Any surface material for a tub or shower surround should be applied on top of water-resistant wall material. The most common type is water-resistant drywall, sometimes called “greenboard” because of its color. A more durable and water-resistant—and expensive—option is a cement-board product.

The surface material itself must be waterproof, not just water-resistant. Various manufacturers offer prefabricated surrounds made of fiberglass, acrylic, vinyl, plastic laminate, or synthetic stone. Remodelers should avoid buying a one-piece surround (typically made of molded fiberglass) unless it can be brought into the bathroom through available openings. Multipiece surround kits, which can be assembled inside the bathroom, also are available.

If you decide to create your own bath or tub surround, you have a choice of surface materials.

Solid-Surfacing
For durable, stylish, easy-to-care-for surrounds, solid-surface material is hard to beat. Though these smooth acrylic products are sometimes pricey, nothing beats them for ease in cleaning, and the material lasts a lifetime. Solid-surface tub and shower kits can be easy for do-it-yourselfers to install. These kits generally consist of precut panels and curved corner moldings. They are designed to go with standard fixtures, however; nonstandard installations require professional help.

Ceramic Tile
Waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain, ceramic tile is a logical choice for tub and shower surrounds. One drawback: The grout can mildew, making it difficult to clean.

Small mosaic tiles (which measure about 1 inch square) come bonded to sheets of 1x1-foot or 1x2-foot fiber mesh. These sheets go up faster than loose tiles, because you don’t have to set each piece individually. Pregrouted sheets of 4-inch-square tiles have flexible synthetic grouting. You stick the sheets to the substrate surface first, then apply a thin bead of caulk around the edges. As with mosaic-tile sheets, installing pregrouted tile sheets is not as time-consuming as laying loose tile, nor does it require as much skill.

Fiberglass
Fiberglass is waterproof, durable, and simple to clean. Many companies manufacture three- and five-piece shower/tub surround units in various sizes. Installation isn’t difficult if your walls are straight and plumb and have been properly prepared.