How to Install a Tub Surround With Tips From a Professional

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By ben-the-builder
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Installation of tub surrounds can be tricky. Read this for advice from an experienced installer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Surround
Notched trowel
Caulk
Trim

Step 1

Purchacing
When it comes to choosing a surround remember, you get what you pay for. Before you buy the surround, open the package to ensure all parts are present.
Step 2

Prepping the wall
If your surround consists of thin sheets of plastic that you glue to the wall, remember that all the imperfections of the wall will show up as bumps through the plastic. Take some time smoothing the bumps and mudding any holes. If the wall is ripped up you can buy 1/8” thick fiber board and glue it to wall with liquid nails but that is generally not recommended. If you do put a sheet of 1/8” board underneath the surround you must do an extra good job waterproofing with silicone caulk.
Step 3

Cutting to fit
Cutting a tub surround to fit is an art. Set the pieces of plastic in place and mark where they must be cut to make them even with one another. Remember, if you don’t get them perfect you can always hide some un-evenness behind PVC trim.

The most difficult part of installing the surround is making the holes for the knob(s) and spouts(s). You will need to remove the hardware and mark exactly on the vinyl where to make the holes. Make the holes as small as possible.
Step 4

Glue
You can use subfloor glue or liquid nail (the kind for mirrors). Spread the adhesive evenly to one wall at a time with a 1/8” v-notched trowel. Remember, excess, uneven glue will show up and make the plastic look creased or bumpy. You can tape the vinyl in place with painters tape. Note: adhesive is difficult to remove from the face your surround and can mar it’s finish.
Step 5

Trim
Unless you are a professional surround installer or had excellent beginners luck you may need to hide the edges of the surround with trim. Use only PVC trim, available in the trim dept at your local home improvement store.

Use silicone caulk to seal all edges, seams, and other places water can get in. When caulking delicate areas it is a good idea to make a very small hole in the top of the caulk tube (1/16”) and begin applying small amounts. After the delicate areas are done cut the hole larger and caulk the large cracks. You may also consider caulking the scushings around the base of the knobs and spouts.