If you go with a surround, definately use Swanstone... It is a solid surface like Corian that is repairable, solid color throughout and lasts a lifetime. Swanstone has 30+ colors and they also have BeadBoard panels that you can use in the tub surround. Proper installation on these is a must!

Todd Stull
Enola, PA

Here is a link that might be useful: Swanstone

I second the swanstone. You can even clean it with sandpaper and it looks new.

I don't like the look of tub/shower surrounds, so said "thanks-but no thanks" when our contractor friend suggested using one for our guest bathroom shower. We also tiled the tub surrounds in our hall bathroom and MB.

DH used hardibacker (cement board) for the walls, and then rolled/brushed on Laticrete waterproofing membrane. He made sure the boards were well-coated. Our tile guy used thinset to set the tile (Do NOT use mastic). We used regular TEC grout in the guest bathroom, TEC XT in the other two. We sealed all (grout, stone, border tile) after installation.

We spray the walls with a daily shower cleaner/spray after each use (switched from Clean Shower to Mrs. Meyers Shower Cleaner because the clean shower is not stone-safe).

We also wipe the tiles (and caulk at the base of the walls) with a piece of paper towel after showering (could also use a squeegee, just haven't found a squeegee I like as well as the one we have in the guest bathroom)--probably not necessary to do this, but it keeps our large format tile(s) looking nice (and streak-free), and prevents water puddles along the tub edge/rim from sitting for long.

I agree with catmom that tile looks ever so much nicer than a solid surround.... but I also think that tile is probably more difficult to keep clean in the long run. Even with the newest technology in stain-resistant grouts and sealers, just the fact of having different levels to clean is going to make it a bit harder. In my opinion, worth the tradeoff for aesthetics, though!!

Waterproofing is not a part of the decision-making, since both would be perfectly waterproof IF DONE CORRECTLY. If you go with tile come back and ask for specific recommendations, OK??

I think a glossy glazed tile is easier to keep clean in a kids bath, personally.

Is your home actually an older cottage, or new build with cottage "style"? If it's old, I'd definitely go with tile, much more accurate to the home. Either way, the look of tile is probably better with cottage style, but solid surround in a new build home wouldn't be as bad, IMHO, as in an older home.

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ceramics

Here is a link that might be useful: ceramics