Our house was built with a standard size tub with surround. It's all one piece, and the tub has to be replaced as it hs a hole- can we cut between the tub and surround, so we can replace the tub but not the surround? If this is possible, how would we properly seal the new tub to the old surround?

It depends on what material is used for the surround. All tubs have a ~1" lip around the perimeter that the surround overlaps. So if the surround is tile, you can remove the lower run of tile and replace after the new tub is installed. It the surround is fiberglass, then you'll need to remove the entire surround first before you can remove the tub.

Overall, I would plan to replace both the tub and the surround - the odds of getting a new tub of the exact dimensions as the old one are pretty slim.

Thanks Jaybee. The surround and tub are both fiberglass- it's one complete unit. I was hoping we might be able to cut the along the top of the tub, so we didn't have to cut all of the surround as well- since doing so will require new sheetrock all the way around.

Hi natjocur,

Since you have determined that you must remove the sheet rook around your tub to correct the problem, don't re-install standard sheet rock. Instead consider using drywall designed for high moisture areas such as paperless drywall which stands up to moisture and high humidity much better and will not allow mold to form on it.

quote:

Originally posted by natjocur:
Thanks Jaybee. The surround and tub are both fiberglass- it's one complete unit. I was hoping we might be able to cut the along the top of the tub, so we didn't have to cut all of the surround as well- since doing so will require new sheetrock all the way around.

No options then - the entire thing has to come out. No way could you ever find the right profile to make a cut area to mate up a new tub to the old surround parts. Easiest way to remove the old tub and surround is to cut it up in pieces with a sawzall.

If you go back with a fiberglass surround it will have to be a multi-piece unit in order to get it through the doors.

Thanks again!

I'm going to piggy back on this topic as my situation is similar. I'm looking at replacing a tub which has a shower surround (bath fitter i think). The surround is in good shape but the tub does not go with our reno plans. We are also redoing the rest of the bathroom including the drywall but want to keep the surround as is. The plan is to remove the current sheet rock up to the surround then remove and replace the tub. We are thinking that if we get a deeper tub we can just cut the bottom of the surround to match the new tub level. What are some opinions on this plan? Trying to save a few bucks as if the surround goes then more dry wall and probably some sort of tile as well or a new surround.

As above your options are really limited (and exactly one year apart too). IF you have a existing tub then then has a separate surround attached to it then in theory you could fit a new tub to it. In theory. In reality you must install the tub first and then the surround fits on top of it. With the lip of the tub there is no way to install the tub while the surround is already in place. Frankly, it's just not going to happen if you are wanting to install a deeper tub.

Bite the bullet and remove both the tub and surround, then rebuild with new. It will be a much better project for it ans will likely cost you less than trying to save the surround.

We have the same problem, with a one-piece tub/surround installed in each bath when we built the house in 1977. I'm trying to convince my husband to replace the whole thing, and he says a new tub won't fit through the doors. I say they back onto 1. a 1' x 5' linen closet in the hall and 2. the foyer wall, so just open the paneled wall, take out a few 2x4s and install it through the wall. The plumbing is not on that wall. Would that be a problem? 35-year-old fiberglass is not a pretty sight, especially in harvest gold and robin's egg blue!

I think replacing the tub but keeping the surround is out. From the comments here (thanks for replying jaybee) and some of my own research it just dones't seem like a good idea to try. I'm currently looking into having the tub re-finished/reglazed. I know that that wouldn't be a permanent solution but it would do for what I figure are enough years before we would be doing some major revo's on the house that would likely alter the bathroom shape anyways. Anyone have opinions on reglazing? I can find good and bad online.

jgaskin -- look into "remodel tubs". They come in 3 pieces so you can get them through the doors.

NewatReno -- I've seen one newly reglazed tub in a rental unit, and it looked fairly good, not like new. But how well it lasted after that, I have no idea.

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