Middlesbrough Premium Bathroom Installation and Refurbishment with Freestanding Bath and Concealed Rainfall Shower

Project Overview

Completed in May 2026, this premium bathroom installation was delivered by our experienced bathroom fitters in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, as a complete bathroom refurbishment. The three-bedroom semi-detached house gained a redesigned family bathroom with a 1700 × 700 mm back-to-wall freestanding bath, a separate 1000 × 800 mm shower enclosure, a concealed Hansgrohe rainfall shower and coordinated matt-black fittings.

The customer wanted a modern family bathroom providing two separate bathing options: a full bath suitable for bathing their new baby and a separate shower for convenient everyday use.

The room was completely redesigned around a 1700 × 700 mm back-to-wall freestanding bath, a separate 1000 × 800 mm shower enclosure, a concealed Hansgrohe rainfall shower, waterproof bathroom wall panels and coordinated matt-black fittings.

Most of the original plumbing arrangement had to be replaced or redirected. New hot and cold supplies and new waste routes were installed for the bath, shower and basin, while the heated towel rail was moved from beside the entrance to a new position near the bath.

The complete bathroom installation was delivered over ten working days and completed on schedule.

The Original Bathroom

The original bathroom contained:

• a standard bath;
• a washbasin beneath the small window;
• a WC;
• a radiator near the bathroom entrance;
• wall panels;
• floor tiles;
• no separate shower enclosure.

The WC was already positioned in a suitable location and was retained in the same general area.

The basin, heating and other services were repositioned to create space for a separate shower and to improve the overall presentation of the room.

The customer’s main requirements were:

• retain a full bath for their new baby;
• install a separate shower for everyday adult use;
• introduce a modern freestanding-style bath;
• conceal the visible plumbing;
• use waterproof bathroom wall panels instead of tiles;
• install coordinated matt-black fittings;
• improve the lighting and ventilation;
• create a strong feature around the vanity and mirror.

Complete Strip-Out

The existing bathroom was fully stripped out before the new bathroom fitting began.

The removal work included:

• the existing wall panels;
• the original floor tiles;
• the bath;
• the washbasin;
• the WC;
• the radiator;
• the original ceiling finishes;
• redundant plumbing and electrical fittings.

No significant hidden structural damage was discovered during the strip-out.

The principal challenge was not repairing an unexpected defect. It was redesigning and installing the extensive new plumbing required for the substantially changed bathroom layout.

The walls were repaired and prepared for the new waterproof panel system, while the floor and ceiling were rebuilt to suit the new finishes and services.

Suspended Ceiling and Ceiling Cladding

A new suspended ceiling structure was constructed and boarded.

The suspended design created a clean, level background while also providing space for the new lighting and extractor-fan installation.

The ceiling was finished with matt-white bathroom ceiling cladding, creating a bright, practical and moisture-resistant surface.

Four recessed bathroom spotlights were installed within the new ceiling.

Two of the spotlights were positioned on the sloping section and were selected with adjustable heads. This allowed their direction to be controlled so the light would illuminate the room without shining directly into the customer’s eyes.

Complete Plumbing Reconstruction

The plumbing reconstruction was the most technically demanding part of the project.

The original bathroom had no separate shower, and the position of the basin and radiator also changed. Most of the hot, cold, waste and heating routes therefore had to be redesigned.

The plumbing work included:

• new hot and cold supplies for the bath;
• new hot and cold supplies for the concealed shower;
• new hot and cold supplies for the basin;
• a new 32 mm basin waste route;
• a new 40 mm bath waste route;
• new waste arrangements for the shower tray;
• relocation of the heating supplies;
• new wall penetrations for the basin and bath wastes;
• concealed pipework within the walls and floor.

The WC soil position was the main existing connection retained.

The new services had to be carefully planned within the restricted floor void and around the existing timber joist layout.

New routes were formed through the floor void and masonry so that the bath, shower, vanity and towel rail could be installed without leaving unnecessary pipework visible within the completed bathroom.

Back-to-Wall Freestanding Bath

A 1700 × 700 mm back-to-wall freestanding bath was installed in the original bath area.

This type of bath provides the appearance and curved form of a freestanding bath while its straight rear edge sits neatly against the wall.

The bath was completed with a floor-standing matt-black bath filler incorporating a separate handheld shower attachment.

Retaining a full-size bath was particularly important to the customers because it provides a practical place to bathe their new baby.

The bath also became one of the principal visual features within the completed room, coordinating with the black shower enclosure, towel rail and other fittings.

