Prefabricated tub liner or tile?

Question

I am renovating a spare bathroom and I am trying to decide if installing tile in the tub area will be worth the extra costs. Based on the estimate I’ve received for the work installing one of those prefabricated liners in the tub will be roughly $700 less. Do you guys think it is worth it to install tile?

Steve Mandelbaum · Answer

That is a great topic.  Tile is one of the most difficult trades to find good quality work.  I like the look and durability, but it can be a pain.  I had a tile guy who ran the wet saw next to the house and sprayed the brown water all over a freshly painted white house.  You can guess what his response was.

The big box stores regularly have tile for less than a dollar a square. I have been paying $1000 labor for a tub and shower enclosure.

I have found the difference in cost is not significant, but the time and hassle can tip the equation.

If you are in a B or higher neighborhood, you should probably use tile.

John Warren · Answer

@Tyler Fischer this is incredibly market dependent, but I would probably lean towards installing a surround. Most of my rentals here in the Berwyn and Cicero area have tiles, so I am very familiar with ceramic and porcelain tiles for surrounds. The main reason I have stuck with them is that I have windows in almost every shower area, which was the code back when these buildings were built. Surrounds can be very challenging to install well if you have to cut them for the window, and that is typically where I have seen them fail as well.