What is that thin lattice board used to make radiator covers called? And could I use it to make bath panels?

[MeerkatMerkin]

Where can I buy it in sheets? Preferably not online. I'm in Bristol if that helps.

So, would it look ridiculous if I cut it to size and painted it and used it to create bath panels? The current ones are 80s once-white-now-yellow retro looking ones and I'd really like an alternative that doesn't cost too much but looks pretty.

Any other suggestions for DIY bath panels?

[ivykaty44]

mdf

[Lynned]

i think you would find it soaks up water and will rot/ smell damp.

[RunsWithScissors]

Should be able to find it in B&Q in the area where they have wood trims, skirting a etc (not out with the heavy duty timber).

If you use a really good waterproof paint (exterior wood paint perhaps), it should be ok for water, but it'd be a hell of a job enduring that you got all the bits covered. Maybe a sprayer to paint?

Think it could look quite neat. And at would ventilate the under bath area well.

Post pics if you go ahead with it :-)

[Oreocrumbs]

Would it not be a bugger to keep clean? Any spalshes or splodges of shampoo etc would weld themselves into the nooks and crannies.

Maybe thats just my messy lot though!

[RunsWithScissors]

That should say ensuring

[MeerkatMerkin]

Thanks, ivy, I am aware of MDF but wondered if it had a special name (like frilly MDF?! ) so sourcing it is easier as I haven't had much joy so far.

Would indeed be painted with exterior paint, there must be a spray option a available?! It would be so painful painting if by hand wouldn't it...

Take the point about keeping it clean. Will continue to brainstorm. :)

[MrsIcarus]

I think it's called fretwork. Try googling fretwork panels. It's not really suitable for bath panels though.

[Terpsichore]

IIRC we were told by our excellent local builder guy that bath panels really needed to be made out of marine ply to avoid the water damage problem.

[fussychica]

www.jali.co.uk/

Think this is what you want.

[MeerkatMerkin]

Fretwork! Thanks Mrs, that does appear to be right.

Thanks for the link fussy, looks promising.

So Terp, what about the exposed wood floorboards in the bathroom next to the bath? I know it isn't ideal but if treated with anti-mould, anti-damp paint, would it not be ok for a few years at least? I appreciate it wouldn't last a lifetime but a cheap option wouldn't have do. Thanks for the tip, will definitely keep it in mind!

[Terpsichore]

Sorry Meerkat, just returned! Yes, I know what you mean because we also have a wooden floor in the bathroom! But I suppose it's protected by varnish.....

Anyway, yes, you're probably right that if protected with the right paint the panels would be fine, esp if you didn't expect them to last for centuries.

Would recommend Jali by the way; we had our fretwork radiator cover from them. They look great.

[Flojobunny]

Painting them is a nightmare, good luck!

[Terpsichore]

True! I wondered at the time whether spraying them might be easier.....

[betterwhenthesunshines]

Tongue and groove is fairly cheap and easy to fit. Also looks quite pretty if that's the look you're after, but will be much easier to keep clean if painted with a good satinwood paint.

How to make one here

[TheDuchessOfEarl]

You really, really don't want to use mdf in the bathroom. It will warp with the steam & splashes.

[MeerkatMerkin]

Thanks for this info. Going to sit on it for a while as really undecided. I think low-maintenance will be key with 2 splashy kids and I should allow for that I guess. It would look pretty though!

[ATouchOfStuffing]

How funny you posted this! I have been looking for this for weeks as had an idea to put it under the sink in the bathroom for a cupboard! How very weird, there was me thinking I was being all 'original'!
Still love the idea though... maybe under the sink wouldn't get as wet? Or perhaps thin perspex over the top (would ruin the look IMO but don't want to let idea go!)

[ATouchOfStuffing]

Another idea is perhaps to paint/spray on a pattern, rather than have it carved out? Something like this might work and be easier to clean
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THAT-SPECIAL-TOUCH-MASKS-6-X-6-FRETWORK-/300737881180?pt=UK_Crafts_PapercraftTools_RL&hash=item46055fe45c