The 10 Best Bathtub Wall Surrounds

Updated May 31, 2020 by Chris Gillespie

This wiki has been updated 10 times since it was first published in May of 2020. If you want to quickly upgrade the look of your bathroom or convert your bathtub into a watertight showering space, then a paneled wall surround kit is a good alternative to tiling in terms of price and labor time. They are usually made from acrylic or fiberglass and can be installed in a few hours by a competent professional or over a weekend by a capable DIY enthusiast. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. American Standard Studio

2. Swanstone Bermuda Sand

3. Transolid Saramar

4. Mustee 670WHT

5. Kohler Choreograph

6. Transolid Carrara

7. DreamLine Qwall

8. Sterling Accord

9. Swanstone Veritek

10. Sterling 71104100-0

Editor's Notes

May 29, 2020:

Ceramic tiling has been the long-preferred method of creating watertight, easy to clean wall surfaces in bathrooms and showering spaces. However, there is no denying that this can be a costly and time-consuming process. A wall surround kit can create the same level of functionality for a fraction of the time and cost, and can be undertaken by anyone with moderate DIY skills as they are simply stuck to the wall with adhesive. They are available in a range of designs and colors and often feature an embossed tile-like pattern, making them hard to distinguish from the real thing.

As with anything, the material it is made from dictates its durability and price range. When it comes to wall panels, the cheapest options, such as the Mustee 670WHT, the DreamLine Qwall, and the Sterling Accord, are made from acrylic or fiberglass. These are still hardwearing options, but it is quite obvious that they are not real tiles. Other options like the Sterling 71104100-0, the Swanstone Veritek, the Transolid Carrara and the Transolid Saramar, experiment with modern polymers and composites that offer greater durability and have a more realistic appearance.

The latest trends in bathroom design are moving away from traditional materials, and a new wave of interesting and exciting products are being used to construct walls, sinks, bathtubs and floors. For a truly modern alternative, the Swanstone Bermuda Sand is made from a reinforced, modified acrylic filled with natural minerals. Similarly, the Kohler Choreograph is fabricated from crushed stone and fiber resin. Both produce a very unique finish that will stand out for its dissimilarity to traditional tiling.

Last updated on May 31, 2020 by Chris Gillespie

Starting his career in the building industry, Chris built and managed a plumbing and heating company in northern England. After 13 years, seeking a more fulfilling lifestyle, he moved to southeast Asia, eventually settling in Vietnam, where he teaches writing and comprehension at a number of international universities. Drawing on his previous experience, and his passion for kitesurfing and windsurfing, Chris is knowledgeable in all things water related both recreationally and within the construction industry.


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