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.

We didn't do a tub, but did do a custom neo-angle shower with surround in cultured granite(from a cultured marble vendor). The sequence actually took quite a bit of time: 1) Durock the walls, set the subfloor. 2) CM vendor came in to measure for the showerpan, NOT the surround. 3) 1 week to create the showerpan. They installed it, then measured for the surround. 4) Another week for the surround and inserts, which were then installed. 5) Then, and only then, did the shower glass vendor come out to measure for the glass, which of course took another 2 weeks to install plus a day to dry the silicon caulk. So it was a month after we did the order, until we got to use our new shower! Love it, though - people are sure we've got a Corian shower with matching double integral sink vanity. They have no idea we saved at least 30% using cultured granite.

Here are some pics of our tub surround although it's not cultured marble. It's from Onyx Collection. I would've preferred solid white but not with the white tub (too much white and never the same shade). The small soap dish was included and the larger one we bought as well as all the trim. We also got color-matched silicone which you'll have to think about if you decide on a different color trim. IMHO I think it would be tricky to pull off different color panels and trim without looking choppy or unintentionally striped but of course you'll have to decide how it looks in your bath. Maybe your room is short and different trim would draw the eye up to make the shower look taller? TorontoTim is right that despite very specific measurements, they sent the pieces a little too big so we had to trim. "We" means DH with me following directions lol. I guess a little too big is waaaay better than a little too small! Trimming was interesting because, while the actual trimming was pretty easy, the material started sagging if left for very long unsupported. So keep everything very flat (if your cultured marble acts the same)! It's also pretty darn heavy despite being 1/4" thick. DH had to get a very strong friend to do the back panel as I couldn't even lift it iwth DH. Also, we couldn't have moved any of it without the little suction handles. And, we borrowed some wall jacks for the panels while the silicone on the back (clear but bought from Onyx Collection to best match their panel material) cured. Anyway, I got the glossy finish for easiest upkeep and it has been that. We've had it for a several months now and I use 50/50 vinegar/water spray and squeegee to clean--easy peasy! Finally, the pics: Closeup of the cubbies: Closeup of the trim: For some reason, the color in this pic is off. The real color is as above. ps redshoetraveler: do you only have One Red Shoe?? HTH

Thanks Penny and Fori. Agree now that the "front" doesn't need to be tiled...so makes a transition unnecessary. Yay! Fori - I thought long and hard about doing a shower over tub, but decided to keep them separate. We have space for a 76" custom double vanity with storage, and a linen closet just outside the room. This is also our most conveniently located bath for guests (most often our parents) and I want to have a shower that they can use safely and comfortably. The tub is our only, so we plan to install a deeper one for soaking. The boys will only be here full time for 3-4 more years (then the tub is all mine!)