5 Questions to Ask About Installing or Replacing Your Bathtub Liner or Shower Surround

Whether you’re working on a bathroom remodel and want a new bathtub liner or need a shower surround replacement, hiring the right professional for the job is key. Before hiring someone, make sure you can answer these common bathtub liner questions so that you can ensure a painless project that leaves your bathroom looking polished.

1. What kind of bathtub liner or shower surround do you want?

There are three types of bathtub liners your pro can install to reface your bathtub or shower surround. Decide which one you like best before reaching out to professionals. PVC liners are the most affordable and may be ideal for a quick install, but they don’t look as nice as other materials and can yellow over time. Acrylic liners are more visually appealing, but they’re more expensive and can crack and chip over time. Solid surface liners can look like high-end materials and are the most appealing and durable, but they’re also the most expensive.

2. What style is your current bathroom, or what style are you going with in your remodel?

Do you have a luxury bathroom with natural stone flooring and granite vanity countertops? Or is your bathroom more budget-friendly with ceramic tile floors and less-expensive countertop materials? Your professional will use this information along with your decor and overall bathroom style to determine what bathtub liner or shower surround material is best.

3. Has your bathtub or shower been resurfaced before?

Installing a bathtub liner or shower surround is a quick and affordable way to give your space a makeover, but you can usually only resurface them once or twice before you need a full replacement. Your pro will ask about past services and use that information to determine if a new liner is possible or if you’d get more long-term value by splurging on the cost to replace your bathtub.

4. What shape is your current bathtub or shower surround in?

The condition of your existing bathtub or shower can also help determine if a liner will look good after installation. Some liner materials will adhere to the old surface but won’t hide physical imperfections, so tubs and shower surrounds with chips and dents may either need replacement or a more expensive liner option, like solid surface. If you need help, hire a bathtub repair pro near you to help inspect your tub or shower.

5. Do you need any additional services?

Professionals who install bathtub and shower surround liners can also carry out other bathroom remodeling projects. You could save money on trip fees and labor costs if you get these extras done at the same time. Consider having your pro replace bathtub faucets and shower heads, install a shower niche, and replace your vanity or bathroom sink if you’re refacing your tub as a part of a larger project.