Sheet vinyl tub surround?

One of my MHs is due for a new tub surround. It's oversized and the walls are MH flimsy. I don't want to do tile as the tub may have to be replaced in the near future.

Has anyone ever used a tile pattern one piece vinyl as a tub surround? How does it look, and how does it last? --141.129.x.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:06 AM
Message:

I have never heard of this. Are you talking about sheet vinyl made for floors being attached to shower walls? Or are you referring to another type product?

I have always used the cheap plastic sheets that are attached with tubes of tub adhesive. --68.62.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:13 AM
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Yup, I'm talking about using one piece floor vinyl for tub surrounds. Never done it, and never seen it done. Was looking for input from others. --141.129.x.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by mike [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:21 AM
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I like the single sheet product. However, I only use the one that is all plastic, ie no wood or card board on the inside for strength. The sheets are pricey at over $25/sheet. It only is sold in white and has dimples on one side. Easy to work with and holds up better than tub surrounds --108.80.xxx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:39 AM
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Now I know what you are talking about. Those plastic sheets are what Lowes uses on the walls of the Mens restroom. Are they attached with an adhesive? --68.62.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Dave [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:43 AM
Message:

I believe what Mike Mo. is talking about is FRP board. Fiberglass reinforcement panel, like you see in Walmart bathrooms. I have used this also and it is indestructible. Use an FRP glue with a trowel for best results and a nail with a white button tab. --75.15.xxx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:47 AM
Message:

Dave MO,

Walmart has nice fake tile bathrooms too. I will looking for that product on my next bath rehab project. --68.62.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Mike SWMO [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 5:54 AM
Message:

Gevans

I have used the sheet vinyl floor covering and also the white board Mike MO talks about.

Unfortunately I can’t give you any idea as to the durability to them. The floor covering was used in a mobile home I lived in a while back but moved out of within a year of installing so don’t know the long term results. The white pebble stuff Mike MO talks about (I believe it is called dairy board) was just put up a couple of months ago. I used OSB as a backing, not sheet rock, felt it might be more stable or stronger, lots of liquid nails and made sure there was space at the bottom so water would not ooze or wick up the board. Perhaps green board would have been a better choice but it’s all done now. White board a little pricy at Lowes but I was able to get mine at Habitat restore so price ok. These were 6x12 sheets. I turned the sheets on their side and made the walls higher than the plastic surround usually is.

--162.40.xx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Pattyk [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 6:13 AM
Message:

I would not use liquid nails on the white plastic boards as it the brown color may bleed thur over time. They make a white glue in a caulk tub for such. Much better. Even with that after a long period of time i can see where the glue was put as a shadow type effect.

For a mobile home, I would reinforce with something behind the plastic as attaching it right ot the studs, on a thin wall, would allow for someone to "fall" against it and crack it. Should be a solid surface behind the plastic board when it's this thin, but you most likely already planned for for that. --184.239.xx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 6:18 AM
Message:

Our Local Lowes only had the FRP board in 4X8 sheets... lots of waste if using it for a tub surround. We don't have an HD or Menards, but I'll check the next town over and see if HD has it there.

I was asking about using one piece vinyl FLOORING as a tub surround. Never seen it done.

yep, definitely need a solid backer board for anything this thin. --141.129.x.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Phillip [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 6:59 AM
Message:

I use the FRP board like others have said, However I did use the tile pattern Allure I had left over for a quick backsplash in a kitchen that I will be remodeling in the near future. So far so good. --184.155.xx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Robert,Ontario,Canada [ON]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 10:14 AM
Message:

Tub surrounds are not common here. The problem with tub surrounds they are difficult to clean. Sometimes one puts a tub surround around a wall which is deteriorated which means the tub surround will not last long. The one time repair is to install a good waterproof hardee backer board or concrete board. then install new tiles. If one wants to save on materials then one can go to the Habitat for Humanity restore for materials. Floor tile can be put on walls and floor. Ceramic tile is easy to clean then if installed properly it will last a very long time. The most important is what the surface anything is installed on. If the surface is falling apart then what ever is put on will come down after a while. --216.110.xxx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Ellen [ME]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 10:38 AM
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Phillip(MO) how did you attach the allure? Glue? It is an interesting idea. --64.222.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Phillip [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 11:59 AM
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I used a mastik like for sheet vinyl flooring, and use a small brad nailer to put just a few brads up next to the bottom of the cabinets, just to keep the Allure from sliding down the wall before the glue set. --184.155.xx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Ellen [ME]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 12:14 PM
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What did you use to finish edges? I am intrigued by this idea : ) --64.222.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by T&J [TX]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 12:25 PM
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We have had floor vinyl tub (and shower stalls too) in several MHs we purchased. It was years old when we got them (as in at least 20) and lasted for years after we bought them. My only complaint was that it tended to not make good corners--but it was very durable. --108.204.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Phillip [MO]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 12:46 PM
Message:

What I did was at the bottom and in the corners I tried to match the "grout" color as best I could in silicone and sealed the corner and bottom, the top side was at the cabinets and the other end died out behind the fridge.

