Tub-to-shower tile surrounds in Ocala & Belleview.

Swapping a tub insert for tile.

The process

The old fiberglass or acrylic surround comes out first, so you can see what’s behind it. The wall is then rebuilt with cement board or another waterproof backer, with the seams and corners sealed and the valve and spout openings cut to size. Tile goes on after that, to the ceiling or to a set height. Grout and caulk finish the job where the tile meets the tub.

Materials

Cement board and other waterproof backers are the usual base because, unlike plain drywall, they don’t soften when wet. Wall tile can be ceramic, porcelain or glass, in plain rectangles or a pattern, and an accent band or feature wall is easy to add. A trim piece or bullnose finishes the top edge when the tile stops short of the ceiling. Cement-based grout is normally sealed once it cures, which helps it shrug off soap and water.

Common problems

Once the insert is out, surprises sometimes turn up: damp or soft framing, old adhesive, a wall that isn’t plumb. Tile won’t hide any of that, so it gets dealt with first, and if something unexpected shows up you hear about it before any extra work starts. The joint between tile and tub moves a little, so it gets flexible caulk instead of grout.