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Options include clay, concrete, and slate tiles. Each offers unique durability, aesthetics, and costs.

The choice of whether to tile or use an acrylic tub surround is up to you and can be based on a number of factors, including aesthetics, cost, waterproofing, ease of cleaning, and maintenance.

Tile is a beautiful, classic bathtub surround choice; while tile installation cost is higher, it’s customizable and offers visual appeal. Tile is also harder to clean and presents waterproofing problems because of grout lines. Acrylic surrounds can be more affordable, don’t require much maintenance, and are easier to clean. However, they aren’t usually as visually appealing and may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

Porcelain is a relatively affordable, mid-range countertop. It’s less expensive than other popular materials, including quartz, slate, concrete, and marble. It’s similar in price to the average, low-end or mid-range granite or quartzite countertop (high-end options cost more). It’s more expensive than laminate, acrylic, and ceramic.

However, note that porcelain doesn’t come with very many long-term maintenance costs. If it breaks, you’ll still need to make repairs, but it won’t need regular sealing like concrete and natural stone.

Tile shouldn’t be set tight against the tub. Bathtubs can expand when filled, and they can shift slightly with the weight of occupants. For this reason, it’s important to leave a slight gap between the bathtub and the first row of tile. Aim for a narrow gap of approximately 1/16 of an inch, filled with caulk, to allow for this expansion and movement while still allowing for tile shower waterproofing.