How to Compare Bathtub Wall Surround Products

Choose bathtub wall surrounds that complement your decor.

Bathtub wall surround panels fit around three sides of a bathtub or shower enclosure. They allow homeowners to quickly and easily cover old, damaged walls or out-dated tiles in the bathroom. Because they are made from nonporous materials, these wall surround panels are waterproof and easy to wipe clean. To find the best wall surround products for your bathtub, compare features such as size, finish, material and price.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Compare one-piece units to multipiece kits. Single-piece bathtub surrounds are seamless and offer better protection against mold or wall damage. Because of their size however, they may not fit through the doors in your home, so check sizing before you buy. Multipiece kits consist of three to five panels that fit together around the tub. They offer more flexibility in terms of size, and can be cut or modified in the field to fit crooked walls. The more panels you use, the more seams your enclosure will have, which could lead to mold or water damage between panels.

2. Measure the area around your bathtub to find the height and width of each wall. According to This Old House, most tub surrounds stop 18 to 22 inches below the ceiling, but this is largely a matter of personal preference and taller units are also available. Double-check your measurements before ordering, and ask your supplier for assistance if your enclosure is a nonstandard size.

3. Look for special features that you want in your bathtub or shower area. Many tub surround products include molded features ranging from shelves to soap dishes. Some even come with seats built-in for use during a shower. It's often better to have these features built-in to the panels rather than trying to add them later. Future installations will require drilling through the tub surround, which can lead to moisture problems.

4. Narrow your search based on price. According to Popular Mechanics, tub surrounds range from $60 to $500, and price is often a good indicator of quality. Expect to spend around $150 for an average tub surround product, not including installation.

5. Consider durability. According to Popular Mechanics, panel thickness and material have a direct impact on durability and appearance. Thinner plastic panels are not only less durable than thicker ones, but may also allow any bumps or texture in the existing walls to show through. Thermoplastic materials are generally thicker and offer more resistance to scratches and damage. Pressed fiberglass tub surrounds are the thickest and strongest material for your bathroom, but often come with the highest price tag.

6. Visit a local bathtub supplier and compare different color and finish options for tub surrounds. Many bathtub surround products feature special textures or embossing that give them the look of ceramic tile, stone or even wood paneling. Look for colors that complement your existing decor, or choose a neutral tone that will allow you to redecorate the room in the future. If your bathroom is small, pick light colors to make the room look larger.

Tips & Warnings

• While tub surrounds can be installed over most wall surfaces, they cannot be installed over moldy or rotted wood or drywall. Remove damaged wall finishes before installing your wall surround.

References

• Popular Mechanics: Installing a Tub Surround
• This Old House: Fixing a Worn-Out Tub Surround