hatches are secured (with sealant or other means).
5. At the end of the work, plastic skirting boards should be installed at the joints of the panels with the floor, walls, and ceiling.

To quickly disassemble a plastic box, it is important to remember which side the loose panel remains on. If necessary, this element is pulled as far as possible to the side, and then taken and removed.

After inspection of pipes or repair work, the integrity of the structure is restored using the same method: the corner of the panel is pulled back, after which it is returned to its place.

Working with GVKL slabs

Installation of plasterboard construction is also quite easy.

Boxes covered with sheets of moisture-resistant plasterboard can additionally be decorated with other finishing materials: paint, wallpaper, decorative plaster, ceramic tiles

Procedure:

1. First of all, you should correctly cut the gypsum fiber board sheets in accordance with the calculated dimensions. To do this, they need to be placed on a flat surface, marked with a tape measure and small cuts made on the surface.
2. The notches need to be aligned with a metal ruler or long lath, and then the surfaces should be cut with a construction knife. Along the drawn line, break the plasterboard sheet, if necessary, trim the edge with a knife.
3. Blocks prepared in this way are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws. In this case, the sheets are pressed as tightly as possible against the profiles, and the screws are screwed first into the drywall and then into the metal guides.
4. It is important to ensure that the caps of the fasteners are screwed on the surface line or even below, which is especially important if you plan to further finish the box with tiles. To prevent cracks from appearing on the gypsum board panels, it is important to screw in the screws at a distance of 20-30 mm from the edges.

Having completed the installation, it is important to prepare the structure for subsequent finishing work. To do this, joints and junctions with horizontal surfaces are treated with sealants to create a dense protective layer.

After this, the surface is covered with putty, covering the fasteners. You can strengthen the fastenings by installing perforated corners on the internal and external corners of the parts. Having finished the work and having dried the structure well, you can begin gluing tiles or performing other finishing work.

Installation of an invisible hatch

To provide access to pipes with a plasterboard structure, you can use a ready-made plastic door or make a disguised opening panel consisting of an aluminum frame, a door, a magnetic lock, and a structure of hinges and components.

An inconspicuous door (invisible hatch) installed in the wall will allow you to easily check water readings, turn off the valve, and also assess the condition of the pipes

In order to open the invisibility hatch, just press on its middle, after which the magnetic lock snaps off, releasing the door from the frame. He will introduce you to the details of the construction of various plumbing hatches. next article, which we recommend reading.

The hatch is installed as follows:

1. At the preliminary stage, you should decide on the location of the door. Usually it is located in the center of the box or partition, which makes it possible to better maintain the symmetry of the pattern when tiling.
2. When installing the frame, it is important to leave a niche (on two or four sides), the size of which corresponds to the parameters of the hatch. After its construction, the frame is attached to the profiles using long self-tapping screws (special holes are provided for them). According to the instructions included with the kit, the door and other hatch parts are attached to the frame.
3. Next, the frame is covered with plasterboard sheets, which are overlapped onto the hatch frame (it should also be attached to the covering with self-tapping screws).
4. Upon completion of the work stage, the drywall and door are covered with a layer of primer. After drying, the hatch and box are covered with tiles (one color or with a pattern).All seams between the tiles are covered with sealant, after which the structure is left alone for two days for final drying.

The final stage is cutting the hatch, which is done using a sharp utility knife pointed at an angle of 45 degrees.

Useful tips on the device

When arranging the structure, it is important to take into account the following recommendations from experts:

• If the box is intended to mask vertical pipes, markings should be made starting from the floor.
• Be sure to provide a door or hatch at the valve and water meter.
• Regardless of the material used to construct the system, an antifungal agent must be applied to its inner surface to protect against harmful microorganisms.
• In a bathroom with a high content of vapors, it is highly advisable to avoid wooden structures: in this case, preference should be given to a metal profile.
• To construct the box, it is not advisable to use various types of chipboard, including waterproof boards, since this material swells under the influence of water vapor.
• When attaching the structure to the ceiling, the transverse parts are located at a distance of 30 centimeters from each other to ensure proper rigidity of the structure.
• With closely spaced pipes, it is better not to build separate boxes around each of them, but to create a single structure for the entire communication system.

It is important to ensure that the box does not touch the communications: the minimum distance of the casing from the pipe should be 3 centimeters.

An alternative to a partition box can be roller shutters. They give the interior a stylish look and also provide full access to the pipes.

Options masking pipes in the toilet are given in an article entirely devoted to this issue.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

In the videos below you can see detailed instructions for making a box from the most common types of material: polymer panels and gypsum board sheets.

Video #1. How to cover pipes and installations with plasterboard:

Video #2. Successful use of PVC panels:

With the correct selection of material and strict adherence to step-by-step instructions, even a novice master can create a comfortable and stylish design that will fit well into the interior of the bathroom.

Tell us about how you built a pipe box in your own bathroom. Share useful technological nuances with site visitors. Please write in the block form below, ask questions on controversial issues, publish photos on the topic.