Surrounding the Bathroom Design: Decorative Styles in Tub ...

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.

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.

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