Tub Surround

No tub surround is total without the proper encasement. Change the look of your shower with our ready to set up tub and shower walls. At Trugard, we provide different styles for your benefit. With alternatives for in-shower shelving, you can discover shower enclosure that suits the entire family.

Trying to find a new bath tub surround? Discover the benefits and drawbacks of whatever from solid-surface bath tub and surround combinations to inexpensive acrylic plastic panels.

Tubs and shower tub surrounds come in all types of products and cost varieties. They all have a difficult shiny surface area, but they vary in tightness, reparability and forecasted durability. We divided them into 3 product classifications and cost ranges. The very first two categories are the most popular.

Premium composite bathtub and surround combinations provide caulkless joints and more realistic tile and texture patterns. You can purchase matching solid-surface trim kits that eliminate the need for tile around the edge. The composite systems install straight to studs with screws and clips; the solid-surface panels glue to either walls or studs.

PROS:

Strongest and most scratch- and chip-resistant of any product

A lot of realistic tile and texture patterns

Longer life (30-plus years; some with lifetime warranty).

Caulkless designs remove recaulking.

Scratches and chips can be fixed.

CONS:.

More pricey.

Harder to cut.

Some designs need a mortar bed under the tub.

Requires a special order at many home centers.

Fiberglass and composites: $300 to $600.

In this category, you get durable shelves and total stiffness, plus a more resilient surface.

Fiberglass systems are more powerful and far more chip- and-scratch resistant than the tub surrounds in the next category. Composite tub surrounds and tubs are the greatest and have the longest predicted life period.

PROS:.

Inexpensive.

Easy to set up.

Longer life (15 to twenty years).

Composite systems have tighter corner radii, so shelves and soap meals can be formed right into the corners, opening individual shower space.

Light scratches can be fixed.

CONS:.

Fiberglass systems have wide radius corners so shelves need to be found on the back wall.

EXAMPLES:.

Swanstone TI30000.010; $490.

Swanstone RM5801-SS shower wall; $432 at Sears.

Acrylic-surface plastic shower tub surrounds: $55 to $300.

Models in this category all have the same surface layer, however they vary a lot in stiffness.

The lowest-priced tub surrounds are simply flat sheets of acrylic, capped polystyrene that you glue to moisture-resistant drywall. The $55 bath tub surrounds are popular because they fit a tight budget, and they're fine for low-use showers. For a lot of bathrooms, we recommend you spend about $200 to $300 for a fiberglass-reinforced tub surround.

PROS:.

Low cost.

Normally in stock in your home centers.

Easy to drill and cut.

CONS:.

Scratches and chips more readily than other surfaces and can't be fixed.

Quickest life (10 to 15 years).

Back wall racks intrude into shower space.

A gorgeous tub requires a gorgeous bathtub surround.

Bestbath makes modern-day tub surrounds that complete your bath tub with stunning, magnificently created walls. Our tile prepared bath tub surrounds included finish alternatives like "Diamond" and "Real" for a tile appearance. All bathtub surround sets mimic the look of tile but without the painstaking upkeep and prolonged setup process. Your bathroom should have a high and lovely quality tub surround. Order yours today!

Your bath tub surround is the best method to extend the beauty and design of your High-end Bath tub up the walls and throughout the damp location. Simply like the tub you pick, each of the surrounds provided by High-end Bath are constructed of ABS-backed acrylic that is developed to be set up straight over your existing tile or walls. Each surround is sealed with Lux-Bond ®, an exclusive adhesive system that produces a long-term bond when cured. This guarantees that for the entire life of your new High-end Tub surrounds, they are ensured never to warp, fracture, sag or different from the wall-- ensured!

Do your bathtub walls have a dark tint that appears difficult to eliminate? Our bath redesigning procedure is the perfect service for you. Our experts will change your old, outdated bath surround with a fresh brand-new one that will make certain to bring a sleek seek to any bathroom.

Our completely customized technique to restroom remodels ensures that your new wall surround fits effortlessly onto your existing wall. Our triple-seal innovation further guarantees that no water will get behind your surround-- avoiding unattractive and potentially harmful water damage or mold development.

Bathtub Walls.

Our procedure involves taking detailed measurements and pictures of your bathroom to customize your new tub walls to perfectly fit your tub and accommodate nearly any design you want. Our experts can then install your brand-new tub surround, rapidly and effectively creating a brand name new appearance and feel for your restroom.

All of our premier products are created from resilient acrylic that stands up to daily wear and tear. The grout-free design is low-maintenance, making it simpler to keep your restroom tidy.

Most tubs will utilize a panel for each wall. Each wall panel is a different piece.

The side panels have two finished edges, (front & top,) and the back panel will have an ended up top edge. Any cutting, notching, drilling, or sanding can be done using regular wood cutting tools.

Panels are connected to the wall using our adhesive silicone. Color match silicone is utilized to seal the joints where two onyx pieces come together. Panels can be ordered large and can be trimmed to fit utilizing routine wood cutting tools. Corner trim is likewise available to cover spaces brought on by misaligned or unequal walls.

