What is a Bath Wall Surround

A bath wall surround, or a bathtub surround, refers to the tiles or walls that surround the exterior of your bathtub.

When you’re considering a bathroom conversion or bathroom remodel, the bathtub surround is going to play a big role in the project. Beyond its use protecting the walls by your bathing areas, it can also serve as a critical aesthetic piece of your bathroom.

To help homeowners better understand both important pieces of bath wall surrounds, we’ve put together the following guide.

Why Is A Bath Wall Surround Important?

A bath surround is important for two reasons:

It works as a buffer to keep out excess water from shower and bath use, maintaining the structural integrity between the walls and your tub
And it give your bathroom a more finished look

Let’s focus on its function. In a simple sense, it’s as if the lining of your bathtub was used on the walls. Because that lining is non-porous and doesn’t trap water, it’s ideal for protecting the portion of your bathroom walls directly exposed to moisture.

light bathroom with white fixtures - Winstar, Maryland Bathroom remodeling

Put another way, a surround made of drywall could be setting up for the possibility of structural damage done to the road. The non-porous nature is essential to protecting your bathroom.

Guide To Buying Bath Surrounds

When you’re updating your bathroom one piece at a time, it can get tricky to match them all.

If you’ve found after purchasing a new bathtub that there is more space between your walls and the tub itself, there’s no need to worry. A bath wall surround helps to solve this problem. They work by creating an area that supports your tub while also protecting that space from water overflow and water damages.

Plus, their size creates a more uniform look and feel.

What are bath wall surrounds made of?

Because they have a similar function to bathtubs, they are often made from similar materials. Bath wall surrounds are made of non-porous materials that keep water from getting into the wall and causing damage.

The most common bath wall surrounds materials include:

Acrylic
Cultured marble
Composite stone
Fiberglass
Solid surface

There are a number of factors that will help you choose the material, including price range, flexibility of material and the material’s sturdiness.

Acrylic and tile bath wall surrounds

This is the most affordable option, and it’s one that comes in a range of styles. They offer an impressive durability and resistance to chipping.

Fiberglass, composite materials, and cultured marble bath wall surrounds

These materials are an upgrade that can take a project’s lifespan up to about 20 years. They are fairly easy to install and remarkably durable.

Solid surface materials for bath wall surrounds

This is the most durable material and also the most costly. Solid surface bath wall surrounds can last over 30 years and are scratch and chip resistant. They also have realistic tile and texture patterns. As it is a harder material, it is more difficult to cut and/drill, reducing flexibility.

How many square feet is the average bath wall surround?

The average bath wall surround depends on the bathtub’s size and the space you have available in your bathroom.

Pre-constructed bath wall surrounds are typically 60 inches long, 32 inches tall, and 32 inches wide. This is sufficient for fitting a small-to-medium-sized bathtub.

For higher tubs or larger sizes, consider an extended bath wall surround with a length of 60 inches, a height of 72 inches and a width of 60 inches.

Keep in mind that these numbers are for pre-constructed bath wall surrounds. If you are considering doing the tiling yourself, you’ll need to measure the width and height of the tub’s three surrounding walls. With that, you can determine how much tile is appropriate or needed for your bath wall surround.