Stone-Resin Shower Tray and Black-Framed Enclosure

A separate 1000 × 800 mm stone-resin shower tray was installed beside the bath.

The shower enclosure includes:

• a 1000 × 800 mm black frame;
• an 8 mm glass sliding door;
• coordinated matt-black detailing;
• concealed shower pipework.

The sliding door allows the enclosure to open without requiring additional clearance within the bathroom.

An 8 mm glass door was selected because it provides a more substantial, stable and reliable enclosure than a lighter 6 mm alternative.

The black-framed shower enclosure creates a strong contrast against the light wall panels and visually connects with the bath filler, shower controls, vanity tap and heated towel rail.

Concealed Hansgrohe Rainfall Shower

A concealed Hansgrohe shower system was installed within the new enclosure.

The installation includes:

• concealed hot and cold supplies;
• concealed shower controls;
• a large fixed rainfall shower head;
• a separate handheld shower;
• coordinated matt-black fittings.

The valve body and supply pipework are hidden behind the waterproof wall panels, leaving only the controls, rainfall head and handset visible.

This produces a cleaner and more streamlined appearance than an exposed shower system while still giving the customer the flexibility of both a rainfall head and a separate handheld shower.

The rainfall head provides comfortable everyday showering, while the handset is useful for rinsing, cleaning and more controlled use.

Waterproof Bathroom Wall Panels

The walls were finished entirely with waterproof bathroom wall panels rather than ceramic or porcelain tiles.

Light tile-effect panels were installed across the principal bathroom walls and throughout the bath and shower areas.

The wall-panel system provides:

• a continuous waterproof surface;
• fewer visible joints than traditional tiling;
• straightforward cleaning and maintenance;
• a clean modern appearance;
• effective protection around the bath and shower.

Bathroom wall panels are also commonly described as bathroom cladding, but wall panels are the principal finish used throughout this project.

A contrasting waterproof wood-effect slatted panel was installed behind the vanity and mirror.

This feature introduces warmth into the otherwise neutral bathroom and creates a clear focal point around the basin area.

Vanity Unit and Concealed Basin Plumbing

A 600 mm floor-standing wood-effect vanity unit was installed with an integrated white basin.

The vanity was completed with a matt-black basin tap, coordinating with the shower, bath filler, towel rail and other visible fittings.

New hot and cold supplies and a new waste route were installed for the repositioned basin.

The supply and waste pipework was concealed within the walls, floor and vanity arrangement so no unnecessary plumbing remained visible.

The wood-effect finish of the vanity works naturally with the slatted feature panel and softens the contrast between the light wall panels and matt-black fittings.

Back-to-Wall WC

A close-coupled back-to-wall WC was installed in the original toilet position.

The design allows the pan to sit neatly against the finished wall surface, reducing awkward gaps and creating a cleaner appearance.

Retaining the existing WC position avoided unnecessary alteration to the main soil connection while allowing the remainder of the room to be redesigned around the new bath, shower and vanity.

Motion-Sensor LED Mirror

A round LED mirror was installed above the vanity against the wood-effect slatted feature panel.

The mirror is operated using a motion sensor rather than a conventional touch button.

Moving a hand close to the sensor allows the customer to control the illumination without touching the glass.

The mirror provides different lighting options, including warmer, neutral and cooler light settings, together with adjustable light intensity.

The combination of the round illuminated mirror and the vertical slatted panel creates one of the strongest visual features within the completed bathroom.

Heated Towel Rail and Concealed Connections

The original radiator near the entrance was removed.

The heating supplies were redirected through the floor and walls to a new position near the bath.

A 1000 × 600 mm matt-black heated towel rail was installed with corner valves and concealed wall connections.

The corner valves allow the pipework to enter neatly from the wall rather than rising visibly through the finished floor.

This provides:

• a cleaner finished appearance;
• an unobstructed floor around the towel rail;
• easier everyday cleaning;
• reduced risk of exposed pipes being knocked by a mop or vacuum.

The matt-black finish coordinates with the bath filler, shower enclosure, concealed shower and vanity tap.

Plywood Floor Preparation and LVT Flooring

The original floor tiles were removed during the strip-out.

Once the extensive plumbing routes had been installed and the floor had been closed, a plywood overlay was securely fitted across the timber floor.

The plywood created a smooth, flat and stable background for the finished flooring.

LVT flooring was then installed throughout the bathroom.

