Best Bathtub Wall Surround (Reviews & Buying Guide)

Last updated on August 22nd, 2023

Isn’t it super comfortable to relax in a hot bath after a tiring day? It becomes even more comforting when everything you might need for cleaning is at your hands’ reach.

After all, needing to leave the water’s embrace to get something in the middle of relaxation does just the opposite. You can ensure that you will have everything within your reach during showering very easily.

Simply install a bathtub wall surround, and there will be no need for excessive movement. What’s better is that this method is relatively cheaper than using tiles and racks as well.

In the market, you will find many such products. But be aware! Not all of them are of superior quality. Despite sharing similarities in looks, there are differences in the quality of the bathtub surround options.

 It would be best if you were careful about your choice unless you want to waste your money. Don’t worry, we are here to help with an incise overview of the best bathtub wall surround available.

To make you come out as the winner, we have thoroughly researched and picked out the best options for you depending on their price, quality, and usefulness.

Comparison among 10 Best Bathtub Wall Surround

Before we go to the review part of the article, let us check out the following comparison table to get a generalized idea of the products.

Image	Name of the Product	Size (inches)	Number of shelves	Material	Where to buy
	American Standard 2946BW.011 Bathtub Wall Set	60 x 32	6	Acrylic	Amazon
	STERLING 71220110-0 Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit	60 x 32	4	Vikrell	Amazon
	Mustee 670WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround	60 x 30	2	Fiberglass	Amazon
	Maax 101604-000-129 Bathtub Wall Kit	48-60 x 31	6	Polystyrene	Amazon
	ASB 39240 Vantage Tub Wall	60 x 31	6	Acrylic	Amazon
	DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 Qwall-Tub and Backwall Kit	56-60 x 28-32	2	Acrylic	Amazon
	Mustee 56WHT Bathtub Wall Surround	60 x 30-32	6	Fiberglass	Amazon
	Swanstone TI50000.010 Bathtub Wall Kit	53-60 x 29-32	3	Veritek	Amazon
	Delta 39984 Bathtub Wall Set	49-60 x 28-31	6	Poly composite	Amazon
	DreamLine DL-6148L-01 Shower Base and Backwall Kit	60 x 36	6	Acrylic	Amazon

Best Bathtub Wall Surround Reviews

You can save a lot by using bathtub surround kits instead of tiles and shelves. What’s more, is that they are faster and easier to install than tiles.

These products are designed to increase your bathroom’s aesthetics and beauty. As they are waterproof, you will not need to fear your wall being damaged from water sprays. All in all, a win-win situation!

Why not use them and make your judgment? This section of our article described some of the best bathtub surrounding ideas in the market. Let’s check them out, shall we?

American Standard 2946BW.011 Bathtub Wall Set

This high-gloss material is durable, long-lasting, and unlikely to discolor over the years. So, not only will it save your money, but it also will enhance your bathroom’s looks.

Helpful storage system: If you are a person to uses multiple types of bathing products during showering, you sure will love this feature.

 American Standard 2946BW.011 Bathtub Wall Set comes pre-installed with six shelves. You can put all your shampoos, shower jell, soap on these shelves.

The manufacturers were even considerate enough to keep the middle part of the wall surrounds free of any shelves to hinder your movements. How sweet!

Easy to use: The first thing you need after buying a bathtub wall set is to install it. No worries there. Why? Because this product comes with mounting studs. Just mount the walls directly to the studs, and you will be done.

There is one other concern people feel over using shower walls. That is the cleaning procedure. After all, it does not matter if your bathroom’s outlook is exquisite if it is dirty.

As the shower walls have to suffer many water sprays and soap foams daily, they are easy prey to stain. If they are hard to clean, their entire outlook can get soiled due to stain marks gathered over time.

But you won’t need to worry over this issue with American Standard 2946BW.011 Bathtub Wall Set. It is effortless to clean. You can just wipe it with regular cleaning agents, and your walls will remain sparkly all the time.

Verdict: Overall, it is a pretty good shower wall choice due to its quality and price. If you are looking for a budget-friendly bathtub surround option, we suggest you try using this product.

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STERLING 71220110-0 Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit

The Vikrell is also glossy, durable, long-lasting, and resistant to yellowing. The back wall has a curved look. As a result, the entire product adds a contemporary look to your bathroom. It is also an excellent choice for narrower bathrooms due to its size. Its design allows it to fit tighter spaces.

