Shower panels work for me and I've had them installed in two bathrooms, mine are about 12 years old and look as good as new. I used Mermaid Shower panels which unlike these Abacus ones are solidly backed and come with a 15 year guarantee they are easy to clean come in a number of good looking styles, however they are not cheap. The hollow core of these Abacus panels gives the impression they are flimsy and could easily get punctured or damaged. If you don't like tiles then panels are definitely the way forward, but do your research first.
A friend of mine got these panel's installed about 5/6 years ago. Saved a fortune on labour for tiling. They still look great. Though they do dint, not easily but what banging would you be doing all the time in a jax, other than when your missus has something in mind? 🤣
Likey likey! Solvent free panel adhesive, that is if you buy in your own in for the job. I've heard it said and I've no reason to dispute it, that solvented adhesive will eventually stain it's way through to the finished surface.
Fitted mine without the aluminium joints. Found it fitted a lot better. Highly recommend these instead of tiles. Absolutely no black mould and easier to clean👍👍👍. Great video Rodger
It's probably not too relevant here because the walls are very even and flat, so very little adhesive is needed, but where I use adhesive for any large area I try not to draw loops, so that there are no airtight compartments and air is able to expand and contract around the entire area. My theory is that this avoids bulges or indented areas. Just a thought and not a criticism.
Hi Roger - Multi Panel has been supplying 1200 wide panels for years, be interesting to see the price comparison, these panels look like Multi Panels budget range, so much better than tiles!
Great stuff I've seen it alot but never used it but to be honest, dependent on the price I'd be tempted to give it a go in my own bathroom, once again thank you rodger and the team for your great content 👍
Great video . I bet it’s not cheap but then again leaks aren’t cheap either . It looks like plumberparts studio . I was waiting for James to walk in from the side wearing his shorts shouting Hold Tight
I fitted some of these recently, they need to sort out the packaging, First one was cracked in 2 places and had a hole in the back. They replaced it, and even the replacement had 3 indentations. Gave up after that, it was above the shower enclosure so I just left it.
We will pass that feedback on. The problems are often down to carriers who treat everything with the same reckless abandon. At a time when we are told to cut down on packaging there are couriers who play football with parcels.
Thanks, I agree it’s the carriers at fault. Product itself was fine, I used it instead of tiles as it meant I didn’t need to tank the shower enclosure and more waterproof and it was for a rental so didn’t want to spend massive amounts on the bathroom, price was reasonable on 2 panels. Was just a shame that first one arrived in a battered state lol then 2nd also had damage... but I couldn’t wait for another replacement and because it was above the enclosure I just left it.
"It's also very affordable" Proceeds to not so much as mention the MSRP for a standard sheet... It looks like a good idea for sure. Near impossible to find but, if it's less money than the same area of economy grout and tile, then it could be a good idea
@@SkillBuilder Considering prices only seem to go up these days, it would be great to know how much it cost, even as a starting point from 2 years ago. If a single panel cost $400 two years ago, then it probably costs as much as a small country today. May as well look elsewhere. If a single panel cost $60 two years ago, then it just might still be affordable enough to take the time to look up. Anyways, I was not trying to give you a hard time. It's just nice as a consumer to have some idea of what an alternative material/technology may cost.
Roger, fitting a shower with the abacus M1 panels and using the no more leaks kit. what do you suggest when fitting the panels against the shower tray as I'm worried that the hollow core structure being sharp will cut into the no more leaks seal and cause a future leak. Also being hollow core I worry about making an effective seal with the silicone. Thought of raising the panel with spacers to prevent cutting and opening joint for better silicone penetration or would you recomend one of the multi part plastic mounting kits although I did want the clean look that the panel installation would give rather than the clunky trim effect! Your thoughts greatly appreciated. Martin.
Hi guys. Any chance of a video on fitting door closers? Specifically door closers in a room with no ventilation. I'm having bother. Love the channel. And I'd love a few tips from the boy wonder.😉
Would have liked to see the sealing along the bottom and finishing vertical piece. Looks like a “part 1 of 2” video. Decent, but not as good as other SkillBuilder videos.
Thanks Matt. We take your point. It was really about the product rather than a step by step. We have lots of videos covering that stuff but when we make these videos too long people don't watch them anyway so we take a view on what we should show and what we should leave out.
There are some important steps that appear to be glossed over here, such as at 1:23 the use of an adhesive tape is shown. What kind of tape is it, how is it trimmed, and if this is the sole method of sealing between the shower pan and wall?
Thanks for these videos - do you have any concerns installing the mixer and showering plumbing on top of the panel? I am amateur so this may sound silly. I suppose you attach them with the wall at the back? I am concerned if insulation will be compromised. Any suggestions?
is there a way to eliminate the silicone between the panels and tray at the bottom? In my rentals, that always gets mouldy and I hate having to replace that silicone every few months.