The enclosure around a tub frequently gets more wear than the tub itself. It's not uncommon to be faced with significant wall repair long before the tub is all set for replacement. This can a quite challenging task if you have ceramic tile walls, and setting up a brand-new system of tub surround panels is generally a simpler solution.

Many surrounds are made from acrylic and fiberglass materials that make them easy and light to set up. One-piece tub surround systems are available for new building and construction or significant remodeling, however if you are getting rid of an old tub surround with bath tub still in place, setting up a brand-new three-piece or five-piece surround is often the way to go.

Buying Tips.

You will require to choose a surround set that is the ideal measurements for the tub, or one that is adjustable to your dimensions. Frequently, individuals replace the tub surround and set up a new tub at the very same time, but this is not required if you do some research and make sure the tub surround will fit your existing tub.

What is the color of the tub? Can you match the brand-new tub surround to the color of the tub you currently have? A lot of bathrooms have matching sink color, toilet color, and tub color so all of the fixtures have the exact same look and finish. Ensuring that the brand-new surround matches your existing tub will make it appear like it was planned and make sure all of the fixtures go together. Mismatched fixtures will draw the eye, and it might serve to highlight the age differences between the fixtures.

Thicker, stronger tub surround panels are usually connected direct-to-studs. With this type of tub surround, drywall or trim pieces will likely have actually to be added over the lip to cover it up. Thin tub surround panels are glued on with a tub surround adhesive and have to be smoothed out while being set up.

Sometimes there is a window at the top of a wall in the tub enclosure area. Make sure that the measurements of the new tub surround will not interfere with the window.

Bear in mind.

With a tub surround set, It does not matter which side your tub faucet valve is on. Another advantage of tub surrounds over ceramic tile and other wall options.

Tub Surround Protect Walls.

A tub surround is a vertical surface material that protects the walls just above a bath tub or bathtub/shower system. Surrounds can be constructed in many styles, varying from a single row of ceramic tile that functions as a kind of backsplash around the tub, to completely covered walls that encase the 3 sides of a tub or shower alcove. In some bathrooms, the surround can consist of practically all wall surfaces.

Although normally made of ceramic tile, other products can likewise be used for tub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material.

Updating your restroom tub and surround may seem like a big undertaking, but if you purchase the best fixture and prep the area effectively, you can do the task yourself in simply one weekend. Here are some purchasing and setup suggestions and tricks to make the task a lot easier.

Start by Buying the Right Tub and Surround.

If you're updating a primary bath, shop for a four-piece composite tub/surround unit. A four-piece design is easier to move and carry into place than large two-piece systems that require you to eliminate the restroom door and jamb.

It's a four-piece design (tub, back wall and two side walls) so you can move all the pieces into place easily. It's created for DIYers with tongue-and-groove wall panels that fit together with tabs and slots. The wall panels integrate factory seals that supply a seamless look that's leak-proof and never ever needs caulking.

Setup Tips.

Prepping the website is important to accomplishing a best setup, so invest the time to get it right before you begin the installation. Focus on these 5 preparation steps:.

Square up corners utilizing filler strips and shims.

Use a 6-ft level to look for vertical and horizontal bowing on all studs. Trim bowed areas with a handheld planer.

Examine subfloor condition and replace any broken floor covering.

Put a 1" thick mortar base to accomplish the most strong structure and reduce flooring "creaking.".

Test-fit the tub and utilize shims to attain a level condition within 1/32".

Follow the instructions to secure the tub and install. Place the back wall by finding the bottom tabs in the tub flange.

Carefully determine and cut the openings in the side wall to accommodate the faucet, spout, and showerhead. Set the side walls in place so the tongue and groove mates, and secure the wall flanges to the studs using screws.

Sooner or later on, every bathroom needs a tuneup, and the tub's shower enclosure is frequently the finest place to start. Tiled walls are particularly vulnerable because every 4-in. When well set up and routinely preserved, tiled shower walls can last a generation or more.

When it comes to alternatives, you can select from new tile, plastic tub surround packages and professionally installed solid-surface panels. A fast appearance at the numbers will inform you why tub surround kits are so popular.

Selecting A Surround.

Due to the fact that quality and rate are straight related to panel thickness, Shopping for surrounds is relatively easy. At the starter level, you'll find ABS or PVC plastic panels so thin they will not stand versus a wall without extra support. Midprice thermal-plastic systems with formed looks and features are generally more trendy and better made. There are pressed-fiberglass packages, with thick, almost stiff panels that are extremely durable.

The flimsier the product, the more frustrating it is to set up. Thin panels frequently need wood bracing until the adhesive sets and they can mirror adhesive beads and imperfections in the walls.

Three-piece units cost a little less, however they work well only when tub walls are framed square and plumb. Five-piece units are usually a better choice due to the fact that they are more flexible of out-of-square corners and misaligned walls.

Covering the walls on three sides of an alcove tub, tub surrounds secure the wall from water damage while adding to your restroom style. From tile tub surrounds to strong surface surrounds, there are a great deal of choices for property owners looking to give their tub area an upgrade. Discover the pros, cons and installation factors to consider for each one to make certain you get the best option for your bathroom.

Types of Tub Surrounds.