Helpful storage system: If you dislike too many shelves in the shower wall and prefer a moderate number of shelves in the wall, this bathtub surround option is perfect for you. Why?

Because the STERLING 71220110-0 Wall Set comes installed with a moderate number of four shelves.

You can put all your shampoos, shower jell, soap on these shelves. And due to the design, you will not feel constrained during showing either.

Easy to use: Like the American Standard 2946BW.011, the STERLING 71220110-0 Wall Set can also be mounted to the studs. The entire procedure is swift and requires 30 percent lesser time than the one-piece models.

The cleaning procedure for this product is also easy and straightforward. First of all, as the wall is non-porous, it resists scratches and stains.

And when it needs cleaning, like the American Standard 2946BW.011 Bathtub Wall Set this wall set can be cleaned using soap and warm water.

Verdict: All in all, the STERLING 71220110-0 Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit is a shower wall choice of high quality. Due to its excellent performance record, it is our editor’s top pick.

If you are looking for a long-lasting and easy-to-use bathtub surround kit, you can give this product a try.

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Mustee 670WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround

What does this mean? It means that when you use this product, you will be able to stay free of the cost and hassle of changing your bathroom wall surrounds for several decades! It will both beautify your bathroom and save your money.

Helpful storage system: If you are a minimalist and prefer space, you sure will love the Mustee 670WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround.

 This bathtub wall set comes with pre-installed shelves. But unlike most of the bathtub surrounds, there are only two shelves.

It truly is perfect for the minimalists! But what if you need more shelves in the future?

No tension there. The reason is that this product supports the installation of extra kits if necessary. So, you can buy this without any worries.

Easy to use: Just like the previous two products mentioned above, the Mustee 670WHT is very easy to install on the walls. This product comes with mounting flanges. You can mount them directly to the studs.

As for cleaning it, you won’t have problems in this regard either. The wall surround kit is resistant to molds, mildews, scratches, and stains due to the material being fiberglass.

It does not require much cleaning, to begin with. You only need to clean the surface periodically with warm water and soap, and your bathroom will remain sparkly.

Verdict: Despite its comparatively lower lifespan, it is a pretty good shower wall overall. If you are looking for a budget-friendly bathtub surround kit for short-term usage, you can use this one without a doubt.

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Maax 101604-000-129 Bathtub Wall Kit

Indeed, an excellent choice for narrower bathrooms and tighter spaces!

Helpful storage system: If you need many shelves in the shower wall to put up your bathing products, this bathtub surround option is perfect for you. Why?

Because the Maax 101604-000-129 Bathtub Wall Set comes installed with six shelves. The shelves are sized in proportion not to hinder your movements yet to fit the products.

You can put all your shampoos, shower jell, soap on these shelves. Pretty impressive, right?

Easy to use: Like all the other wall kits, the Maax 101604-000-129 Bathtub Wall Kit is very easy to install in your bathroom. You can just glue it up. The entire procedure is very fast and not tiring at all!

As for usage and cleaning, they are even more comfortable. Due to its built, the walls are scratch, stain, and mold resistant. So you only need to clean it with regular cleaning agents from time to time, and they will look like new.

Verdict: All things considered, the quality of the product is excellent at such an affordable price. That is why we have included this product in our best bathtub wall surround guide.

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ASB 39240 Vantage Tub Wall

Why? Because the ASB 39240 Vantage Tub Wall sure takes the storage issue very seriously and takes it to another level.

Just like the American Standard 2946BW.011, this wall set comes pre-installed with six shelves to help you in putting all your shampoos, shower jell, soap on these shelves. But that’s not the end of it.

Aside from these shelves, the wall surround kit includes two towel bars. Everything you might need while bathing is all near your hand. Nice, isn’t it?

Easy to use: This product is not different from the previous one in this regard either. You can easily install it with minimum effort. The only thing you need to do is to mount the walls directly to the studs, and you will be done.

As for cleaning, use soap and water to clean it regularly. That’s all!

Verdict: Aside from the issue of packaging, it is a pretty good shower wall choice considering the price. If you are looking for a budget-friendly bathtub wall surround, try using this product.

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DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 QWALL-Tub

Helpful storage system: As you have noticed from the product’s key features, similar to the Mustee 670WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround, the DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 QWALL-Tub is also designed to keep space-preferring people in mind.

This bathtub wall set also comes with two pre-installed shelves. If you need more frames in the future, you will be able to install more shelves.

