No matter which type of tub, shower or tub-shower combo you choose when renovating your bathroom, you must take steps to waterproof the walls around it. In some cases, such as with freestanding tubs, the correct paint and a commitment to regular cleaning is all you need.

However, in most other situations, you’ll need to cover the surrounding wall surfaces with either tile or a wall surround. Wall surrounds come in a number of materials, including acrylic and porcelain.

In this blog, we list seven of the advantages that a wall surround can offer over wall tiles in your bathroom.

1. Broad Options

When you think of wall surrounds, you may picture a blank, generic white wall covering. However, while white is a common color choice, wall surrounds actually come in numerous colors, textures and even patterns.

For example, you could opt for a colored wall surround to add a feature wall in your bathroom. Similarly, a wall surround textured to look like stone or tile could give you the high-end finished look you want at a fraction of the cost, and a patterned wall surround can mimic mosaic tile.

2. Cost-Effective Options

Tile work is virtually always more expensive than wall surround. When you install bathroom tile, not only are you paying for all the titles needed, but you’re also paying for hours of expert labor for the installation.

While the cost of a wall surround depends on the color and texture options you choose, wall surrounds are not as difficult to transport or install so they cost less than tiles. Additionally, wall surround installation is less complex than tile work, as we’ll discuss in section five, which reduces labor costs.

3. Easy Maintenance

Tiled areas are finished with grout. Grout fills in the cracks left between tiles, creating the final waterproof barrier. Unfortunately, grout is very porous and can become dirty, stained or even moldy over time. These problems are particularly common with light-colored grout.

Wall surrounds come in one to three pieces, which dramatically reduces the surfaces that are vulnerable to grime, discoloration, and organic growth. Instead of scrubbing a grid of grout lines, a wall surround only requires you to clean a single surface.

Wall surrounds are designed to resist cracking, chipping and other common wall covering issues, which means that these systems are less likely to need repair or replacement than tiles.

4. Optimal Waterproofing

Because wall surrounds have fewer seams than tile work does, wall surrounds often stay more waterproof over longer periods of time. In fact, correctly installed wall surrounds can easily last for the lifetime of the shower.

This optimal waterproofing reduces the risk of mold growth just below the surface of the wall covering as well as rot beneath the covering that could compromise walls or flooring.

5. Simple Installation

As mentioned in section two, installing a wall surround is less difficult than placing tiles on a bathroom wall. This simple installation not only reduces labor cost, but the straightforward installation also shortens the time of your renovation.

This shortened timeline makes wall surrounds ideal for homeowners who are renovating the only bathroom in their home or who need to put their house on the market as soon as possible.

6. Sleek Appearance

Because tile walls are broken up by grout lines, they can make bathrooms feel cramped and more visually cluttered. This problem is particularly common in smaller rooms where any disruption to the line of sight can further divide the already limited space.

Wall surrounds offer a sleek, smooth look that can brighten and expand a bathroom’s space. To enhance this effect, you may even be able to choose a wall surround that goes all the way up to the ceiling, which can make the room look taller.

Regardless of the size of the bathroom, the unbroken look of a wall surround can make a strong visual statement.

7. Versatile Options

While the most basic wall surrounds are simple and prefabricated, you can find a wall surround system for any bathroom. For example, if your tub or shower is set into a wall, you can choose a three-piece wall surround that completely covers the walls on every side.

You can also find wall surrounds to fit with the architecture and style of your home. For example, wainscotting and other textures can add a sense of historical class to a classic white wall surround.

As you choose the finishes for your newly built or remodeled bathroom, consider opting for a wall surround to enclose your tub, shower or tub-shower hybrid to reap the benefits listed above.

Think a wall surround is the right option for your bathroom? Discuss your options with the expert team at Four Seasons Home Products. We offer a range of different materials, textures and colors so you can find the perfect match for your bathroom space.