A tiled tub surround protects your walls from water damage and instantly upgrades any Chicago bathroom. A tiled tub surround protects your walls from water damage while giving your bathroom a clean, finished look. At TileMasters, we handle waterproofing and precise tile layout so your surround looks sharp and holds up for years.
Whether you want a simple, classic surround or a more detailed design with accent tile, our installers deliver watertight construction and clean, even lines.
From classic subway tile to natural stone, we work with the full range of tub surround tile to match your bathroom.
A timeless, versatile classic that suits nearly any bathroom style, from traditional to modern, without ever going out of style.
Oversized tile with minimal grout lines for a seamless, modern, easy-to-clean surround that looks great for years.
Marble, travertine, and slate for a premium look with rich natural character that elevates the whole bathroom.
Small-format tile used as a decorative band to add texture and visual interest to an otherwise simple surround.
Tiled recessed storage built cleanly into your tub surround for everyday convenience without breaking up the design.
Bold decorative tile that brings personality and a custom feel to your bathroom, especially in kids’ baths.
A properly tiled surround protects your walls and adds a clean, finished look to any bathroom.
A properly waterproofed surround keeps moisture out of your walls and framing for decades.
A simple wipe-down keeps tile looking fresh, with no annual recaulking or refinishing needed.
Countless tile, color, and layout options let you match the surround to the rest of your bathroom.
A tiled tub surround looks far more finished than a plastic insert and buyers can tell.
A clear, proven 5-step process from first measurement to final walkthrough.
We measure the tub and the surrounding walls, look at the condition of what is behind the existing surround, and talk through tile, layout, and whether you want a niche or accent band. We also check the tub itself, since a surround is only as good as the tub flange it ties into. You get a clear plan and a detailed, no obligation written estimate up front.
We protect the tub and the rest of the bathroom, then remove the old surround, whether that is tile, a plastic insert, or panel board. Behind it we check the framing and substrate for water damage, which is extremely common around older tubs. We then install cement board and a full waterproofing membrane, lapping it correctly over the tub flange so water is directed into the tub instead of behind it.
We dry lay the tile to plan the courses and decide where the first row sits relative to the tub, so the top course does not end in an awkward sliver at the ceiling. Cuts are balanced at both corners rather than running full tile from one side. Every piece is wet cut to fit cleanly around the valve, the spout, and the niche if you are adding one.
Our installers set each tile with full coverage and check level and plumb constantly as the courses go up, since a tub surround is a large flat plane where any wave in the tile is obvious. Corners are kept tight and consistent, and the niche gets a slight pitch so water drains out of it. We keep the tub covered and protected throughout the install.
After the thinset sets, we grout the surround, clean the surface, and seal where the tile calls for it. The joint where the tile meets the tub gets caulk instead of grout, because that joint moves every time the tub fills and will crack if it is grouted. We then walk the finished surround with you, point out the caulk joints to watch over time, and explain basic upkeep.
Common questions from Chicago homeowners before starting a tub surround project.
Most tub surrounds take two to three days. We typically demo and waterproof on the first day, tile on the second, and grout on the third, with curing time between each stage. A larger surround, a full height install to the ceiling, or an added niche can extend that slightly, and we confirm the exact schedule during your free estimate.
Yes, and it is the part that determines whether the job lasts. We install cement board and a full waterproofing membrane behind the tile, and we lap it correctly over the tub flange so any water that gets past the grout is directed into the tub rather than down behind it. Skipping that step is why so many older surrounds rot out the wall framing.
We almost always recommend against it. Tiling over an existing surround adds thickness that looks wrong at the edges and, more importantly, means you are bonding new work to a surface that may already be failing or holding moisture. We remove the old surround, check the framing behind it, and start from a properly waterproofed substrate.
Yes. An accent band, a contrasting border, or a recessed niche are all straightforward to include as long as we plan them during layout rather than adding them mid install. A niche needs to be framed and waterproofed with the rest of the wall, so decide early. We will show you where it makes sense relative to the valve and the tub.
Cost depends on the size of the surround, the tile you choose, whether you are adding a niche or accent band, and what we find behind the old surround once it comes off. Water damaged framing is the most common variable. We provide a detailed, itemized free estimate and show you anything we uncover before doing extra work.
A look at recent tile tub surround installations across Chicago and the suburbs.
Get a free, no-obligation estimate for your tub surround project today. Serving Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.
