What is a bathtub surround?

Category: style and fashion bath and shower
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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.



Furthermore, what is the best material for a bathtub surround?

Bathtub surrounds are made of different man-made plastic composites. They can be cast or compression molded. Swanstone is a good example of a solid surface surround. Solid surface also includes engineered stones which are marble, granite, or quartz chips mixed with a resin (glue).

Also, how much is a bathtub surround? Cost to Install a Bathtub Surround
Item details Qty Low
Unused Minimum Labor Balance of 2 hr(s) minimum labor charge that can be applied to other tasks. 0.0 h $0
Totals - Cost To Install Bathtub Surround 1 EA $807
Average Cost per Surround $806.57

Similarly, you may ask, what is a tub surround?

A bathtub surround describes the area around your bathtub-specifically the tiles or walls that encompass or surround the exterior of your bathtub.

What can I use for a tub surround?

  1. To install the panels, be sure to use an adhesive specially designed for glue-up tub surrounds.
  2. Loctite Power Grab bonds to most surfaces, and is repositionable for several minutes after installation.
  3. Apply it with a caulk gun in a zigzag pattern across the entire section you need to seal.

32 Related Question Answers Found

Which is better for a tub acrylic or fiberglass?

Acrylic tubs are made with vacuum-formed acrylic sheets reinforced with fiberglass. Acrylic tubs tend to be more expensive than fiberglass and have a deeper color layer that can be more durable than the relatively thin gel coat used on fiberglass tubs.

Can you cut a tub surround?

Cut the tub surround with a jigsaw or handsaw. Start the saw blade in one of the holes you made. Cut through the plastic with smooth, fluid movements. Don't use coarse-toothed saws; they can chip the plastic tub surround.

How much does it cost to replace a bathtub and surround?

Bathtub Installation or Replacement Costs
The average cost to install a bathtub is $3,367, but can range from $1,064 and $5,676, depending on the type of tub and modifications needed. The average cost of the tub itself ranges from $200 to $2,000 or more.

What type of bath is best?

Steel baths
They are considered to be more durable and are much stronger than the plastic version. In fact they are even stronger than a cast iron or stone bath. For this reason they will last a long time. This type of bath will retain the heat of the water much longer than acrylic.

How much tile do I need for a tub surround?


Measure the size of the tiles you want to use. A 3-by-3 inch tile is 9 square inches. Divide the area of the wall (2592 square inches) by the area of an individual tile (9 square inches) giving you the number of tiles required for that surface (288 tiles needed for the sample wall).

What is better for resale tub or shower?

Replacing the tub with a shower in the only bathroom is riskier than switching from tub to shower in a second or third bathroom. The National Association of Realtors says as long as the home has at least one tub, switching from a tub to a shower shouldn't negatively impact resale value.

How long do tub surrounds last?

Swanstone bathtub surrounds
Solid-surface panels offer the largest selection of styles, including faux granite, quartz and marble. 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.

Can you put a tub surround over existing tub?

A bathtub liner (and tub surround) fit right over the existing tub and walls, and don't require you to remove anything except the knobs on the plumbing fixtures. You can still use all of the existing plumbing, and the whole thing can usually be installed in a day.

How do you replace a tub surround?

How To Install Beadboard Panel for Bathtub Update. Press panel into place, then add clamps. Using caulk gun, add bead of silicone to gaps between panel and tub surround, wipe with damp cloth. Allow at least 24 hours for adhesive to dry.

Can you paint a bathtub surround?


Spray paint the entire tub surround with epoxy paint. Painting with a paintbrush or roller isn't very effective for this type of project. Your tub surround should look like new when you finish.

How do you measure a tub surround?

How to Measure the Dimensions of a Bathtub
  1. Stand in front of the bathtub, like you were about to get in.
  2. Measure the distance from the left side of the bathtub to the right.
  3. Repeat the measuring process going from the back wall, or back of the tub, to the front.
  4. Measure the height of the bath tub from the floor of your bathroom to the top of the bathtub.

What is the standard size of a tub surround?

The standard bathtub dimensions are 32 inches wide and 60 inches long. Most bathtub and shower combos come standard and are 60 inches by 30 inches by 72 inches or 60 inches by 36 inches by 72 inches. This includes a 60-inch basin length, 30 or 36-inch basin width, and 60-inch wall width.

How much is a tub kit?

Bathtub liners cost $850 to $1,400 for just the liner, and between $1,600 and $3,000 total to install, with most homeowners paying $1,700 to $2,500 on average.

Bathtub Liner Prices.
National Average Cost $2,000
Minimum Cost $1,600
Maximum Cost $3,200
Average Range $1,700 to $2,500

How much does it cost to tile a tub surround?

For tile, materials and installation, a tub surround costs about $3,000 to $4,000, says Carlos Martinez, first officer of C-Bek Tile & Stone Design in North Hollywood, California. Floor tile adds another $3,000 to $4,500 or more, depending on the room's size.

How long does it take to install a tub?


A new tub installation will take around 6-9 hours and will cost you between $540 and $1,620 in labor. If you have to remove an existing tub, it will add at least an additional 3-4 hours to the total time and cost you $270-$540 more.

How tall is a tub surround?

60 inches by 60 inches or 5ft by 5ft with a water depth of 20 inches (1.6ft). Small sizes run 48 inches by 48 inches (4ftx4ft) with a water depth of 18 inches (1.5ft). Large sizes running at 72 inches by 72 inches (6ftx6ft) with a water depth of 20 inches.

Does Home Depot install bathtubs?

Home Depot can help ease accessibility in your bathroom by replacing your existing tub or shower with a walk-in tub. From in-home consultation to product selection to professional installation, we're with you every step of the way. Plus, you can rest easy knowing the installation is backed by a 1-year labor warranty.