Tile surrounds look so very nice. I really love the look. That said, I think I'm glad we have one-piecers in both bathrooms (one shower-tub combo and one shower only). These aren't new units, the house is 40 years old and they came with the house. One day we'll replace them, but there's no hurry. My daughter's rental has tile in both upstairs bathrooms, one tub-shower combo and one walk-in-and-have-a-stroll shower. We've used both on numerous occasion as she sometimes goes out of town on business and we babysit, or recently she had a new baby and I went to help out. The shower in particular needs all sorts of spot scrubbing to keep the tile and grout clean. My daughter is a bit of a clean freak (didn't get it from me!) and even she has trouble keeping up with shower maintenance. This really made my mind up for me for what we'll do one of these years - solid surface of some sort despite the fact that I love the look of tile.

I'm just not sure how a drop in Kohler "Tea for Two" cast iron tub would look with a cultured marble tub surround? Any pics or comments out there?

I am not exactly sure what you're asking about the size of the "skirting", but my tub has more on the ends, but is very narrow on the sides, so I thought I'd show it to you in case this was your question :)

So much great advice. I think I'm going to have to just look at some tubs in person (again) and see how they look to my eye. I want the house to look nice. The older children HAVE chosen their granite while we were at a granite yard, so they will definitely be getting nice baths, whether their tubs are tiled or not tiled. A good point was brought up that even if I tile around the bathtubs, future buyers may not like our choice anyway. That is a good point.... that holds true for every other choice in the house. Drat!! :o) LOL! Anyhoo, it would be more work to replace tile than to rip out an acrylic tub/surround and put in stuff they like, right?! :op Allison, thanks for sharing your photo. I think that shower looks really nice. I know that what is "in" right now is going to be dated eventually anyway. I'm hoping to avoid "trendy" in any way, shape, or form, but of course that is going to be difficult to do. I look at my design magazines from even a year ago, and see "trends" that seem to be fading. I'm not wanting to be trendy, that's for sure. Just wanting good quality, whatever we choose. Marble is a good point. I think the 3rd floor (guest suite) bath will be marble. If not the bathroom, then their kitchenette will get carrera (sp?) marble on the countertop with distressed black cabinetry. Some way or other, I'm getting that marble up on that 3rd floor space. LOL! I'd actually love it in my main kitchen island top, but it's just not going with the color scheme/feel on the main floor. Thanks for your thoughts, everyone. I really do appreciate your responses. Oh... I'm definitely checking out that Kohler tub.... now that 2 people have recommended it. Thanks. :O)