Boxing in pipes in your bathroom? A complete guide

Exposed pipes in your bathroom can be a bit of an eyesore in an otherwise sleek and stylish space. Whether it’s heating pipes or waste pipes, boxing them in is a practical and visually pleasing way to create a more polished look. With the right tools and a bit of DIY knowledge, it’s a task you can confidently tackle yourself. This step-by-step guide will walk you through everything you need to know about boxing in bathroom pipes, from planning to finishing touches.

Table of Contents

1. What does 'boxing in pipes' mean?
2. Why might you box in bathroom pipes?
3. How to box in your bathroom pipes - step by step guide
4. Towel radiators at TradeRadiators.com

What does 'boxing in pipes' mean?

Boxing in pipes is a simple DIY technique used to hide exposed pipework by building a small, neat structure around it. This involves constructing a lightweight frame using timber battens and then covering it with a flat panel made from materials like plywood, MDF or tile backer board. The end result is a tidy, box-like casing that conceals the pipes completely, making your bathroom look much cleaner and more streamlined.

In many bathrooms, you’ll often see visible copper or plastic pipes running vertically up the wall, along the floor, or beneath basins and toilets. While these pipes are essential for your heating and plumbing systems, they can also make the room feel cluttered or unfinished. By boxing them in, you're essentially creating a custom-made casing that hides the messy-looking plumbing from view without affecting its function. The boxing can be painted, tiled or finished however you like to match the rest of your bathroom décor.

It's a straightforward and affordable way to improve the overall appearance of your bathroom and can be done as a standalone project or as part of a wider renovation. Once complete, the boxing blends in with the walls or tiles around it, giving the impression that the pipes were never exposed to begin with.

Why might you box in bathroom pipes?

There are several practical and aesthetic reasons to consider boxing in the exposed pipework in your bathroom. While pipes are a necessary part of your home's plumbing and heating systems, they don’t always do your bathroom's style or functionality any favours. Below, we look at why boxing them in can make such a difference.

A cleaner and more stylish look

Exposed pipes can make a bathroom feel unfinished or cluttered, even if everything else in the room is beautifully designed. By boxing them in, you instantly create a neater, more streamlined appearance. The casing can be painted or tiled to match the rest of the space, helping the room feel more cohesive and modern. If you’re aiming for a spa-like retreat or a contemporary minimalist look, hiding the pipes is a small change that delivers big visual impact.

Extra safety and protection

In a busy household (especially one with children), exposed pipes can pose a safety risk. Hot water pipes, in particular, can cause burns if touched accidentally. Boxing them in not only prevents direct contact but also helps shield them from knocks and damage, which can prolong their lifespan. It’s a simple way to make your bathroom feel safer and more family-friendly.

Better use of space

Boxing in pipes gives you more flexibility when it comes to organising your space. In some cases, the boxed-in area can even double as a narrow shelf, which is perfect for small toiletries, candles or decorative touches. It helps define the edges of the room more cleanly, and can also provide a visual break between sections, such as between the floor and wall, or around a toilet or basin unit.

Helps prevent moisture issues

Bathrooms are naturally humid environments, and exposed pipes can collect condensation, especially in colder months. When you box them in using moisture-resistant materials, you’re helping to control how moisture moves around the space. A well-ventilated box can reduce the risk of damp patches forming on the walls or floors and help prevent the growth of mould or mildew. It also makes it easier to clean, as dust and grime are less likely to gather around awkward pipe angles.

Creates a more 'finished' look

When pipework is on show, it can make even a newly refurbished bathroom look incomplete. Boxing in those pipes gives the room a sense of polish, as if everything has been carefully planned and thought through. For those thinking about selling or renting out their home, it can also add a little extra perceived value, as buyers and tenants often appreciate the effort put into these small but meaningful improvements.

How to box in your bathroom pipes - step by step guide

Tools and materials you'll need

Tools

• Drill (plus tile and wood drill bits)
• Circular saw or hand saw
• Spirit level
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Clamps
• Safety gear: goggles, ear defenders, dust mask

Materials

• Moisture-resistant MDF or plywood
• Wooden battens (for framing)
• Screws and wall plugs
• Adhesive (for tiles, if tiling)
• Grout and tile trim (optional)
• Silicone sealant
• Paint or tiles for finishing

Planning and preparation

Clear the area
Before you even pick up a tool, make sure the area where you’ll be working is completely clear. Move any bathroom furniture, storage units, or toiletries out of the way so you’ve got a wide, unobstructed space to work in. Not only does this make the job easier, but it also helps to avoid accidental damage to your belongings. If the pipes are near a bath, toilet or sink, take extra care to protect these with dust sheets or covers.

Gather tools and materials
Take some time to gather everything you’ll need before starting as there’s nothing worse than realising halfway through that you’re missing an essential screw or the right drill bit. You’ll likely need timber battens, moisture-resistant plywood or MDF, a saw, drill, screws, tape measure, spirit level, wall plugs, and fixings. If you’re planning to tile over the boxing, you’ll also need tile adhesive, grout, a notched trowel, spacers, and a tile cutter. Having everything close to hand will help the job run more smoothly and prevent unnecessary delays.