Check out our video on removing mould from silicone. It really works. Use a hybrid polymer for an alternative. th-cam.com/video/cq2H1dE7y_w/w-d-xo.html
@@Eatprepd The problem with cheap silicone is that it is perhaps 30% silicone and the rest is a filler. The filler supports the mould but the real culprit is the gunge that comes off our bodies. If you ever take out a shower waste to clean it you will know how foul the smell is.
Can you do a video on how to prevent mould in a bathroom with no window ventilation?? No matter what extraction we try to use, we still get the problem Thanks 🙏🏻
Ben The problem is likely to be caused by a lack of replacement air. It is now common to leave a gap of at least half an inch under the door to replace the air sucked out by the fan. If you switch the fan on and close the door for 5 minutes and then open it you might hear the fan change note. This is an indication that the replacement air is insufficient.
The bathroom door gets left open due to the amount of steam that builds up . We also have a Juliet balcony in the bedroom next door which we leave the door ajar . This helps clear the air but not the problem with the mould 🙏🏻thanks
It is not necessary to use Elements board if the joints are well sealed and any holes for pipes are also sealed it will be fine but there is certainly no harm in it if you can afford the board. This panel is an affordable alternative to the more expensive panels so we wanted to keep the cost down for the whole job.
Fair comment and I agree this is a domestic product and for that it is well suited. Most people, when they shower, are not plunging knives into the wall. In the film Pyscho they wisely chose ceramic tiles.
@@SkillBuilder Thanks for the reply Roger, my comment wasn't meant to knock these panels, just point out their limitations, or best use, it wouldn't have been something which I would have thought about if I hadn't seen it myself. I wonder what you think of panels made out of PVC faced MDF? A friend of mine fitted some recently and left an off-cut outside in the rain. It blew up to 3 times its original size, despite being 'waterproof' MDF. I dread to think what will happen if any moisture finds its way between the joints....
@@casperme6552 I understood your point well. They are too delicate for anywhere where people don't care. I can see them being used for 'sell your house makeovers'. They will also be good for those converting bathrooms for the elderly. Life expectancy of panel equals occupant.
Ironic that Abacus have been flogging their elements board panels to death, which we know Roger "loves" :) but here they aren't anywhere in sight and its just plasterboard. Bit of a mistake on that "lab" setup.
Steven There is no mistake, we considered the Elements board option but the market for this board is a lot of retro fitting and we did not want to give the impression that the PVC panels needed backup waterproofing. They will work on plasterboard or existing tiles so it is a one day quick fix solution.
Shower panels work for me and I've had them installed in two bathrooms, mine are about 12 years old and look as good as new. I used Mermaid Shower panels which unlike these Abacus ones are solidly backed and come with a 15 year guarantee they are easy to clean come in a number of good looking styles, however they are not cheap. The hollow core of these Abacus panels gives the impression they are flimsy and could easily get punctured or damaged. If you don't like tiles then panels are definitely the way forward, but do your research first.
Deffo gonna get this to redo tiled bathroom …already checked and it is so much cheaper than retiling
A friend of mine got these panel's installed about 5/6 years ago. Saved a fortune on labour for tiling. They still look great. Though they do dint, not easily but what banging would you be doing all the time in a jax, other than when your missus has something in mind? 🤣
Likey likey! Solvent free panel adhesive, that is if you buy in your own in for the job. I've heard it said and I've no reason to dispute it, that solvented adhesive will eventually stain it's way through to the finished surface.
Fitted mine without the aluminium joints. Found it fitted a lot better. Highly recommend these instead of tiles. Absolutely no black mould and easier to clean👍👍👍. Great video Rodger
I am not a fan of the aluminium. I think I would tape the corner with the No More leaks and then tuck one panel in behind the other.
How did you do the corner without the joint?
If you know how to cut a tight bond it turns out great. Then pack it with silicone and jobs a good un.👍
Gonna use some for the boat.
You're a really practical internet video; couldn't make it without ya!
I think I am gonna use this on my van conversion for the shower area, looks perfect
We would love to see your van conversion. It is great to see what people manage to think of.
Very instructive
It's probably not too relevant here because the walls are very even and flat, so very little adhesive is needed, but where I use adhesive for any large area I try not to draw loops, so that there are no airtight compartments and air is able to expand and contract around the entire area. My theory is that this avoids bulges or indented areas. Just a thought and not a criticism.
Looks like a great product! Thanks for the heads up Roger. Cheers.
Just the kind of video i was looking for. Thanks!
Hi Roger - Multi Panel has been supplying 1200 wide panels for years, be interesting to see the price comparison, these panels look like Multi Panels budget range, so much better than tiles!
Looking at the ones you have mentioned mate they are 30 to 40 notes more per panel.
