Bathroom Remodeling | Everything You Need to Know About Tub Surrounds
One of the things homeowners need to shop for during their bathroom remodeling in Tamp is a new tub surround. Tub surrounds are panels that protect the drywall of the bathroom from water, moisture, and humidity. When shopping for your new bathtub and tub surround, there will be many different colors, styles, and materials to choose from, but almost all of them fall into one of these three categories:
Solid Surface Premium Composites
Premium composites tub surrounds like sterling have seams that don’t need caulking. Premium composites are also stylish with great texture choices, including a granite, marble, or quartz look that is elegant and upscale. Solid-surface trim kits are usually sold to match the surrounds, so you won’t need to retile the edges. Premium composites generally last for up to 30 years when properly cleaned and maintained and many brands include a lifetime warranty.
Premium composites for solid surface surrounds are more expensive (between $600-$1,000 on average) than other materials, and some require a mortar bed underneath the tub for proper installation. These panels are often not readily available at all home stores and may need special ordered.
Fiberglass Composites
Fiberglass composite tub surrounds are one of the most popular choices for bathroom remodeling because they have shelves and are exceptionally durable at an affordable price. Fiberglass is chip and scratch-resistant, typically last up to 20 years, and is easy to install. Most homeowners can find a fiberglass tub surround for just a few hundred dollars which is easy to fit into their budget when they are bathroom remodeling in Tampa.
The only downside to fiberglass composite tubs and surrounds is that the corners have a wide radius, which means your shelves must be located on the back wall.
Acrylic Surface Plastic
The flat sheets of acrylic surface plastic panels are the cheapest tub surrounds and almost always in stock at all home stores. They are also easy to cut and install for DIY bathroom remodeling in Tampa but can help lower the labor of professional installation.
Acrylic scratches and chips easy and cannot be repaired, unlike fiberglass. Acrylic surrounds also only last about 10 years and has shelves that might protrude in to open space of the shower.
Bathroom remodeling in Tampa is full of choices. Let The Bath & Kitchen Gallery help you plan your next remodel. Call today for a consultation at 813-544-4497.