Tub surround is the term for any material that covers the surface of your walls and secures them from wetness damage. Surrounds can be ornamental or utilitarian, and are readily available in various products.

Tile.

Almost any tile can be utilized on a surround, supplied that steps are taken to safeguard permeable materials, such as stone, from wetness. Tile surrounds are perfect in bathrooms that have tile on the walls in other places; the tile can continue straight into the tub area. This is also an excellent concept for little bathrooms; utilizing the very same tile on the tub surround as on the floor outside the tub will make the restroom appearance bigger than it in fact is.

Pros.

Tile is ornamental and can be installed in a number of designs and patterns to match the rest of your restroom style.

Tile installed effectively over a cement backerboard and a waterproofing membrane provides good protection versus wetness.

Little areas of tile can be eliminated and replaced without damage to the whole structure.

Cons.

The grout joints between the tiles may undergo moisture issues, which can result in breaking and replacement over time.

Tile may crack, especially if installed poorly, which could result in moisture penetration.

Some tiles, such as those with crackled finishes, or those constructed out of stone, require a lot of maintenance in damp areas.

Installation.

Tile surrounds install just like any other wall or shower tile. The secret to a successful tub installation depends on the preparation:.

Take out the walls or drywall down to the studs.

Hang a waterproofing membrane from the top of the studs. Enable it to hang directly down to the tub.

Screw cement backerboard straight to the studs, every 6-inches, leaving a 1/8-inch gap in between each sheet of backerboard and around the boundary of each wall.

Tape the seams with a fiberglass tape and skim the tape with a coat of thinset mortar. Let the mortar dry for 24 hr, then set up the tile over it.

Acrylic Tub Surrounds.

SOURCE.

Acrylic surrounds are typically three-piece units made out of a put acrylic resin. Acrylic surrounds are excellent for rental systems, low maintenance restrooms and older restrooms that need a fast facelift.

Pros.

Acrylic surrounds are easy and fairly low-cost to install.

Surrounds just need caulk in the corners and along the tub edge, which means there are less opportunities for leakages and water damage.

Acrylic surrounds frequently have integrated grab bars, towel bars and soap meals.

Cons.

Acrylic surrounds can be found in just a couple of colors and are fairly plain.

Acrylic can scratch and dull, which may leave it looking dingy gradually.

Setup.

Get rid of the faucet trim and spout, in addition to the shower head from the existing surround.

Get rid of any damaged tiles and cut out wet or moist drywall.

Replace these locations with cement backerboard, which is designed for wet environments.

Make a template of your water wall to ensure you understand where the valve, shower and spout head will be on the acrylic wall. Take the cardboard box your surround came in and position it over the water wall.

Lay the cardboard down on top of the acrylic wall and trace the cutouts from the cardboard right onto the acrylic.

Eliminate the pipes holes with a hole saw and double check the fit on the water wall before setting up.

Location the back wall of the surround in location and have a helper check to guarantee it's level. Draw a line across the top of the surround onto the wall behind it to mark its position. Repeat for the 2 side walls.

Squeeze a bead of silicone adhesive onto the backs of each of the corner panels on the surround and press them into place on the wall.

Squeeze a bead of adhesive onto the back wall of the surround simply listed below the line you drew. Squeeze a little, 1-inch bead of adhesive onto the wall a few inches below the very first line.

Squeeze a bead of caulk into the corners of each wall and along the bottom of the surround where the walls connect to the tub.

Smooth the caulk into place with a damp index finger.

Installing your pipes components and caulk into place. Enable the adhesive and caulk to dry for 24 hours prior to using the shower.

Cultured Marble.

Cultured marble and other cultured stone items are man made products which contain natural stone. They frequently have swirls of color or other patterns, along with a high-gloss gel coat surface. They work well in bathrooms that have a cultured marble vanity top to match and can be cut and shaped to any tub surround size.

Pros.

Cultured marble is fairly economical.

Cultured marble panels can be fitted over greenboard, drywall or backerboard.

Great deals of various colors are readily available to harmonize your bathroom design.

Surrounds made of cultured marble are relatively low upkeep.

Cons.

Cultured marble can scratch, dull or warp quickly, which means frequent repairs.

Due to the fact that kits are rarely readily available, sheets will require to be fitted to your surround, that makes setup tougher than other options.

Fiberglass Tub and Surround.

In addition to those products used routinely, there are a couple of other types of tub surrounds that get utilized less typically.

Fiberglass.

Fiberglass tub surrounds are typically one-piece units that feature the tub attached. They are generally set up in brand-new building and construction only, due to the logistics of getting the tub and shower surround into the restroom. Due to the fact that there are no seams in a fiberglass system, they have less opportunities of leaking and often last longer than other surrounds.

Strong Surface area.

Strong surface materials can likewise be used to produce a tub surround. Since various pieces can be merged together, strong surface surrounds typically are made up of several colors, styles or patterns, which offers them a designer appearance.

Safeguard Your Walls.

Tub surrounds do more than complete the look of your bathroom. They safeguard your bathroom walls from water mold, damage and mildew. Buy a brand-new tub surround and make the many of your bathroom.