Table of Contents
Acrylic is an exceedingly popular choice for bathtub surrounds—and for good reason. Unlike expensive natural stone or tile that comes with high-maintenance grout lines, acrylic features a smooth surface that pairs well with any aesthetic and is a breeze to keep clean.
What can I use for tub surround?
In some bathrooms, the surround can include virtually all wall surfaces. Although typically made of ceramic tile, other materials can also be used for bathtub surrounds, including sheets of acrylic or polyester, or sheets of solid-surface material.
Which is better fiberglass or acrylic tubs?
Acrylic is much more durable than a fiberglass tub. The chance of an acrylic tub chipping, cracking or fading is unlikely. Fiberglass tubs can fade and get cracked and scratched over time. Both styles can be cleaned with simple cleaning solutions.
Is it OK to use bleach on acrylic tub?
Many acrylic tub manufacturers warn against using bleach or other abrasive cleaners as this “may void the warranty” on your bathtub. So, no matter what type of cleaner you prefer, make sure to use a soft cloth or a squeegee to avoid damaging your tub’s finish.
How long does it take to install a tub surround?
A new tub installation will take around 6-9 hours and will cost you between $540 and $1,620 in labor. If you have to remove an existing tub, it will add at least an additional 3-4 hours to the total time and cost you $270-$540 more.
How much do tilers charge per hour?
How Much Do Tilers Charge per Hour? Tilers charge $45 to $60 per hour. However, the tiling hourly rates vary between $40 and $100, depending on whether the tiling is required indoors or outdoors.
How do I make my dull acrylic tub shine?
Baking soda works as a mild scrubber on your dull acrylic tub and works wonders in bringing back its gleam. And it’s way easier to use than the vinegar solution. You have to sprinkle enough baking soda on the entire tub, both inside and outside, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Make sure the tub is not dry.
How do I know if my shower surround is fiberglass or acrylic?
Look for dulling of the color. Fiberglass shower color fades over time. Look in different areas of the shower for inconsistency in color. In addition, if the shower surface is cold to the touch even in a heated bathroom, it is likely fiberglass, as acrylic is warm.
How long will an acrylic tub last?
Unlike fiberglass, acrylic is an affordable and durable option for your bathtub, especially when combined with another strong foundational material, like a high-tech polymer. On average, acrylic tubs last around 10 to 15 years, significantly longer than a fiberglass tub.
How much tile is needed for a bathtub surround?
You will need 90-95 square feet of wall tile and 15-20 square feet of shower floor tile. Typically to finish off the edges, a bullnose tile or a Schluter strip is used. To account for the height of the wall tile, 20 linear feet will work.
What material is used behind shower walls?
What material is used behind shower walls? In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate.
Should I put drywall behind tub surround?
Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it.
Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?
Acrylic tub – These tubs are created by heating and molding (vacuum forming) sheets of acrylic which are reinforced underneath with fiberglass. Since the material is non-porous it will not allow mold and mildew to build up. Color is solid through the acrylic so it won’t yellow like a fiberglass bathtub.
How much is a tub surround?
Install a Bathtub Surround: national average cost The national average materials cost to install a bathtub surround is $739.55 per surround, with a range between $437.27 to $1,041.83. The total price for labor and materials per surround is $1,104.78, coming in between $762.82 to $1,446.75.
How many sqft is a tub surround?
How many square feet is a standard tub surround? Your average bath surround will measure in around 1,920 square feet. This number will generally differ depending on the size of your bathtub and the space you have available in your bathroom.
How do I choose a tub surround?
You will likely want to match your new tub surround to the color of your existing bathtub (presuming you’re using the old one), especially since matching sink color, toilet color, and tub color is the norm for most bathrooms — this gives the same look and finish to lend the room a seamless look.
What is better porcelain or acrylic tubs?
Acrylic is generally a much more durable material when compared to porcelain. Although porcelain tubs have a much harder surface and are more resistant to scratches when compared to acrylic, the harder surface is much more susceptible to cracks and chipping from heavy impacts.
How many subway tiles do I need for a tub surround?
There are eight 3-inch by 6-inch subway tiles in 1 square foot. This means that a tub surround measuring 72 inches high, with two walls measuring 30 inches and one measuring 60 inches, requires 66 square feet or 528 subway tiles if you’re using standard-size tiles.
Can you put a tub surround over existing tub?
A bathtub liner (and tub surround) fit right over the existing tub and walls, and don’t require you to remove anything except the knobs on the plumbing fixtures. You can still use all of the existing plumbing, and the whole thing can usually be installed in a day.
Should you put insulation behind shower walls?
Insulating behind shower walls improves moisture control, which in turn reduces the chances of mold growth. Apart from retaining heat and minimizing condensation, insulating behind shower walls also provides better acoustics by reducing annoying sounds from outdoors or between rooms.
