One of the easiest ways to modernize your bathroom and give it a seemingly complete makeover is by redoing your bathtub or your bathtub surround. In most cases, there is nothing wrong with the bathtub itself. The tile walls that comprise the bath tub surround, however, are typically fairly drab and potentially in need of repair. There are several options for remedying this situation, each with a varying degree of cost and ease of installation. A homeowner can choose between re-tiling the walls , paying someone to install a solid surface paneling, or taking on the do it yourself task of installing a tub surround. While these may all seem like ideal options, tub surrounds are, by far, the easiest and most cost effective option.
What Are My Options?
The largest problem with tiled bathtub walls, over time, is their susceptibility to water damage. This is due largely to the fact that, while the grout may do a significant job at repelling water, over time it tends to lose its effectiveness and begins to chip, crack, and wear away. As this happens, tiles may become loose or water may begin to seep behind the tile surface and into the wall behind it. On occasion, some people just get tired of having the same bland tile walls in their bathroom and want something visually different.
Out With The Old, In With The New
As you begin to experience problems with your walls, your first option is to remove the old tile and replace it with new tile. While you may have experience with floor tile, bathroom wall tile is much more detailed of a process and usually requires professional installation. Redoing your tile walls can take several days, during which you will be unable to use your shower, or sometimes even your bathroom. It can be a very messy process as not only the tile needs to be removed and replaced, but the backing board behind it as well. A typical tile replacement job is also costly, often averaging upwards of $1,500.
Solid Surface Paneling
If you are looking for a quicker process and aren’t necessarily fixed on tile walls, there are several companies that offer professionally installed solid surface wall panels. These panels are interlocking pieces that give your bathtub walls the appearance of one solid surface. Instead of replacing the tile walls, the panels are simply installed on top of them. The tile is treated first to rid it of any mod or mildew that may have formed up and then the panel system is placed over it and sealed together, forming a watertight surrounding for your shower enclosure. The panels come in a variety of designs and styles, even offering several optional features, such as built in soap dishes and towel racks. While this may seem like an ideal option, taking only a matter of a few hours t install, the materials and installation can be very costly. Most professionally installed solid surface panels run upwards of $2,000 to $2,500, with costs increasing for various options available.
Do It Yourself Tub Surrounds
If you are looking for an option that is as quick to install as solid surface paneling, without the higher price tags associated with it, as well as re-tiling, installing a bathroom tub surround, also known as a shower tub surround, may be the ideal solution for your needs. A tub surround is essentially a do it yourself version of a solid surface paneling. They are typically made from either fiberglass or acrylic and are installed directly over the existing tiled walls. Shower tub surrounds are water repellent and, when properly installed and sealed, watertight. They come in a variety of colors and styles, often with the same optional features as the solid surface panels. Tub surround panels my be slightly thinner than solid surface panels, but they can still be quite durable. Tub surrounds are typically made from acrylic or fiberglass, with the pressed fiberglass models being designed to handle more frequent use and possess a higher level of durability. Bathroom tub surrounds also come in a variety of textures ranging from smooth to slightly pebbled or rough.
One of the main advantages of bathtub surrounds is the elimination of any professional installation costs, coupled with the fact that a standard tub surround kit ranges from $75 to $150. Even the more upscale models with additional features are in the $400 to $500 price range, making them significantly cheaper than either retiling or having a solid surface panel system installed.
Overall, do it yourself bath tub surrounds are affordable, require a minimal effort to install, and can be quite beautiful and long lasting.
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