Tile a bathtub
Stylish Ideas & Practical Tips
Key points at a glance:
- Bathtub surrounds combine style and functionality: they seamlessly integrate the tub into the bathroom, make cleaning easier, and can be customized to suit any style or room layout.
- Use a variety of materials: Tiles, vinyl, wood-look flooring, and natural stone offer a wide range of options—from low-maintenance and modern to warm and natural.
- The design defines the bathroom's style: whether it's an industrial look, Scandinavian minimalism, or a luxurious marble finish—the right cladding turns the bathtub into a stylish focal point.
Installing a bathtub surround
How to properly install a bathtub cover also depends on the type of bathtub you have. If your bathtub has a support frame, the cover can be attached directly to it. If, on the other hand, your bathtub has legs, there are two particularly common methods:
Bath mat
Installing a bathtub skirt is a particularly easy way to cover your bathtub. Since these are sold ready-made, you just need to make sure it’s compatible with your existing bathtub. Installation is then carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Paving blocks
Planblock tiles offer a durable solution. The advantage here is that you can customize them to fit your tub and the specific conditions perfectly. If, for example, you’re planning to tile a corner bathtub that’s set into a niche, this custom solution is often the best option. Here’s how to proceed:
Step 1
First, check the exact measurements and make sure all the pipes are completely watertight. To do this, fill the tub with water.
Step 2
Cut the paving blocks to size according to the measurements you have taken.
Step 3
You can now install the stones using thin-set mortar or concrete adhesive. Start with the bottom row, working from one corner to the other.
Overview of Materials
Once the foundation for the bathtub surround has been laid, the question arises as to which material is best suited. There are quite a few options to choose from:
Tiles
A classic look that fits perfectly into most bathrooms. Tiling a bathtub is done just like regular tiling. The advantages include the usual durability and moisture resistance.
Vinyl
If you're going for a seamless bathroom, you should cover the bathtub without using tiles. Vinyl is a versatile material for this purpose, as it can be easily adapted to different styles and is well-suited for wet areas. In addition, covering the bathtub with vinyl creates a particularly seamless transition between the floor and the tub.
Wood and wood-look finishes
Cladding a bathtub with wood is particularly well-suited for a natural-style bathroom, helping to create a lively, warm atmosphere. If you’re primarily concerned with aesthetics rather than using real wood in the bathroom, you can opt for a wood-look bathtub cladding instead.
Natural stone
Natural stone or porcelain tile create a rustic yet cozy look in the bathroom. This creates a lively atmosphere that also pairs beautifully with plants.
Style worlds – ideas and inspiration
The right material should be chosen not only for practical reasons but also for aesthetic ones. There are numerous ideas for cladding a bathtub. The following are particularly effective:
Industrial style
Combined with dark faucets and metal accents, the bathtub can become a real eye-catcher in an industrial-style bathroom. A concrete-look finish is a great choice for the tub surround. For a loft-style look, a brick-look finish is also a good alternative.
Natural and warm
Wood and organic shapes give the tub surround a cozy charm, making it a perfect fit for a Japanese or Scandinavian bathroom.
Luxurious
If you're looking for a bathtub surround for a luxury bathroom, marble is a classic choice. In addition to the material, you should also consider incorporating additional features such as niches and built-in lighting to make the tub a visual focal point.
