Mystery of installing Thai plastic doors.

[MaiChai]

Those presumably pvc plastic doors are ideal for bathrooms, being water proof and not suffering expansion when wet or mold. Not needing any painting either.

Anyhow how are you suppose to fit hinges and locks when there is just thin plastic to screw into? I have seen countless doors where these screws have come loose and the door no longer fits properly. Presumably the Thai changs fit them, get paid for the job, and then run away!

I fitted one 2 years ago and backed the hinges with wood so the screws have something to keep them inplace, but then the wood doesnt necessarily blend into the wall? However door is fitted properly and no issues after 2 years of use.

So question is: what is the proper/expected way to fit these doors? I have not seen one perfectly fitted apart from the one i did!

[surangw]

nuts, washers, bolts and lock washers backed up with loctite ?

[eyecatcher]

Completely agree with the OP.

I fitted two four years ago and each year the screws have become bigger and longer.

I will not buy the plastic door again.

Not only that but they go out of shape just like a timber door. They sag because there is no bracing.

The way to go is to discard the plastic frame and fit a timber frame first. The downside to that is the frame costs more than the door.

Imo better to buy mdf/hdf pressed panel door for 500bt. They look much better and og course bathrooms dont suffer humidity here like western climes.

Another problem with plastic doors is the round cut out for the knob. They also come loose and irrepairable.

If i was fixing into a plastic hollow frame again i would drill a hole and pump in some expanding foam after i had plugged and screwed in the hinges.

You have my sympathy.

[attrayant]

Not what the OP wants to hear but the solution is to build the bathroom properly so that the door doesn't get sprayed with shower water and soap scum several times a day. Either install a prefab shower stall (plentiful at HomePro) or build a barrier wall that you can attach a shower door to. A nice bonus is that you'll be able to brush your teeth or take a pee in the middle of the night without having to stand in somebody else's leftover shower water/scum. Hurray for healthier feet! Also, ventilate the bathroom if possible to get rid of the excessive water vapor during showers.

I hate those plastic doors. Wood doors can be used but they'll need to be thoroughly sealed and varnished so they're 100% water tight.

[manfredtillmann]

i always thought these pvc doors were 'ants pants', i was actually thinking of importing them into australia.

the bathroom in the place i live in is always wet, no wooden or mdf door would stand a chance not swelling or rotting.

and while the rest of my place cracks, sinks and falls apart, my little grey plastic bathroom door has not moved a millimeter.

Edited February 3, 2016 by manfredtillmann

[MaiChai]

We have a pretty small bathroom. Shower area with raised tile edge and shower curtain. Tile raised area keeps water in shower area and separates the shower area from the rest of the bathroom so there isnt water everywhere. The shower curtain and spring loaded pole similar to what we have in the west. I think the plastic doors are a good idea. Just think the fittings could be standardised and improved. Bathroom is simple, modern, functional and meets our needs.

Edited February 7, 2016 by MaiChai