Tub Surrounds: A New Look for an Old Tub

Believe it or not, a one piece tub and shower has not always been around. Many older homes still sport the traditional tub with a shower head added in later. Water proof tileboard surrounds the walls above the tub to protect the walls from moisture damage. Much of this tileboard is dated and just downright ugly. But you can upgrade your tub without actually tearing it out of the wall and replacing it with a one piece tub and shower. You can do this by installing a tub surround.

Tub surrounds are a fairly inexpensive and easy solution to redoing a tub. Tub surrounds range in price from as little as fifty dollars to as much as several hundred. They come with built in shelves for shampoo, soap, etc. They are lightweight, easy to handle, and simple to install. What's more, they look great if installed correctly.

These simple steps will help guide you through the process smoothly and quickly.

Probably the hardest part of this project will be selecting the tub surround that you want and can afford. Keep in mind that even the simplest surround still looks great and provides some shelves. After you have made your choice, be sure to pick up five to six tubes of tub adhesive. Other types of adhesive would probably work just as well, but I tend to like to stick with products that are made specifically for the project I'm working on. You will also need a caulking gun. These guns are cheap, only a few dollars, so don't get worried. You will also need a notched trowel to spread the adhesive. Last, you will need to purchase several tubes of caulking to seal around the top and bottom of the tub surround.

Once you are back home, make sure the walls around the tub are clean and dry. All adhesives stick better to clean surfaces. Open the box and lay out all the pieces. Read through the instructions. They really can be helpful.

There are a few tools that you will need to install the tub surround. The caulking gun we mention earlier, of course, as well as a few other items. You will need a drill and bit, large enough to cut out the holes for the faucet knobs and spout. You will also need masking tape to tape the pieces to the wall for the dry fit and a level to ensure the tub surround is level. If you do not get the first piece level, it could lead to problems on the adjoining pieces. Make sure you have a pencil tucked behind your ear, grab a tape measure and you should be ready to begin.

The first step is to measure the width of the back wall of the tub. This is generally five feet, as most tubs are five feet. However, some mobile homes have smaller tubs, so measure to be safe. Mark the center high enough so that you will be able to see it when you put the center piece of the surround up. Measure the center piece. Mark the center. Align the centers. The bottom of the tub surround should be over the lip of the tub, but not actually sitting on the tub. Tape the piece up using the masking tape. Using the level, make sure the top of the surround is level, adjusting the tape as necessary to hold the piece. Once the piece is level, trace around the outside edge of the piece. You can now remove it.

Using the caulking gun, spread the tub adhesive all around the back wall, staying within the pencil mark. Then, using the trowel, spread the adhesive. Be sure to be generous around the edges. To help eliminate any water getting up under the bottom part of the panel, spread a bead of caulking along the bottom edge of the tub surround near the tub. Now you can put the panel back in place, staying within your pencil line. Using a towel, rub across the entire piece to ensure it attaches to the wall.

You will next install the two side pieces, starting with the piece that will contain the holes for the faucet and knobs. Make sure it is the same height as the back piece and measure for the holes for the plumbing. Using the drill, cut out the openings for the plumbing. Be very careful when measuring for these openings. Remember the old saying, "Measure twice, cut once." You want to be as accurate as possible on these holes.

Once the openings are cut, do a dry fit. Make sure everything fits okay and is level and even with the center piece. Tape the piece into place, then trace around it with your pencil. Remove the piece and apply the adhesive as with the back center piece. Don't forget the caulking at the bottom of the piece. Put the piece back into place. Repeat the process with the opposite side, only without the hole cutting.

Last, you will need to install the corner pieces. Usually these pieces contain the shelves. Attach them with masking tape also to get the correct location. After tracing the top, remove them in order to apply the adhesive and caulking. Put the corner pieces in place, remembering to press the pieces firmly into place.

Congratulations, you have almost finished.

You will need to place strips of masking tape along the top and joints of the tub surround to help hold it in place until the adhesive dries.

Wait at least a day before removing the tape and caulking the tops, bottoms, and all the joints.

You should now have a beautiful new tub surround in place. You will be so proud of it, you will hate to hide it behind a shower curtain.