How should I replace fiberglass shower surround on a tight budget?

Michele Burgard
by Michele Burgard

Trying to upgrade my bathroom before putting it on the market. The tub is in great shape, but the 3 piece surround looks terrible:( What is a good (and inexpensive) way to replace it?? The bathroom ceiling is shiplap that was installed before it was “cool” LOL. It would be great to accent that feature! Thank you!!

  6 answers
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Sep 11, 2018

    Hi Michele. They make waterproof bead board and other materials now. Take a walk through your nearest Lowe's or Home Depot, and you will be amazed at the reasonable prices for some lovely materials. I love the new tiles that look like wood. Both places also have videos to help you DIY and people who can install their products. Find something you really like and remember it should appeal to others, too.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Sep 11, 2018

    You can tile with the square, self-spacing tile rather inexpensively. Then you can put a strip of glass or some other tile about 5 feet up or at the ceiling which will draw your eyes up. Here's a tub I did that way. You can tell by the shower head the height I put the lower strip. Then my youngest suggested I also put it at the top. This is a "I'm done with the shower but not the room" pic.

  • Everything Pretty Everything Pretty on Sep 11, 2018

    I recommend the waterproof beadboard too. It looks really nice installed. No one will guess that it's a full sheet.

  • Linda Sikut Linda Sikut on Sep 11, 2018

    HI Michele,

    If the surround looks terrible due to the color and/or stains, it can be painted with a specialty project like the one by Rustoleum. Here's a video that shows how it's done. Just remember that following all of the preparation steps is very important so don't skip any of them. I hope this helps you -Linda

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9m1kBzOjhI

  • William William on Sep 11, 2018

    I agree with Linda. Putting on the market don't spend a lot. You open a can of worms also. Paint it with Rustoleum or Homax tub and tile paint kit. Will look new and clean. More bang for your bucks.

    • Michele Burgard Michele Burgard on Sep 11, 2018

      Yes, I definitely don’t want to spend much! It was very cheaply done when we moved in (we were renting, then bought when it came up for sale...I hate to move😝 and the price was right👍🏼).

  • William William on Sep 11, 2018

    Well there is no wood that is waterproof and no way to water proof it. Cheapest beside painting is to try to reglue the parts that are separating and paint. Removing and replacing would cost depending what you want to replace it with. Thhis would would be a temporary fix until you can afford to replace.