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A bathtub surround is a vertical surface material that protects the walls just above a bathtub or bathtub/shower unit. Although typically made of ceramic tile, other materials can also be used for bathtub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material.
Is a tub surround a good idea?
Surrounding the walls of your bathtub with waterproof material is essential when building or remodeling your bathroom. Instead, many homeowners choose bathtub liners or wall surrounds, which adhere to the walls and protect them from moisture, mold and mildew.
What does a tub surround cost?
Cost To Install Tub Surround The average cost to install a tub surround is $600 to $1,800 for the materials and labor. The labor cost to replace a tub surround is $300 to $600. Basic acrylic and fiberglass tub surrounds cost $200 to $1,000, while solid surface surrounds cost $600 to $2,000, plus installation.
What is my tub surround made of?
Most surrounds are made of acrylic and fiberglass materials, which make them light and easy to install.
How long do tub surrounds last?
Swanstone bathtub surrounds You can order matching solid-surface trim kits that eliminate the need for tile around the edge. Expect a life span of 30-plus years. Some brands include a lifetime warranty.
Are tub surrounds easy to install?
Tub surrounds and shower surrounds are easy to install and maintain. Follow our ten steps to update your bathroom with a surround. Installation can vary from product to product, so read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
What can be used for tub surround?
4 Popular Materials for Bathtub and Shower Surrounds Acrylic. Acrylic materials are cut from a large piece to fit every corner of your shower walls. Ceramic and porcelain tiles. They are similar to porcelain, and a bit larger than glass or stone tiles. 3 Glass tiles. Stone tiles.
How long does it take to install a tub surround?
For a typical tub with a tile tub surround to be removed and the walls of the surround replaced you are looking at at least 3 days for simple tile, although there are ways to shorten this. It will take about a half day to get rid of the old one.
Can you put a tub surround over existing tub?
Tub surrounds can sometimes be installed over existing tile, but only when conditions are right. The old tile area needs to be smaller than the kit and you’ll need to build up the surrounding wall to the level of the tile, usually with 1/4-in. drywall. First, tape cardboard over the tub to protect it.
How do I know if my bathtub is fiberglass or plastic?
Look around the tub’s edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.
Is my tub plastic or fiberglass?
Looking closely at the edges of your tub, thin edges could mean fiberglass, while thicker edges could indicate acrylic. Another tip to rule out cast iron as a material, hold a magnet to the side and see if it sticks. If it does not stick, you most likely have either fiberglass or acrylic.
Can you cut tub surround?
These surrounds are made of acrylic, and the panels are attached to the walls with special adhesives. If you are installing a tub surround and you need to cut holes for the faucet and spout or trim it to fit the space around your tub, make sure you cut it carefully to avoid chipping or damaging the tub surround.
Is it cheaper to tile a shower or buy a surround?
Because they are less laborious to install, surrounds are often less expensive than tile. Some high-end materials, however, such as granite, may be more expensive than tiling with some grades of tile.
Do tub surrounds leak?
Tubs can leak around the tub/shower control valve. Leaks are also common at the front of the tub where it meets the finished floor. In some instances, leaks can also develop around the lip of the tub where it meets the wall tile or tub surround. That was a quick rundown of potential tub leak locations.
How do you remodel a tub surround?
How to Remodel a Tub Surround Shut off the water to the bathroom. Remove the outer covering of the existing tub surround. Remove the drywall, greenboard or backerboard that was below the surface material. Hang a new vapor barrier over the studs in the walls.
Can you install a tub surround over drywall?
The short answer to the question is, “It’s not recommended.” However, this answer only really only suffices if you’re converting a room that was never a bathroom into a wet space. Drywall on its own is not suitable for use in bathrooms because it is prone to absorbing moisture and thus losing structural integrity.
What is a shower surround?
A surround can be manufactured with a variety of materials — including things like tile or glass — but in general it is simply a term for the waterproof materials that help funnel water down to your shower drain and keep your walls dry.
What type bathtub is best?
What Is the Best Kind of Bathtub to Get? Porcelain enameled cast iron (Cast Iron) – Best All Around; See Kohler Cast Iron Bathtubs. Thermoformed acrylic (Acrylic) – Better to Excellent; See Kohler Acrylic Bathtubs and Aquatic Bathtubs.
What is the average square footage of a tub surround?
How many square feet is a standard tub surround? Your average bath surround will measure in around 1,920 square feet. This number will generally differ depending on the size of your bathtub and the space you have available in your bathroom.