Most bathrooms have a consistent color throughout with matching tub, sink, and toilet.
Bathtubs 30″ and 32″ wide are common, but get out your tape measure before purchasing. Most tubs are 60 inches long, but width can vary. Measurementsīefore choosing a bathtub surround kit, be sure to measure your bathtub. Examine the tub kit prior to purchasing to ensure it will work for your current plumbing set up. Most alcove tubs have a lip to prevent water from leaking out and damaging the wall behind it, so that seam is less concerning than wall seams.Īnother concern for one piece systems is the placement of plumbing. The only seam to caulk is the one where the tub meets the bottom of the surround. The advantage is that the one piece tub surround kit is water-tightness. Maneuvering a solid one piece surround through doors, hallways, and in to a small bathroom can present a real challenge that is worth considering. These types of surrounds are most used in new builds. Tub surround kits that are mounted directly to studs are usually of higher quality and last longer than a kit that requires it to be glued on.
1 PIECE TUB SURROUND INSTALL
Like the three piece kit, you would install the pieces according to the manufacturer’s directions and then caulk all the seams. The kit consists of three walls for the bathtub alcove and two corner pieces that are angled at ninety degrees. The three seams are caulked to prevent water leakage.Ī five piece bathtub surround works well for walls that might be a bit crooked since they are more forgiving. Each piece can be cut to fit the three walls in the bathtub alcove and then secured to the wall according to the manufacturer’s directions (glue, screws, clips).
3 piece bathtub surround versus 5 piece bathtub surroundĪ three piece bathtub surround is a a great choice for a plumb and square bathroom. Scratches and chips cannot be repaired, and this surface does scratch more easily than fiberglass and composites. Acrylic bathtub surrounds are usually in stock at home improvement stores and are easy to cut and drill. Showers that aren’t used often can also do fine with a cheap surround. These types of surrounds have the shortest life span, likely around 10 years, but they work for low-budget projects. Kits in this category are also the strongest and least likely to chip or scratch. Premium tub surround kits like these offer caulkless designs which lowers the necessary maintenance for water tightness. Most tub surrounds of these types offer realistic tile patterns, faux granite, marble, and include options for trim kits that eliminate the need for tile around the ends of the surround kit. On the high end, a premium composite or solid surface tub surround can cost upwards of $1000 and last 30 years. Material thickness directly correlates to cost, and a thicker surround is easier to install and lasts longer. A solid surface surround or tile job ranges from $600-$2000, which points to why fiberglass, plastic, and acrylic surround kits are so popular.
1 PIECE TUB SURROUND PROFESSIONAL
Choosing a bathtub surround that either you or a professional will replace isn’t that hard once you know the facts and can identify your priorities.Ī surround ranges from $50-$600 and often comes in three or five piece kits. A well tiled shower wall can last 20 years or more, but a not-so awesome tile job can result in cracks, leakage, and mold. Replacing a bathtub surround isn’t at the top of everyone’s list, but sooner or later, you might have one that likely needs it.
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