Installing a drop-in tub surround is a great way to update the look of your bathroom without undergoing a full remodel. A drop-in surround slips right over your existing tub and comes in a variety of styles and materials like acrylic, ABS plastic, fiberglass or cultured marble. This gives you the freedom to choose a look that matches your bathroom’s decor. Plus, with a drop-in tub surround installation, you can have the project completed in a weekend.
Here we will walk through all the steps for installing a drop-in tub surround. We will cover:
- Choosing the Right Tub Surround for Your Bathroom
- Preparing the Tub for Installation
- Installing the Surround
- Caulking and Sealing the Surround
- Safety Tips for Installation
- Cost Breakdown
Equipped with the information in this guide, you will have the knowledge to successfully update your tub area with a stylish new surround. Let’s get started!
Page Contents
Choosing a Tub Surround
When choosing a drop-in tub surround, there are a few key factors to consider:
Tub Measurements – Drop-in surrounds come in standard sizes, so you’ll need to measure your existing tub to find the right fit. Note the length, width, and height.
Material – Surrounds come in acrylic, ABS plastic, fiberglass or cultured marble. Acrylic and ABS plastic are lightweight and easy to clean. Fiberglass is durable but prone to scratching. Cultured marble is elegant but heavy.
Style – There are modern, classic, retro and cottage style surrounds. Choose a style that matches your bathroom’s decor.
Color – Often you can select a color to coordinate with your tile or fixtures. White and biscuit are popular tub surround colors.
Price – Drop-in surrounds range from $200 – $1000. Acrylic and ABS plastic are the most affordable options.
Special Features – Some surrounds have shelves, soap dishes, grab bars or even LED lights built in. Decide if you want any added features.
Once you know the style you want, take careful measurements and read reviews to ensure a quality product that will stand the test of time. Many surrounds come with a 10-15 year warranty.
Key Measurements
To find the right sized surround, you need to measure:
- Length – From the center of the drain to the opposite end.
- Width – From the narrowest side to the opposite side.
- Height – From the top of the tub edge to the floor.
Note not just the inner dimensions of the tub, but also factor in any lip or edge that the surround will sit on. It is better for the surround to be slightly small versus too large.
Preparing the Tub
With measurements in hand, now you are ready to prepare the tub. Proper prep work ensures the surround will have a clean, secure fit. Here are the steps:
- Remove the old caulk. Use a utility knife or caulk-removing tool to scrape away old, dirty caulk from around the top edge of the tub.
- Clean the tub surface. Scrub the entire area thoroughly with a tub and tile cleaner. Rinse and wipe away any soap scum or dirt.
- Fill any chips or gouges. Use waterproof filler epoxy to patch any small damages on the lip of the tub where the surround will rest.
- Apply painter’s tape. Place strips of painter’s tape along the outside base of the tub edge. This protects the tub from damage when installing the surround.
- Install backerboard (if needed). If the wall area surrounding the tub is uneven, install some water-resistant backerboard to create a level, smooth surface for the surround to adhere to.
Taking time to properly clean and prep the tub ensures your new surround will slide easily into place.
Installing the Surround
Once prepped, you are ready for surround installation. Here is an overview of the process:
- Test fit the surround in the tub. It should fit snugly without much play.
- Clean the back of the surround with rubbing alcohol to prep the surface.
- Apply silicone adhesive caulk to the backside of the surround. Run a bead along each edge and down the center braces.
- Carefully lower the surround into position in the tub. The caulk will hold it in place. Apply gentle pressure to secure the bond.
- Use a level to ensure the surround is aligned properly and sits flush with the tub edges.
- Apply painter’s tape to temporarily hold the surround if needed while the caulk dries.
- Allow 24-48 hours for the caulk to fully cure before finishing with permanent caulk.
The key steps during installation are gently lowering the surround into place to avoid smudging the caulk and ensuring it is level and aligned correctly. Rushing this step can lead to leaks or other issues down the road. So take your time!
Helpful Tips
Here are some tips to make installing the surround easier:
- Have someone help hold the surround to get it evenly positioned.
- Wipe away any excess caulk for a neat appearance.
- Use painter’s tape in the corners to keep the surround flush until the adhesive caulk dries.
- Fill any small gaps with silicone caulk after 24 hours when installing the finishing caulk.
With some careful alignment and patience while the caulk cures, you can achieve a seamless surround installation.
Caulking & Sealing the Surround
After allowing 24-48 hours for the adhesive caulk to fully cure, you can finish sealing the surround:
- Run a bead of silicone caulk along all edges where the surround meets the wall and tub. Smooth the caulk with a finger dipped in rubbing alcohol for a clean application.
- Allow 24 hours to dry before using the shower or tub to allow the caulk to fully cure.
- Apply silicone sealant around fixtures, edges, and seams for extra waterproofing. Be thorough and cover any potential leak points.
- Check for gaps and fill any holes or openings with additional caulk. Reapply if needed to ensure water cannot penetrate behind the surround.
Take your time applying a smooth, thick bead of caulk around the entire perimeter. This provides a watertight seal. Proper caulking prevents leaks and damage that lead to costly repairs down the road.
Caulking Tips
- Only apply caulk in dry conditions when the temperature is above 50°F.
- Use a caulk smoothing tool for a seamless application.
- Wipe away any excess caulk with a damp cloth before it dries.
- Avoid submerging the tub until the caulk has fully cured.
With the project finished, you can finally relax in your refreshed, updated tub!
Safety Tips
When installing a tub surround, be sure to keep safety in mind:
- Wear protective goggles, gloves, and a mask when removing old caulk or applying new caulk.
- Use a utility knife, putty knife or caulk removal tool, not your bare hands.
- Work carefully on a ladder or stepladder if reaching high areas.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe installation.
- Have someone assist you in lifting and placing the surround.
- Keep children and pets away from the work area.
Working slowly and safely ensures the project goes smoothly.
Cost Breakdown
Here is a cost overview for a basic tub surround installation:
| Drop-in tub surround | $200 – $1000 |
| Caulk remover tool | $3 – $15 |
| Silicone caulk | $5 |
| Tub & tile cleaner | $4 |
| Backerboard | $10 – $30 |
| Total | $220 – $1050 |
The biggest cost is the surround itself. Basic acrylic and plastic surrounds cost $200-$500. High-end cultured marble runs $700-$1000. The other supplies – caulk, cleaners, tools – will add about $25 or less to the total.
So for a few hundred dollars, you can upgrade the look of your tub area in a weekend. This provides a fast, affordable way to refresh your bathroom’s style.
Conclusion
Installing a new drop-in tub surround is a great DIY project for sprucing up your bathroom. With proper preparation, careful installation, and thorough caulking, you can achieve professional-looking results. The key steps include:
- Measuring your tub and choosing the right sized surround.
- Cleaning and prepping the tub area.
- Applying adhesive caulk to set the surround in place.
- Checking for alignment and allowing the caulk to fully cure.
- Sealing all edges with silicone caulk.
Follow the tips provided above and take your time at each step. Focus on smooth caulk lines and proper adhesion. Be sure to thoroughly seal the perimeter of the surround as well.
In a weekend, you can have a beautiful new tub surround that makes your bathroom look brand new. Just think of how nice it will be to relax in your fresh, updated tub! With some diligent work, you can DIY this project and save on the cost of a professional installation.