Replies

1. 
   mike_maines | Sep 10, 2007 12:46pm | #1

   Medex (moisture-resistant mdf) or even better, mdo.  Azek for the trim.

2. 
   Piffin | Sep 10, 2007 01:17pm | #2

   Azek for the whole thing. You can get it in lengths and in sheets and it will mill to any shape. I'm not sure how much shows in this photo, but all the trim in this bathroom was made from Azek, except the cabinets, as far as I recall.

    

    

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3. 
   renosteinke | Sep 11, 2007 03:09am | #3

   This is NOT an area I have much experience in ... but .... would you consider gluing Formica directly to the wall? That would give you the 'look' with a much greater moisture resistance. Trim it with real wood, and I think you're on the right track.

1. 
   JTC1 | Sep 11, 2007 04:47am | #4

   >>would you consider gluing Formica directly to the wall? That would give you the 'look' with a much greater moisture resistance.<<

   Have seen kitchen backsplashes done that way.  Held up fine - I tore out one last summer which had been there for 20+ years.

   However, I'm not so sure in a bathroom where the water tends to be vapor rather than liquid - might be a prime mold breeding area behind the Formica. Maybe if you sealed the edges.....

   I might ask the Formica techs.

   Jim

   Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.

1. 
   bolts | Sep 11, 2007 09:15am | #5

   The short answer is no formica or whatever laminate is designed to be connected to a substrate it is not designed to be glued straight to a wall as it is only .6mm thick glued to a waterproof backing yes or source waterproof bathroom panels I am a bit far away from knowing what you have access to all the best.

   Regards John Bolton AustraliaYou can make it fool proof but not idiot proof 

1. 
   renosteinke | Sep 12, 2007 04:45am | #6

   Bolts, I fear you may be thinking of melamine, and not Formica. Having once made cabinets overseas, I know the materials are a bit different. Formica laminate is composed of many layers of resin-soaked paper. One of the top layers has the printed design that you see. The actual thickness of the laminate that you buy is probably closer to 2mm. It is plenty thick enough for a full sheet to stand upright unassisted, or to pass through a table saw for cutting. Or, to put another 'measure' on it ... I have never seen even the greatest wear and tear rub down past the first few layers of the Formica. I have never seen the substrate exposed this way. Melamine, common in European cabinets, is an extremely thin (think 'foil') plastic sheet that is bonded to a substrate .... usually some variety of particle board. One does not purchase the melamine separately. Melamine is available on thin backing, thoughm for edge treatments.

1. 
   bolts | Sep 12, 2007 05:17am | #7

   Thanks for the reply I know the difference between melamine and Formica laminate it used to be approx 1.6 mm thick  but has since thinned down a bit it can be cut on a table saw with the apropriate tooling I am still not sure I would glue it direct to the wall unless the wall was dead flat.It will mirror any imperfections in the wall.

   Regards John BoltonYou can make it fool proof but not idiot proof 

2. 
   bjbatlanta | Sep 16, 2007 09:27pm | #8

   FRP panels are used in commercial bath and kitchen applications where walls and floors are sometimes hosed down. It is glued to the sheetrock. Available at HD and Lowes around here.