How Much Does It Cost To Install A Bath Surround?

Tub surround installation cost

The average cost to install a tub surround is approximately between $1,044 and $1,272 but the price may be higher or lower depending on several different factors

A tub surround does more than just bring beauty to your bathroom. It's also an important way to protect your walls from getting wet, which may lead to serious structural damage. You'll find tub surrounds made from a plethora of materials including tile and fiberglass. In order to determine the cost to install a tub surround, you'll need to decide which configuration and material choice you want. In addition to the buying surround itself, it's best to pay for the help of a competent contractor who knows how to install them the right way.

You can also purchase a bathroom wall surround kit that features pre-sized panels if you want to attempt it DIY. However, this job requires precision and skill, so it's usually something better left for the professionals to handle.

The bathtub surround installation process

There's a lot involved with installing a new bathtub surround. It's important to hire a skilled contractor who has experience working with these things or one who specializes in them completely. Whether you purchase a prefabricated tub or shower surround kit, or you have one custom made, there are two main ways to install them. The first involves using a special adhesive to secure the tub or shower surround, and the other involves using nails. Here are the steps required for a bathtub surround installation using caulk and adhesive:

Prep

First, the walls around your tub will need to be completely clean. Any obstructions must be removed so that they don't mix with the adhesive.

Dry fit

Lay the panels against your shower or bathtub to make sure that they'll fit snugly. This process is called dry fitting, and it will allow you to make any cuts or alterations before you use nails or glue to install it to the walls.

Side panels

The side panels of the bathtub surround should be installed first. Start by lining them up with your tub, and apply caulk on the back of the panel in a zigzag pattern. Next, apply a bead of caulk to the wall and spread it evenly with a trowel. Press down firmly and hold for one to two minutes before applying a line of adhesive along the base of the bathtub.

Back panel

Repeat the same steps as above for the back panel, and make sure the caulk stays within the panel boundaries so the excess doesn't come out of the edges. Press down for at least one minute or more, then apply adhesive at the back base of your tub.

Corner panels

The corner panels of your tub surround should be installed in the same way. Once you're finished (or your contractor is finished), the adhesive should dry for at least 24 hours before you use your tub or shower.

The steps above are somewhat similar when using a nail installation, but it's definitely recommended that you use a pro if your bathtub surround needs to be installed this way. If the nails are not attached or utilized correctly, it can cause holes to appear and can severely damage your brand-new surround.

Shower surround

If you have a standalone shower, a surround is a great way to keep everything clean and seamless. Instead of tiles and grout lines, shower surrounds offer you a smooth, continuous surface that makes cleaning your shower easy. Thanks to the polished surface, it's more difficult for soap scum and grime to cling onto the walls. Most shower surrounds are made of synthetic materials and are extremely affordable to expensive and luxurious, depending on what you choose. You can find a shower surround kit at most home improvement stores, or you may purchase one online from various manufacturers. If you're looking for something high-end, consider a shower surround made of solid stone like granite. Shower surrounds are nonporous, which means there's no danger of water seeping through to your walls.

Tub surround

A tub surround is similar to a shower surround in terms of style and function. Tub surrounds come in various materials depending on your budget and your preference in terms of aesthetics. Most tub surrounds come in a kit that contains several bathtub wall panels that attach to the walls. Each wall panel must be sealed near the bottom and at the seams to keep everything dry and secure. You'll also find custom tub surrounds that can be made to fit your bathtub's exact specifications. A custom tub surround costs more, but it's also a good way to ensure that everything is completely watertight. Custom-fit surrounds usually consist of a single piece rather than several panels.

Cost of the average tub surround based on material

The two main types of materials used for tub surrounds are fiberglass and acrylic-lined panels. Each material has its own set of pros and cons and its own price range. Let's take a closer look at each option so you can decide which one is right for you and your bathroom:

Fiberglass surrounds cost

Fiberglass is extremely lightweight and provides an attractive solution for your bathroom. This material is a good option, with an average cost of about $300 to $600 for a standard-size tub surround. Many homeowners choose to install fiberglass surrounds themselves since it's easy to work with and lighter in weight than some other options. If you're planning to hire a professional, prepare to pay an additional $150 to $300 for labor with the average time for installation lasting about six hours.

