Any really enthusiastic do-it-yourselfer will want to carry out a lot of the work, but in the case of a bathroom, this does pose a number of problems. The need to conform with regulations, particularly in regard to drainage and drain testing; the size and fragility of some of the more costly fittings to be used; and the multitude of different skills required including drainlaying, plumbing, pipe fixing, carpentry, joinery, plastering, tiling, electrical work, as well as floor laying and painting, all combine to make this the most reluctant room in the house to yield to the attacks of the confident amateur. However, the benefits resulting from really careful workmanship and loving attention to detail are well worth having. In particular, detailed fittings and fixtures and such things as a neat fit to floor coverings are well within many people’s competence.
lt is usual nowadays in new buildings for flush doors to be fitted. These should conform with BS 459 and are made in various sizes ranging from 600mm to 900mm wide by 2000mm high and are faced with plywood or hardboard. Good quality, plywood-faced doors can be polished or varnished, bringing out the decorative quality of the veneer. Hardboard must be painted. Sliding doors can frequently be useful where space is limited, but they do lack good sound-proofing qualities and the locks and bolts are awkward and more difficult to use.
Doors of any size up to 1200mm x 2400mm can be easily made from blockboard. Great care should be taken in choosing handles, bolts and other furniture to make sure it matches the bathroom suite. By spending somewhat more than the minimum, the whole quality of the house can be improved, particularly by choosing co-ordinated fittings. Good quality hinges also enhance the door. Lacquered brass, or nylon-washered aluminium alloy hinges should be considered for the bathroom, particularly if the door is to be polished rather than painted, as these are rust resisting and do not require paint protection against the steam.