Easy to use: Like all the other wall kits mentioned here, the DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 is very easy to install as well. You can just glue it up against a solid surface. The entire procedure is very fast and not tiring at all!

As for cleaning, use soap and water to clean it regularly. Due to its built, the walls are scratch, stain, and mold resistant. So it will maintain a new-like look for a long time with timely cleaning.

Verdict: The DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 QWALL-Tub is good-looking, practical, and long-lasting. So, you can give it a try for sure!

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Mustee 56WHT Bathtub Wall Surround

What does this mean? It means that Mustee 670WHT this product will last for several decades! It will beautify your bathroom as well as save your money.

Helpful storage system: There is one thing different in this Mustee product from the Mustee 670WHT Fiberglass Bathtub Wall Surround. The Mustee 670WHT was designed for minimalists. But this one is not.

On the contrary, this bathtub wall set comes with six pre-installed shelves. A far cry compared to the two shelves of the Mustee 670WHT.

Easy to use: Like the Mustee 670WHT, the Mustee 56WHT Bathtub Wall Surround can also be mounted directly to the studs. And it can be cleaned using just soap and water due to its scratch and stain resistance.

Verdict: Despite its comparatively lower lifespan, it is a pretty good shower wall overall. If you are looking for a budget-friendly bathtub surround kit for short-term usage with maximum storage capacity, you can use this one without a doubt.

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Swanstone TI50000.010 Bathtub Wall Kit

Even better is that its size can be altered. This makes it an excellent choice for both spacey and narrow bathrooms.

Helpful storage system: Here comes another shower wall designed for the minimalists. But unlike the other two products we have mentioned before, this time, the Swanstone TI50000.010 Bathtub Wall Kit comes with three shelves for storage.

Two are installed in the sidewalls, while the largest one is installed in the back wall. Even when you are reclining in the tub, you will have the back wall’s shelf at your reach. Nice, don’t you think?

Easy to use: Like all the other wall kits mentioned here, this shower wall is straightforward to install and clean as well. Just follow the manual and install it using the installation kit included in the product.

As for cleaning, use soap and water to clean it regularly. Due to its built, the walls are scratch, stain, and mold resistant. Clean it regularly, and it will maintain a new-like look for a long time.

Verdict: Not only the Swanstone TI50000.010 Bathtub Wall Kitis good-looking, but also practical, durable, and long-lasting.

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Delta 39984 Bathtub Wall Set

Helpful storage system: Love to use multiple types of bathing products during showering? Then this product is for you.

The Delta 39984 Bathtub Wall Set comes pre-installed with six shelves. Put all your shampoos, shower jell, soap on these shelves, and enjoy bathing.

Easy to use: This product is not different from the previous one in this regard either. You can easily install it with minimum effort.

The only thing you need to do is to attach the product to the walls directly using adhesives, and you will be done.

As for cleaning, use soap and water to clean it periodically, and it will retain its newer look for a long time.

Verdict: The Delta 39984 Bathtub Wall Set can be easily molded to fit your bathroom. If you are searching for an easy-to-fit bathtub wall surround, try using this product!

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DreamLine DL-6148L-01 Shower Base and Backwall Kit

Helpful storage system: Can’t help but using various types of products during showering? The DreamLine DL-6148L-01 is the one product you are looking for.

Because, unlike the DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01, the DreamLine DL-6148L-01 includes six integrated storage shelves. Put all you need for showering there and enjoy bathing.

Easy to use: Like all the other wall kits mentioned here, the DreamLine DL-6148L-01 is very easy to install as well. This best bathtub wall surround comes with mounting studs. Just mount the walls directly to the studs, and you will be done.

As for cleaning, there is nothing too complicated here, either. Just use soap and water to clean it regularly.

Due to its built, the walls are scratch, stain, and mold resistant. So it will maintain a new-like look for a long time with timely cleaning.

Verdict: If you like the DreamLine SHBW-1360603-01 QWALL-Tub but are unwilling to go through the hassle of installing more shelves manually, you can try using the DreamLine DL-6148L-01. They have the same features with just a few alterations!

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What to consider while buying the best bathtub wall surround? (Buying Guide)

Now that we have familiarized ourselves with the products, it’s time to buy one. Installing bathtub surround options is indeed easier and quicker than covering up the wall with tiles.

But that does not mean that you can just take a gamble choosing one from the market and change it later as soon as you face issues.

So, you should spend some time and effort doing your research before deciding on a product. This section of the article has included a buying guide for you for this specific purpose.

