Tub Surrounds

If you want to improve the look of your bathroom but don't have a fortune to spend on the project, tub surrounds may be the answer. Prefabricated units have changed a lot in recent years and cookie cutter units with little or no personality aren't the only prefab option.

Although custom tile or stone tub surrounds are available, prefabricated units are by far the most popular and common option for bathroom installations or retrofits. These pre-manufactured surrounds have some distinct advantages too. Created from long lasting materials, like PVC and fiberglass, and available in a number of easy configurations, prefabricated surrounds are affordable, relatively easy to install and can suit a number of needs. They may also include molded recesses, shelves and support rails, which are nice details that make taking a bath more comfortable and safer.

If your tub is in bad shape, but you don't have the budget or time to invest in a remodel, consider buying a surround and liner combo. These nifty units can fit over your existing tub; just remove the current fixtures. A liner/surround can transform your bathroom, and for the budget conscious, this is an option worth looking into.

Before you decide on a surround, understand your current setup thoroughly. Surrounds are available in one, three and five piece varieties, and the condition of your bathroom may determine the model that will work best for you. Where one-piece units offer great water resistance because there are no seams, they can be finicky. If you have an older home and your bathroom isn't square, or anywhere close to it, a one piece unit may not be the best choice because there isn't much wiggle room in the installation.

If you believe your bathroom has a feature, like a window, that makes a prefabricated surround a poor idea, think again. Many prefabricated models can be installed with cutouts for windows. In some circumstances they can even be installed over windows. It isn't an ideal solution, but in older homes the sleek modeling of a prefab may make up for the loss of a small window, especially when retrofitting a small bathroom into a closet or utility room.

Where prefabricated surrounds used to look plastic and predictable, newer designs can mimic other materials, like stone. You should check out the options before you decide on a more expensive or labor-intensive solution. What you save you could spend on a vanity or other high-end fixtures.

• Take careful measurements.
• To insure a hassle free installation, consult a plumber before making an upgrade.
• Inspect your walls for mold and wood rot before adding a surround. Seriously. You don't want to find out half way through an installation that you have a problem.
• Surrounds may be lightweight, but they're still large and difficult to maneuver. On installation day, it's best to have a helper on hand.
• Follow all assembly directions to the letter. On multi-piece surrounds, it's important to make sure they're watertight and assembly order makes a difference. To insure a good seal, put everything together according to the instructions.

Tub surrounds offer convenience and some cost savings over other methods of upgrading your bathroom. Explore the options at your local home improvement and design retailer.

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