Tub Surround Options?
My dilema: I 've got my tub in place. All bathroom walls, including those surrounding the tub, are greenboard. I had intended on using a basic run of the mill tub surround in there. However, when I test fit one of the corner pieces, I found that the long (60 inch) wall is bowed slightly inward near the center. The problem that creates is that the corner pieces of the tub surround don't sit against the corners as they should, and if I press them in tightly, the plastic bows and warps badly. I don't consider removing the greenboard and straightening the wall an option. Instead, I'd like to use some other method of creating a surround. I'm thinking of using a sheet type product (basic white) that can be cut to match the bow (the end panels would have a slight arc on the inside edge to match the bow of the wall). I'd then caulk the corners, or use a more flexible molding piece. I've found a few options, which I'll list below, with comments: Corian - I'd love to use this, but it's EXPENSIVE!! Way out of my budget (under $200). Swanstone - As nice as Corian, slightly less expensive, but still over my budget. Tileboard - Looks good, but I'm concerned about longevity durability. I have an email in to Georgia Pacific to see if their tileboard product (Lionite) is even suitable for use around a tub Acrylic sheet - I have access to standard acrylic sheets at work. I know that some surround materials are made of acrylic... I don't know what type of acrylic product it is. I can have them cut to any size, and can get about any thickness I need Tile - From what I read, not over greenboard in the tub area! Unless there's some product I can put over the greenboard prior to tiling (come on, technology)... ... those are the options I have now. Is anybody aware of others? Standard tub surrounds seem to be out of the picture because they don't work well with the bow of my wall. I'd prefer to go the Acrylic route because of the cost (free) and workability. If somebody made me feel comfortable that standard acrylic sheet would work, I'd do that. I anxiously await your comments and suggestions... Brian Brian, Unfortunately, the best option and only options is to remove the tub and straighten the wall out! This is not the time to try and make-do. A bow is a bow and trying to get something to work on a imperfect wall is asking for trouble. Your review of items that you mentioned is good but here is some problems... Corian - I'd love to use this, but it's EXPENSIVE!! Way out of my budget (under $200). ***NEED STRAIGHT SUBSTRATE*** THIS DOESN'T BEND AND STRAIGHT CORNERS IS IMPORTANT. Swanstone - As nice as Corian, slightly less expensive, but still over my budget. ***NEED STRAIGHT SUBSTRATE*** THIS DOESN'T BEND AND STRAIGHT CORNERS IS IMPORTANT. Tileboard - Looks good, but I'm concerned about longevity durability. I have an email in to Georgia Pacific to see if their tileboard product (Lionite) is even suitable for use around a tub ***NEED REASONABLE STRAIGHT SUBSTRATE*** Acrylic sheet - I have access to standard acrylic sheets at work. I know that some surround materials are made of acrylic... I don't know what type of acrylic product it is. I can have them cut to any size, and can get about any thickness I need ***NEED REASONABLE STRAIGHT SUBSTRATE BUT CORNERS ARE A CONCERN*** Tile - From what I read, not over greenboard in the tub area! Unless there's some product I can put over the greenboard prior to tiling (come on, technology)... ***NEED REASONABLY STRAIGHT SUBSTRATE TO APPLY CEMENT BOARD BUT THIS IS DUEABLE*** As you can see, straight surface is necessary. Using caulks to try and make it water tight and look good will be a waste of time. Concern is what happens when the leaks occur. You have the opportunity now to correct the situation. Yes...it involves some work but considering the alternatives, this is really your only choice. Hope this helps!
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