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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.

Tile—specifically smaller, mosaic-style tiles—is the best type of flooring for building a walk-in shower base. Shower pans come with a threshold and sidewalls to contain the water, but tile can be set into the shower base. This creates a walk-in shower floor that gently slopes toward the drain to keep water from getting out and into the rest of the bathroom.

Glass tiles are among the most difficult to install. This is because their transparency makes the adhesive visible, and any imperfections on the opposite side are also likely to be visible. Glass tiles also must be handled carefully during installation, as they are prone to scratching. For these reasons, glass tiles often require professional installation to get the most out of their beauty and unique look.

No, when done correctly, removing the tile shouldn’t damage the subfloor. However, if there was pre-existing damage to the subfloor from standard use or lack of maintenance, the subfloor may need repairs. For example, if the contractors notice mold growth on the subfloor or an uneven surface, you may need more extensive services before installing new tile.

If you DIY tile removal, remove the tiles one step at a time, individually removing the tile, grout, and mortar to prevent unnecessarily damaging the subfloor. Depending on the age of your home, consider having a professional inspect the subfloor to ensure it’s in good enough condition to lay new tile.