Excellent option, I've been looking for easy install types, but found out it's very pricey.
Great stuff I've seen it alot but never used it but to be honest, dependent on the price I'd be tempted to give it a go in my own bathroom, once again thank you rodger and the team for your great content 👍
Thank you for sharing! Sold! This is my next project
Great stuff...could be just what i was looking for. :)
Is there a follow up video showing the whole thing?
But what if you need to repair an area? With tiles you can do it invisibly if you have spare tiles.
Rutger
Replace the panel or panels. It is not expensive.
Roger Bisb
Great video . I bet it’s not cheap but then again leaks aren’t cheap either .
It looks like plumberparts studio . I was waiting for James to walk in from the side wearing his shorts shouting Hold Tight
It is nowhere near as expensive as Bush Board. To be fair it is not the same quality but if you are reasonably civilised it is durable enough.
I fitted some of these recently, they need to sort out the packaging,
First one was cracked in 2 places and had a hole in the back.
They replaced it, and even the replacement had 3 indentations.
Gave up after that, it was above the shower enclosure so I just left it.
We will pass that feedback on. The problems are often down to carriers who treat everything with the same reckless abandon. At a time when we are told to cut down on packaging there are couriers who play football with parcels.
Thanks,
I agree it’s the carriers at fault.
Product itself was fine, I used it instead of tiles as it meant I didn’t need to tank the shower enclosure and more waterproof and it was for a rental so didn’t want to spend massive amounts on the bathroom, price was reasonable on 2 panels.
Was just a shame that first one arrived in a battered state lol then 2nd also had damage... but I couldn’t wait for another replacement and because it was above the enclosure I just left it.
can you put these and the laminate boards over Elements waterproof board?
That mocha onyx 👌
Good, money saving product. Still can't beat nice tile wall, thought.
"It's also very affordable"
Proceeds to not so much as mention the MSRP for a standard sheet...
It looks like a good idea for sure.
Near impossible to find but, if it's less money than the same area of economy grout and tile, then it could be a good idea
what is the point in mentioning prices if you are watching the video two years later?
@@SkillBuilder Considering prices only seem to go up these days, it would be great to know how much it cost, even as a starting point from 2 years ago.
If a single panel cost $400 two years ago, then it probably costs as much as a small country today. May as well look elsewhere.
If a single panel cost $60 two years ago, then it just might still be affordable enough to take the time to look up.
Anyways, I was not trying to give you a hard time. It's just nice as a consumer to have some idea of what an alternative material/technology may cost.
Roger, fitting a shower with
the abacus M1 panels and using the no more leaks kit. what do you suggest when fitting the panels against the shower tray as I'm worried that the hollow core structure being sharp will cut into the no more leaks seal and cause a future leak. Also being hollow core I worry about making an effective seal with the silicone. Thought of raising the panel with spacers to prevent cutting and opening joint for better silicone penetration or would you recomend one of the multi part plastic mounting kits although I did want the clean look that the panel installation would give rather than the clunky trim effect! Your thoughts greatly appreciated.
Martin.
google cladseal
The hollow is fine, its like cardboard boxes. Looks weak but is actually really strong.
Hi guys. Any chance of a video on fitting door closers? Specifically door closers in a room with no ventilation. I'm having bother. Love the channel. And I'd love a few tips from the boy wonder.😉
Looking at added value to our home, what's the added value of tile with grout vs. these wall panels? Thanks
I dont think it's a huge difference. Unless your buyer knows exactly what they want.
Would have liked to see the sealing along the bottom and finishing vertical piece. Looks like a “part 1 of 2” video. Decent, but not as good as other SkillBuilder videos.
Thanks Matt. We take your point. It was really about the product rather than a step by step. We have lots of videos covering that stuff but when we make these videos too long people don't watch them anyway so we take a view on what we should show and what we should leave out.
Ive got a shower tray to take out. The walls are clad. Can i fit the new bath to this? Thanks!
I would cut the panel so the bath sits in a bit but you could silicone if it is straight.
There are some important steps that appear to be glossed over here, such as at 1:23 the use of an adhesive tape is shown. What kind of tape is it, how is it trimmed, and if this is the sole method of sealing between the shower pan and wall?
Just go to our home page and type in bathrooms, We have hours of this stuff with all the details on tapes etc. The Tape is No More Leaks kit.
I'll do just that. thanks
great work. where you based? thanks.
Looking to do the same in my bathroom. What backing board is that?
Not for me , used a similar product before and had nightmares getting shower riser to fix and bath screen .. there’s no strength.
Thanks for these videos - do you have any concerns installing the mixer and showering plumbing on top of the panel? I am amateur so this may sound silly. I suppose you attach them with the wall at the back? I am concerned if insulation will be compromised. Any suggestions?
