How to replace skirting board in toilet?

[alamaro67]

 what material should I use to replace this panel in a toilet area?

[EricL]

Hello @alamaro67 

For ease of installation, I suggest using plywood to cover that area. My best advice is to paint it very well all around especially the edges to make sure that the panel is totally sealed from moisture. The item currently attached to your wall appears to be MDF which is not ideal in a high moisture environment. Another option is to use pine timber, but this too must be fully painted to protect it from moisture.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @alamaro67 

Mmmmm I would see if you can use James Hardie 1800 x 1200 x 6mm 2.16m² Villaboard Lining (and maybe double up on it by using liquid nails to make it double thick) to replace that water damaged piece (Would even go as far as to replace that short return as well.) Paint with waterproof paint (not really necessary but why not) and then paint with white.

Dave

[Nailbag]

Hi @alamaro67 

Ideally, you want to use a material the same thickness or as close to, which looks to be around 9mm. @EricL suggestion of plywood will work perfectly, it's just more expensive for the smallest size you can buy that thick (18mm). This DAR pine board is a cheaper alternative if you don't need taller than 184mm. If you do, this much bigger piece of multipurpose timber is $5 cheaper. It just means you have a lot of waste. @Dave-1 cement sheet option is also a suitable material just more difficult to cut to size and requires layering.

Regardless of which material, but specifically timber, it must be primed on all 6 sides with 2 coats as even pine will deteriorate once moisture gets in. You might find the primer a close match to the what wall colour. Make the new piece a few mm short on the bottom and fill with silicone which will help protect the timber long term.

If the return piece of skirting is also MDF, then I would take @Dave-1 advice and replace that too as you have plenty of material left over. It will only be a matter of time before it fails.

[Noyade]

G'day @alamaro67 

I freely admit to over-engineering things - tis me.

I love Formply.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/specrite-1800-x-1200mm-17mm-formply-f17_p0390220

I would buy a big sheet - cause I know I'd find other uses later. My wife would roll her eyes at me when I return with the trailer.

Fiddly at the back of a toilet - but I would try profiling the outlet so I would have two pieces coming together. One side would have a few dowels glued on one side only. Paint prior.

Just thought I'd toss another idea at you.

Cheers.