Wear protective equipment
As with any DIY task involving power tools or materials like wood, tile, and adhesive, safety should come first. At a minimum, you should wear protective goggles to guard against dust or debris, and a dust mask if you’ll be cutting wood or mixing tile adhesive. If using loud equipment like a circular saw, ear defenders are also recommended. Gloves can help you keep a steady grip on tools and protect your hands during cutting and drilling. Taking a few moments to gear up properly can help prevent minor injuries and make the job feel more professional. Open a window or put on the extractor fan for some ventilation.

Plan for pipe access
It’s easy to get caught up in how your boxed-in pipes will look when it’s all finished, but don’t forget: those pipes may need attention in the future. Whether it’s a leaky joint or a need to replace a valve, it’s smart to plan your boxing in a way that still allows access. You can build in a removable access panel or even use a screw-fixed front board instead of adhesive so it can be easily taken off later. A little forward thinking here can save you a major headache down the line.

Steps to take

1. Measure and plan

Before you start cutting anything, take accurate measurements of the pipes you want to box in. Measure the height from the floor to just above the top of the pipes, the depth (how far they protrude from the wall), and the total length of the area you’ll be covering.

Add a little extra clearance around the pipes to avoid a tight fit, especially if you’re working with hot water pipes that may expand slightly. Use these measurements to plan the size and shape of your boxing, including whether it will be a simple L-shape or a more complex U-shape.

It’s also at this stage that you should decide whether you’ll be tiling over the boxing or painting it, as this can affect the materials you choose.

2. Cut and Install the timber battens

Once you’ve planned your layout, cut your timber battens to create the framework for the boxing. You’ll need one batten fixed horizontally to the wall above the pipes and one vertically fixed to the floor in front of the pipes.

These will form the base that your plywood or MDF panels attach to. Use a spirit level to make sure each batten is straight, and mark drilling points on the wall and floor at roughly 30cm intervals.

Drill pilot holes, insert wall plugs where needed, and fix the battens securely in place using screws. The battens should be sturdy, as they’ll support the weight of the boxing and any tiles or finishing materials.

3. Cut the panels

With your framework in place, measure the space between the battens to determine the size of your front and top panels. Transfer these measurements onto your plywood or moisture-resistant MDF and cut the panels to size using a circular saw or handsaw, depending on your setup.

If you're planning to include an access panel, mark and cut this section separately. You might want to use a jigsaw for more precise control on smaller pieces. Always double-check your measurements before cutting to avoid wasting material.

4. Attach the panels

Position the front panel first, aligning it with your framework. Drill pilot holes approximately every 15–20cm, then screw the panel into the timber battens.

Repeat this for the top panel. If your walls or floors are slightly uneven (as many bathrooms are), you may need to make small adjustments to your panels or use a bit of filler to smooth out any gaps later on.

Make sure everything sits flush and square to achieve a neat, professional look. If you're including an access panel, now’s the time to fit it using magnetic catches or small hinges for easy removal later.

5. Finish the surface

Once your panels are securely in place, you can move on to the finishing stage. Fill any small gaps or screw holes with a suitable filler, then sand smooth once dry.

If you're painting the boxing, apply a primer suitable for moisture-resistant MDF or plywood, followed by your chosen paint.

If you’re tiling, make sure the surface is clean and dry before applying adhesive. Spread the adhesive evenly with a notched trowel, then press the tiles into place with spacers between them for consistent gaps.

Allow the adhesive to dry fully, then grout and seal the edges with silicone. This stage really brings the boxing to life and helps it blend in with the rest of your bathroom decor. 

6. Seal and check

Finally, apply a bead of silicone sealant along all the edges where the boxing meets the wall, floor, or any tiles. This creates a neat, waterproof finish that prevents moisture from seeping behind the panels which is especially important in a bathroom environment.

Smooth the silicone with a finishing tool or your finger dipped in soapy water for a tidy result.

Once you’ve finished sealing, give the entire structure a gentle shake to make sure it’s solid and secure. If you included an access panel, test that it opens and closes easily. And that’s it!

Your pipes are now neatly hidden behind a custom-built box that’s as functional as it is visually appealing.

Once your bathroom pipes are boxed in and the space looks clean and tidy, it’s the perfect opportunity to elevate both form and function with a stylish towel radiator. Alternatively, if you think your bathroom could do with a radiator upgrade before you box in the pipes, then now would be a great time to install one.

At Trade Radiators, you’ll find an extensive range of towel radiators in all sizes and finishes to complement your new look. Whether you want a modern design or something more traditional, there’s an option to suit every space and budget, all with free UK delivery and comprehensive guarantees.

Below we've included some fantastic bathroom towel rails and radiators hat have been submitted by our customers. If you're struggling to decide what you want for your bathroom then take a look below for some serious inspiration!