Very new to this forum but thought I would give it a try. I bought a new surround for our bathtub because what is currently there is not even water resistant. The problem I have is that at each end of the tub is a shelf because the tub is shorter than the area it is in. One end has the plumbing under it so I know we can close that off and access it from a panel on the other side in the kitchen. Each shelf is the width of the tub (or length depending on how you look at it) and extends out about 8 inches from the wall at each end. I would really like to do away with these entirely. The one below the shower head collects water which then drains off into the crawlspace. And they are both made of wood and covered with cheap material which is falling off, the wood is rotting, etc...
The tub is standard size and it is a bit costly to buy a longer one; besides the fact that the one we have is in pretty good shape. I just can't seem to find any information on what to do with these darn shelves.
In the house we used to rent, one end had a nice cupboard facing sideways to use but our bathroom is very small and the cupboard would not be able to be accessed.
I have been pondering this problem for quite a while as I bought the surround several years ago. Nothing has been done because of the shelf issue.
Any ideas would be wonderful.
Thank you so much.

Options:

1. Bump out the walls to move them closer tot he tub, thus eliminating the shelves. This would create a dead space that at 8" is probably not worth trying to use. One end though will have to be replumbed to extend the faucet and spouts.

2. Rebuild the shelves so that they are waterproof. Schluter board will work, as could a waterproof membrane topped with mortar and tile. Whatever you use you wil need topitch the shelf slightly to drain towards the tub.

Picture sure would be nice.

A picture and two quick measurements would end your frustration. measure from both ends of tub to the wall and write it down.