You can use a bar mixer but the mounting plate is usually behiind the wall. The panels won't support anything but themselves
Can i install it over old tiles?
Yes it is ideal for that kind of quick makeover.
Are these strong?. They looks quite filmsy and with my fat backside turning around in the shower, could go right through them!.
They need to go on something else such as old tiles or board
Where can I find this product in America?
how do I get a training course in plumbing?Is there any institute or training center gives a training in short time?
Hi after your video I have bought abacus panels for the shower room. Could you please tell me what was the tape you used on the tray regards Chris.
It is called No More Leaks. You can also use Classi Seal which is a bit easier to apply
@@SkillBuilder thanks for the information.
is there a way to eliminate the silicone between the panels and tray at the bottom? In my rentals, that always gets mouldy and I hate having to replace that silicone every few months.
AJ with some companies and city plumbing you can get a plastic upstand that the board sits onto ... but.... it still needs sealant to seal it...
Check out our video on removing mould from silicone. It really works. Use a hybrid polymer for an alternative.
th-cam.com/video/cq2H1dE7y_w/w-d-xo.html
@@bentyrrell8083 You can buy tape. Tape is the new sealant
But the more expensive silicone with mould protection solved my issues with mould.
@@Eatprepd The problem with cheap silicone is that it is perhaps 30% silicone and the rest is a filler. The filler supports the mould but the real culprit is the gunge that comes off our bodies. If you ever take out a shower waste to clean it you will know how foul the smell is.
Where can I find this product?
www.rubberduckbathrooms.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjwu5CDBhB9EiwA0w6sLf3uS4TUAok1SA2gmP-avkjg0RadS4Zso9cqdKnDXX6NMOAIUUAahBoCiqkQAvD_BwE
Can you do a video on how to prevent mould in a bathroom with no window ventilation?? No matter what extraction we try to use, we still get the problem
Thanks 🙏🏻
Get a more powerful extractor fan? If needed move it directly above the shower
Ben
The problem is likely to be caused by a lack of replacement air. It is now common to leave a gap of at least half an inch under the door to replace the air sucked out by the fan. If you switch the fan on and close the door for 5 minutes and then open it you might hear the fan change note. This is an indication that the replacement air is insufficient.
The bathroom door gets left open due to the amount of steam that builds up . We also have a Juliet balcony in the bedroom next door which we leave the door ajar . This helps clear the air but not the problem with the mould
🙏🏻thanks
Would using an elements abacus board behind panels be overkill since I noticed you use plasterboard in this video?
It is not necessary to use Elements board if the joints are well sealed and any holes for pipes are also sealed it will be fine but there is certainly no harm in it if you can afford the board. This panel is an affordable alternative to the more expensive panels so we wanted to keep the cost down for the whole job.
Can you fit in London?
Hi Jackie
I am sorry but I am really very busy but we know people around London so tell us what area.
Skill Builder thanks I am in SW14 🤗
I wouldn't fit anything like this in a commercial setting, the ones I have seen are full of holes after a few months.
Fair comment and I agree this is a domestic product and for that it is well suited. Most people, when they shower, are not plunging knives into the wall. In the film Pyscho they wisely chose ceramic tiles.
@@SkillBuilder Thanks for the reply Roger, my comment wasn't meant to knock these panels, just point out their limitations, or best use, it wouldn't have been something which I would have thought about if I hadn't seen it myself.
I wonder what you think of panels made out of PVC faced MDF?
A friend of mine fitted some recently and left an off-cut outside in the rain. It blew up to 3 times its original size, despite being 'waterproof' MDF. I dread to think what will happen if any moisture finds its way between the joints....
@@casperme6552 I understood your point well. They are too delicate for anywhere where people don't care. I can see them being used for 'sell your house makeovers'.
They will also be good for those converting bathrooms for the elderly. Life expectancy of panel equals occupant.
Ironic that Abacus have been flogging their elements board panels to death, which we know Roger "loves" :) but here they aren't anywhere in sight and its just plasterboard. Bit of a mistake on that "lab" setup.
Steven
There is no mistake, we considered the Elements board option but the market for this board is a lot of retro fitting and we did not want to give the impression that the PVC panels needed backup waterproofing. They will work on plasterboard or existing tiles so it is a one day quick fix solution.
@@SkillBuilder So they are as waterproof as the elements board then? So they'd be no rotting plastboard?
Channel ruined. Now just advertising.
Personally, I think it looks cr*p but some people don't mind that I suppose. Not a product i'm ever likely to use.
Abacus make fantastic products but there delivery is shocking as nothing ever turns up on time 🤷♂️
I think that a lot of manufacturers are struggling right now to find couriers who can deliver
Tomuci blabla
Not sure about this one Roger, seen better products from you on --"TH-cam".
I learned nothing from that