Tub Surround New Jersey

Design Trends: Tiling Your Bathroom Tub

When planning a bathroom renovation, the shower is often the star. Homeowners eagerly select subway tile for the walls, mosaic tile for the pan, and perhaps a stylish stacked stone tile for a niche accent.

 

But what about the porcelain or fiberglass tub sitting next to it? In a world of elevated design, the question arises: Is it time to ditch the standard tub surround and tile the entire exterior of my bathtub?

 

The short answer is a resounding yes. Tiling the face and/or deck of your bathtub is one of the most impactful, yet often overlooked, design trends in modern bathroom remodeling. It's a key technique used by top designers to elevate a standard tub into a cohesive, built-in feature that transforms a utilitarian fixture into a luxurious focal point.

 

Tiled Bath Tub New Jersey

 

Why Tile the Tub? The Case for Cohesion

 

Most porcelain or fiberglass bathtubs come with a simple, pre-finished exterior panel or skirt. While functional, this panel introduces a visual break between the floor, the tub, and the surrounding walls. Tiling the tub skirt offers immediate design benefits:

 

  1. Seamless Integration: By using the same tile as the bathroom floor or the shower walls, you create a sense of continuous flow. This makes the space feel larger, cleaner, and much more intentional.

  2. A True Focal Point: Tiling allows you to use the tub as a canvas. You can apply a dramatic accent tile, like a bold mosaic, a geometric pattern, or a sophisticated plank porcelain, turning a standard alcove tub into a custom-built soaking sanctuary.

  3. Durability and Water Resistance: Unlike lightweight, plastic-based panels that can crack or yellow over time, porcelain and ceramic tiles are durable, water-resistant, and built to last. They maintain their look for decades.

 

Design Considerations: Choosing Your Strategy

 

The way you tile your tub depends heavily on the type of tub you have and the design impact you want to achieve.

 

  • The Alcove Tub (Standard): This is the most common scenario, where the tub is nestled between three walls. The front-facing skirt is the primary area to tile. Design Tip: Use a large-format tile (like 12x24 inch porcelain) applied vertically to minimize grout lines and create a sleek, sophisticated face.

  • The Drop-In Tub: These tubs require a custom-built frame or deck to support them. This is the ultimate opportunity for customization. The surrounding deck can be tiled with a contrasting or complementing tile, and the base (the vertical "apron") can be tiled to match the floor, giving it a custom furniture look. Design Tip: Consider a stone-look porcelain tile or a stacked stone tile for the apron to create a rustic, spa-like feel.

  • The Freestanding Tub: This style does not usually get tiled, as its exterior is its finished surface. However, if you are designing a deck around a freestanding tub, tiling that deck is essential to anchor the feature.

 

Practicalities: What You Need to Know

 

Before committing to tiling your tub, there are a few practical considerations:

 

  • Access Panel: A tiled tub must include a discreet access panel. This small, removable section (often achieved by installing the tiles on a small plywood frame) is essential for accessing the tub’s plumbing (the drain and overflow) for maintenance or repair. A professional installer will integrate this panel seamlessly into the design.

  • Weight: Tile and mortar add significant weight. Ensure your subfloor is structurally sound and prepared to handle the added load.

  • Tile Type:Porcelain tiles and ceramic tiles are the best choices for a tub surround. They offer superior water resistance, are easy to clean, and come in an endless variety of sizes, textures, and looks—from convincing marble to natural wood grain.

 

Tiling the tub is a signature move of high-end design. It transforms a simple bathing area into an elegant, custom-built feature that significantly elevates the perceived value and aesthetic appeal of your entire bathroom. By extending your beautiful tile from the floor and walls right onto the tub’s apron, you signal a commitment to quality and cohesive design.

 

Ready to Create a Custom Bathroom Oasis? Visit Standard Tile in New Jersey

 

Designing a truly custom bathroom, from heated floors to tiled tubs, requires access to a vast selection of high-quality materials and expert advice. That’s where Standard Tile comes in.

 

Call or visit Standard Tile servicing all of New Jersey with 6 flooring stores in East Hanover, Edison, Jersey City, Succasunna, Totowa, and Watchung. Standard Tile is definitely not just another New Jersey tile shop.

 

We are an industry-leading tile retailer with tile stores across New Jersey. We’ve won three Best Of Houzz awards for service and design, and our tile selections will take the interior of your home to the next level. We have 6 tile showrooms and offer kitchen tile, bathroom tile, porcelain tiles, and ceramic tiles for all of your home’s living areas.

 

View our galleries here, and visit us at one of our showrooms today. We offer subway tile, stacked stone tile, and so many other styles that will bring your home or business's exterior or interiors to the next level.

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