What Is an Extension Panel (Filler Kit) on a Walk-In Tub?

An extension panel, also called a filler kit or filler panel, is the trimmable side panel that fills the gap between a 52 to 55 inch Ella walk-in tub and a standard 60 inch three-wall alcove. It rests on adjustable stainless steel shelf brackets that are part of the tub frame, can sit on either end of the tub, is trimmed on site, and doubles as a handy shelf. Every Ella tub shorter than 60 inches includes one, with a few exceptions listed below.

How It Works

Your installer sets and levels the tub first and fits the extension panel last. Alcoves are rarely square, so the gap is measured at the top and bottom, the panel is trimmed to the wall, and the brackets are adjusted so it sits level with the deck. The kit hardware secures it and the seams are sealed with silicone. The panel does not add length to the tub; the interior dimensions are unchanged. Kit contents vary by door family. The Standard, Zen and Flow kit, for example, uses 2 stainless L brackets, 1 plastic bracket, 2 pressure clips and 4 nuts. Our extension panels and filler kits by model guide lists every kit, and will it fit my alcove? covers the planning side.

Which Ella Models Have It

Panel widths follow the tub length. The Standard, Ultra, Elite, Petite and Royal use a 7 inch panel; the Deluxe, at 55 inches long, uses a 4 inch panel; the Capri, Transfer26, Transfer30 and Transfer32 use an 8 inch panel; and the TransferXXL uses a 5 inch panel. The Zen and Flow include a panel for 60 inch alcoves, and one is available for the Monaco and Lounger. Full-length tubs such as the Ultimate, Standard60, Zen60, Transfer60, Big4One, ShaK and the two-seat models do not use one, and neither do the Front Entry and Mobile. Model profiles: Standard, Zen, Flow, Ultra, Elite, Petite, Royal, Deluxe, Capri, Monaco, Lounger, Transfer26, Transfer30, Transfer32, TransferXXL.

What to Know as an Owner

Remove the extension panel, the end panel and the front apron before the tub is carried into the house, and lift the tub only by the frame. If your installation will not need the panel, you can decline it on your order to reduce packaging waste; just let your Ella dealer or the team know when the order is placed. Clean the panel with the same mild, non-abrasive cleaner you use on the shell. If you ever need a replacement, have your model, serial number and door side ready, because panels are cut for a specific tub; see end panel and extension panel replacements and confirm your footprint in dimensions by model.

Related Guides

• Replacement Extension Panels Come With Their Mounting Arms, and Why the Panel Must Never Be Glued On
• How to Add a Second End Panel to Your Walk-In Tub Order or Buy One Later
• Getting an Extension Panel When Your Alcove Is Wider Than Your Tub
• Resealing, Trimming and Add-Ons: Which Changes Keep Your Walk-In Tub Warranty Intact
• Gap Between the Front Apron and the Floor: The Two Inch Toe Kick Panel and When to Trim It
• Which end does the Ella Elite extension panel go on in a 60 inch alcove?

Common Questions