• Pros: A fiberglass tub surround is lightweight and beautiful, and it tends to work well in almost any style of bathroom. It's also a good choice if you're looking for a new bathtub surround that you want to install yourself to save on labor. Fiberglass is one of the most popular options available for bathtubs, showers, and walls (surrounds).
• Cons: Fiberglass is a porous material, which means stains can seep below the surface and leave a permanent mark or discoloration. If your fiberglass surround is stained, it's extremely difficult to remove it. This material also tends to show scratches very easily that are difficult to repair. If you want shelves on your tub surround, they must be on the back wall since fiberglass units have wide radius corners.

Acrylic-surface surrounds cost

If sticking to a budget is at the top of your list, an acrylic-surface surround is a good choice. This material is essentially a manmade plastic sheet that has a naturally shiny finish similar to glass. You can find acrylic-surface surrounds in a variety of colors, which means you can opt for a custom look to blend with your bathroom. An acrylic tub surround typically starts at about $55 and can be as much as $300 or more depending on the size, brand, and any other additional features. The labor cost for installation is similar to fiberglass.

• Pros: Acrylic-surface surrounds are much more affordable than fiberglass, so you can expect your project to cost a lot less. The color goes all the way through the surface, so scratches are not very visible. You can repair scratches by buffing them out with a polish. Acrylic is easy to clean since it's nonporous and naturally resists mold, hard-water buildup, and soap scum. You'll also enjoy a much larger selection of colors and designs than fiberglass.
• Cons: Because the material is quite thin, acrylic tub surrounds are flimsier than fiberglass. For a secure fit, look for acrylic-surface surrounds with fiberglass reinforcements on corners and shelves. Certain cleaners may cause permanent damage to your acrylic-lined surround that cannot be repaired. Always read the instructions on bathtub cleaners to make sure they're safe for use in acrylic tubs and bathtub surrounds.

New vs existing tub

If you're planning to do a full remodel, a brand-new bathtub is likely what you'll choose. On average, it can cost anywhere between $990 and $1,750 to install a new tub in your bathroom. If the area needs new plumbing or there are issues with your existing plumbing, plan to pay even more. If you have an existing tub that needs to be replaced, the average cost is closer to between $1,190 and $1,990. One way to enjoy a beautiful new bathtub is to install a new surround and tub liner. You can also have your tub and shower refinished, both of which cost significantly less than a completely new tub.

New tub surrounds pros and cons

As with any home project, there are a few pros and some drawbacks to choosing a new tub surround:

New tub pros

• Installing a new tub and shower liner is much less expensive than removing your existing tub and replacing it with a new one. That makes this solution a great option if you're on a tight budget or need to make a quick change.
• If you're thinking of installing a new surround yourself, the task is fairly easy to complete. With the right tools and by following the instructions, the average homeowner should be able to complete a basic install on their own.
• Tub surrounds are much easier to clean than tile. Thanks to the smooth and seamless surface, soap and scum don't stick to the walls or get stuck between grout lines.
• You can find a variety of bathtub surrounds in different colors and designs including built-in shelves, making them a versatile choice when updating your bathroom.

New tub cons

• In terms of resale value, most buyers prefer showers and tubs with tile over a surround.
• Most tub surrounds last around 10-15 years, and less if you choose an inexpensive material like one with thin acrylic-lined panels.
• If you make a mistake installing your surround, it can be uneven or have holes and other damage that cannot be repaired.
• In the event that your tub surrounds breaks, the entire panel or even the whole surround will be replaced, unlike tile which can be repaired by the piece.

DIY vs hire a pro

Most bathtub surrounds are easy to install, but you should make sure you have the right tools, time, and patience. If your tub surround requires nails to attach it to the wall, it may be best to leave the job to the professionals. Surrounds that use adhesives and caulk can be installed by the average homeowner, but it's important that you install them evenly and seal the seams to prevent leaks. Heavy-duty tub surrounds are more difficult to install due to their weight and the fact that they're more difficult to cut if needed. Consider a professional if you're not confident about installing your new tub surround on your own.