Like I said this was a temporary fix that I would'nt feel so bad about tearing out in a couple of years. But with a little bit of experimenting with edges and corners, it may be an alternative that may look good and last for years. --184.155.xx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Anchor [TX]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 2:49 PM
Message:

FRP is very durable and easy to clean. I think that it requires special fasteners to attache it to the wall. At HD the fasteners are right next to the FRP display. --98.194.xx.x

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Ellen [ME]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 4:56 PM
Message:

I was thinking that the channels for FRP might work for edges with the allure. I am going to think further about this.

Thoughts re: Would it be stain resistant to spaghetti sauce? Should hold up well to frequent cleaning. expansion/contraction issues behind range?

You'll have to let us know how it holds up. Could be classy with onyx. --64.222.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Aug 27, 2012 7:54 PM
Message:

I put up FRP in a bathroom about 9-10 years ago in a lower end unit, still looks great. I used the plastic interconnection strips between sheets and corners and used construction adhesive to hang it. No bleed through and no problems. It does take a little longer to clean between tenants as it holds soap scum worse than tile or PVC surround. I've also used the PVC surround that comes in 3 parts so you can cut to size to fit the space. Of the two the FRP holds up way better. --108.240.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by AllyM [NJ]) Posted on: Aug 28, 2012 8:34 AM
Message:

Sorry, that sounds horrible. Home Depot has some better kits that you can install. I can't think of anything less appealing when showering, than looking at vinyl flooring. Why degrade the home? You are an experienced landlord. I can't believe you are saying this. --69.141.xxx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Aug 28, 2012 9:26 AM
Message:

It was an idea I came up with in the middle of the night. My board of advisors has prevailed and today I'm installing a standard tub surround kit.

Not all ideas pan out, but I thought this one was worth floating to the board. --141.129.x.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Ellen [ME]) Posted on: Aug 28, 2012 2:21 PM
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Gevans - I agree, it can be fun and instructional to discuss ideas like this in this setting. As it is discussed and evaluated we get a chance to learn and maybe it will trigger something more useful. --64.222.xxx.xx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by BRAD 20,000 [IN]) Posted on: Sep 3, 2012 11:41 AM
Message:

gevans, If you're talking about sheet floor vinyl I'd be afraid the moisture would wick up between the layers.

For a quick overlay, we use the white, thin textured fiberglass 4x8 sheets from Lowes, with broad flat stainless screws. Done neatly the screws are OK. Maybe a dab of white paint to cover them.

You got me thinking...quick, short term fix...how about 59 cent vinyl tile squares?? Staple on a sheet of plastic - to seal the wall and give the sticky backs a great surface to stick to!

I have also wondered about installing cement board or hardboard and just painting it. Use screws and re-use it when you replace the tub.

hmmmm...got me thinkin!! --50.129.xxx.xxx

Sheet vinyl tub surround? (by Joc [ON]) Posted on: Nov 13, 2012 1:08 PM
Message:

Kitchener, Ontario, Canada I have used vinyl flooring in a couple of homes we have lived in as a bathtub surround. The last one I did is where we live now. I used a 4" sq. tile pattern for the floor and walls.

After puting down the floor, I cut (dry)the walls to fit matching the pattern. When satisfied it was right, used flooring adhesive and installed to the wall using a rolling pin to get the air out and make a good contact.

Around the water closet and pedestal lavatory, I went up 4 feet and capped with a moulding. Around the tub, I cut (dry)to fit, again matching the pattern. I put a kant strip in the corners, cutting a 2x2 on the 45 and nailing it to wall. I applied the adhesive to the wall with a notched trowel and placed the vinyl in place.

I used a large head S/S roofing nail and starting in the middle of the back wall, nailed along the ceiling edge in both directions to the corner, then rolled it around and used a heat gun on low heat to help, I then did the end walls, again nailing along the top edge to hold in place so that it would not slip down.

After rolling with the rolling pin and confirming that all was well, I put up a crown moulding at top to cover up the nails. I then used a silicone around the tub where the vinyl met.

This has been up for approx 10 years now and looks as good as the day it was installed. The nice thing about it is that there are no grout lines to get dirty or leak. I have also done our kitchen backsplash the same way. Again no grout lines and no leaking and very easy to clean. --70.42.xx.x

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