Whether using a drop in bathtub or an undermount tub, a tub surround is crucial to help frame, contain and highlight the bath. Whatever the style of bathroom, or the type of bathtub used, the tub surround can make a big difference in the bathroom design.
Designing a Drop in Bathtub Surround
A drop in bathtub will sit inside of a box, with its rim resting on the top. Rolled or decorative rimmed tubs are frequently used in a drop in style. The tub itself can sit on any surface, whether slab or tile, however a tiled surround, which continues across the top of the surround, will need to utilize a drop in tub to hide the cut edges of the tiles.
For this reason, most drop in tubs will be utilized with complete tile surrounds. This can be accomplished in a few ways. For a clean, modern look, use large format, or mosaic tiles covering the sides of the surround, with large format tiles used on the top, and a bullnose tile edging and transitioning between the two.
If creating a more decorative surround, use decorative tiles on the surround of the tub, with plain field tiles on the top. Transition between the two by using a decorative molding around the edge of the surround.
If using a whirlpool or air tub, an access panel will need to be included to service the motor. Try tiling the panel in the same pattern as the surrounding tile, but instead of grouting it in place, use a latex additive caulk. This caulk can be dug out easily to remove the panel, and re-caulked into place when complete.
Designing an Undermount Tub Surround
An undermount tub will need to have a slab top to create a finished edge around the opening of the tub. This is particularly beneficial to modern designs, as it creates a cleaner appearance.
Slab sides can be utilized in the same material for a seamless look, or tiles can be used on the sides of the surround, dying into the edge of the slab at the top, for a transitional look. To help create an access panel if using slab sides, position one of the end panels of slab directly over the motor, rather than over plywood, and Velcro it into place. This will enable the slab to be removed for maintenance, without disturbing the design.
Creating the Tub Backsplash
Any style of tub will need to have a backsplash of at least 12” high extending up from the top of the surround to help contain water and protect the wall. If using a tile surround on the tub, it is easy to recreate the same tile pattern on the backsplash, as on the face of the surround to tie the two areas together.
If using a slab surround, consider using the same tile in the shower, and continuing it around the backsplash of the tub. Alternatively, the floor tile can be brought up and used on the backsplash as well.
If the tub and shower adjoin each other, and a decorative border is used in the shower, consider running the same tile and the border at the same height through the shower, and then around the backsplash of the tub surround. The same border can be picked up again as a backsplash on the vanity, uniting the three areas.
The tub surround does not have to use the same tiles as elsewhere in the room, and can contain its own design. If this is the case, be sure to at least include complimentary colors or textures in the surround to provide consistency to the space. The tub surround is a great way of bringing extra decorative elements into the bathroom, so be sure to utilize it and create the best bathroom design possible.
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