The finished floor complements the light wall panels and wood-effect vanity while providing a practical and easy-to-maintain surface suitable for a family bathroom.

Lighting, Dimmer Switch and Ventilation

The original pull cord was removed.

A new dimmable wall switch was installed outside the bathroom, allowing the customer to raise or reduce the level of the ceiling lighting.

Four recessed bathroom spotlights were installed within the new ceiling.

The two adjustable spotlights positioned on the sloping section could be angled to prevent uncomfortable glare.

A new extractor fan was installed within the ceiling.

A new core hole and external duct route were formed so the fan could discharge correctly outside the property.

The combination of the new extractor, ceiling cladding and improved lighting created a considerably cleaner and more practical finished room.

Products and Materials

The visible bathroom products and fittings were supplied by Tees Valley Refurbishments Ltd and ordered through City Plumbing.

The installation was coordinated around the selected bath, shower enclosure, concealed shower, vanity, WC, wall panels, mirror, towel rail and matt-black fittings.

All standard building materials required for the preparation and installation were included within the project.

Property Protection and Clean Working

The customer was pregnant during the refurbishment and arranged to stay with nearby relatives for much of the work.

The property was still protected and cleaned as though it remained fully occupied.

Each working day:

• protective coverings were placed along the access route;
• tools, materials and waste were moved carefully through the house;
• the coverings were lifted at the end of the day;
• the access route was vacuumed and cleaned;
• the house was left tidy and usable.

This ensured the customers could return to the property without being left with unnecessary dust, waste or obstructions.

Skip and Waste Management

A six-cubic-yard skip was positioned on the road in a parking area outside the house.

Because the skip was placed on the public highway, the required permit and placement arrangements were organised through the professional skip provider.

Waste from the strip-out and installation was removed from the bathroom and placed directly into the skip throughout the project.

Programme

The complete bathroom refurbishment was delivered over ten working days.

Work took place:

• Monday to Friday during the first week;
• Monday to Friday during the second week;
• with no weekend working.

The project was completed on schedule.

The programme included:

• complete strip-out;
• wall repairs and preparation;
• suspended-ceiling construction;
• ceiling boarding and cladding;
• extensive plumbing reconstruction;
• new hot and cold supplies;
• new basin, bath and shower waste routes;
• radiator relocation;
• bath installation;
• stone-resin shower-tray installation;
• black-framed enclosure fitting;
• concealed Hansgrohe shower installation;
• waterproof wall-panel installation;
• slatted feature-panel installation;
• vanity and WC fitting;
• plywood floor preparation;
• LVT flooring;
• heated towel-rail installation;
• spotlight and dimmer-switch installation;
• extractor-fan installation;
• final fitting, sealing and cleaning.

Completed Result

The original bathroom was transformed into a modern and carefully planned family bathroom with both a full bath and a completely separate shower.

The completed installation now includes:

• a 1700 × 700 mm back-to-wall freestanding bath;
• a floor-standing matt-black bath filler with handset;
• a 1000 × 800 mm stone-resin shower tray;
• a black-framed 8 mm sliding shower enclosure;
• a concealed Hansgrohe shower system;
• a large fixed rainfall shower head;
• a separate handheld shower;
• waterproof light tile-effect bathroom wall panels;
• a waterproof wood-effect slatted feature panel;
• a 600 mm wood-effect vanity with integrated basin;
• a matt-black basin tap;
• a round motion-sensor LED mirror;
• a close-coupled back-to-wall WC;
• a 1000 × 600 mm matt-black heated towel rail;
• corner radiator valves;
• concealed bath, basin, shower and heating pipework;
• plywood floor preparation;
• LVT flooring;
• a matt-white cladded suspended ceiling;
• four recessed spotlights;
• two adjustable spotlights on the sloping ceiling;
• an external dimmable wall switch;
• a new externally ducted extractor fan.

The strongest visual feature is the combination of the black-framed shower enclosure, back-to-wall freestanding bath, illuminated slatted feature wall and coordinated matt-black fittings.

The principal practical improvement is that the family now has a full bath for their baby and a completely separate concealed rainfall shower for everyday adult use.

The matching five-star Google review praises the finished result, the communication throughout the project and the clean condition in which the property was left.

The completed Linthorpe bathroom can be viewed alongside our other completed bathroom projects, with further customer feedback available on our reviews page.

Homeowners looking for an experienced bathroom fitter in Middlesbrough for a complete bathroom refurbishment with wall panels, a freestanding bath or a concealed shower can request a free bathroom survey.