Has the bathtub in your home seen better days? In many cases, the walls of the tub or shower wear out sooner than the tub itself. If you’re looking for a cost-effective repair or renovation to your bathroom, a replacement tub surround may be just what you need. Instead of ripping out everything, you can keep your existing tub (if it’s still in good shape) and refresh the walls with a new three- or five-piece surround kit.
Benefits of tub surround kits
Today’s surround kits come in either acrylic or fiberglass. These materials are light, easy to carry into your home, and relatively simple to install. There’s also a wide range of styles to choose from, so you’re sure to find an option that suits your taste and existing décor.
Tips for picking out the right surround
Before you spend time and money on a new bathtub surround, here are some things to consider to make sure you’re making the right choice.
- Color – Ideally, you’d want to find a surround that seamlessly matches the tub and other fixtures like your toilet. Getting the colors close will hide the fact that the tub is older than the surround. Give your tub a thorough cleaning so you have the most accurate color you’re looking to match. Try to bring samples home to see how they look in the lighting of your bathroom.
- Dimensions – Since you’re installing the surround to your existing bathroom walls and tub, it’s crucial that you get the measurements right on. Measure the length and width of your tub. Most will be about 60 inches long and range between 30-32 inches wide.
- Type of installation – Some surround kits can simply be glued to the wallboard, while others require opening up the walls and being attached directly to the wall studs. This will determine the time and costs associated with installation. In addition to the main panels, trim pieces and shelving need to be installed.
- Custom requirements – Plan for any unique features or structural requirements of your shower area. For example, you may need to accommodate a window at the top of the wall. If this is the case, you might want to look for a surround kit that has panels that are easy to cut.
We hope you find this guide useful while researching and selecting a new tub surround. If you have any questions or concerns with your bathroom renovation, don’t hesitate to bring in the experts at Pratt Plumbing. We’ve been serving the plumbing needs of Amarillo homeowners for over 55 years. Call us today at (806) 373-7866.