When you plan on going for buying a bathtub wall surround, remember to check this section. Try to make sure you examine the product in light of the factors mentioned here. Better safe than sorry, right?

• The Size: Remember, no matter how good looking and durable your bought bathtub wall kit is, it will all be in vain if it can’t fit your bathroom and bathtub.
  
  So, before you go to buy your kit, remember to measure your washroom and tub accurately. Select a wall surround option that matches your tub and bathroom’s measurements, and all will be well.

• Material and sturdiness/ The built: Now that we have the size issue covered, it is time to take the materials and the wall’s built environment into consideration. In the market, you will find products made out of various types of materials and thicknesses. The sturdiness and lifespan of the item hugely depend on these factors.
  
  Naturally, the bathtub surrounds ideas made of more rigid materials that last longer and cost about or above 1000$.
  
  If you are looking for a longer usage product, such as several decades, you should get cultured marble or solid surface bathtub wall surrounds.
  
  If you do not feel like spending so much and are happy with moderate quality products, you can give wall surrounds made of fiberglass and composites a try. Their cost is below 600$, and they usually last for about two decades.
  
  Acrylic-surface plastic tub surrounds typically are priced below 300$. These products have the shortest lifespan of about fifteen years.

• The storage system: Many shower tub surrounds come with molded shelves. The number varies depending on the manufacturer.
  
  If you are a person who uses many bathing products, we suggest you choose a product with the option of having many shelves installed. Or, get a one where you can attach extra brackets without damaging the panels.

• The installation procedure: Installing bathtub surround kits should not be too complicated. Some of them are even designed just to get attached to your wall with the help of glues.
  
  If you don’t wish to get professional help, you should buy a wall surround that will not require complicated installation procedures.

• The cleaning procedure: A clean bathroom is mandatory for relaxation. Therefore, you should purchase an item that is easy to clean. Before buying, check if the surface supports the use of more potent cleaning agents.
  
  Try getting the solid panel ones. The edges should be smooth and fit perfectly with the walls. Thus, they will be easier to clean.

• Compatibility with the bathroom’s aesthetics: Last but not least is the look of the product. A bathtub wall surround’s main job indeed is to protect your bathroom’s walls and help you enjoy your bath, but that’s not all.
  
  Your choice of the bathtub wall surround will significantly impact the overall looks of the bathroom. So, we suggest you choose a product that fits your bathroom’s aesthetics.

After all, you will be using it for years! At least it should please your eyes, don’t you think?

Some FAQs about Bathtub Walls

What is the best material for a bathtub surround?

A bathtub surround’s primary purpose is to protect the walls from water damages. The following materials are the most popular materials for building a bathtub surround.

• Ceramic tiles
• Acrylic sheets
• Polyester sheets
• Granite
• Porcelain tiles, etc.

What can I use for shower walls besides tile?

Ceramic tiles or tiles, in general, are popular choices for building shower walls. But there are also alternative options if you don’t feel like using tiles.

• Granite
• Marble
• Stone Resin
• Stainless Steel
• Waterproof Paint
• PVC Panels
• Acrylic Panels, etc.

Do acrylic tubs turn yellow?

No, it doesn’t. The material for building acrylic tubs is vacuum-formed fiberglass-reinforced acrylic sheets. Due to its manufacturing procedure and use of extreme heat, the sheets are free of pores.

As a result, acrylic sheets resist mold and mildew. Thus, acrylic-made tubs are not prone to yellowing over time.

Is it cheaper to tile a shower or buy a surround?

Generally, buying a shower wall surround is cheaper than tiling the surrounding. Not only tiles are costly, tiling a bathroom requires more time as well.

 Tiles are also harder to clean than pre-made bathtub surround options due to grout lines between the ceramic tiles.

Is it OK to use bleach on acrylic tub?

No, it is not OK to use bleach on an acrylic tub because usage of bleach can cause your warranty to get void.

Don’t worry, it is easy to clean acrylic tubs. All you will need is soap and warm water, and the tub will look good as new.

Final Verdict

So, what do you think? Which one do you think is the best bathtub wall surround amongst all these options?

Our personal favorite is the STERLING 71220110-0 Ensemble Bath and Shower Kit. It is durable, long-lasting, element-resistant, and has a contemporary look.

But that does not mean the other products are not of similar quality. In the end, all it comes down to is personal preferences and qualities. Just remember to judge their qualities thoroughly before buying, and all should be well!