How can I do an inexpensive tub surround?
by
Philberry
Suggested Project Book
You can buy one and glue it up. We did that in a mobile home we remodeled. The surround was well under $100, got it at Lowe's. Glued it up with powergrab and held in place with painter's tape until it was completely dry. It has a couple of built in shelves.
You can tile with the self spacing tile, they are probably the cheapest.
Wall board that looks like can be glued up as well but it isn't durable beyond 10 years.
https://www.thespruce.com/adhesive-type-tub-and-shower-surround-2718959
Do you want to go to ceiling or just a few inches to protect the lower part near the tub? You can buy plastic/vinyl surround kits that are glued to the wall and then caulked at the edges and seams. If you only want protection near the tub, then I would buy some tiles, Power Grab, and grout in a caulking tube. Put bead of Power grab (in tube) on back of the tiles, press to wall, and then grout.