I have a Sterling Accord that was just installed today. I'm also in a 1973 house, and we're in the middle of a complete remodel of an ugly yellow bathroom.

The Accord doesn't use caulking in any of the seams. The only part that has to be sealed is where the wall meets the top of the surround. I chose it because I don't want to deal with the maintenance of tile, caulk, and grout ever again.

It'll probably be a week or a little more before I get to use it, but I don't anticipate any problems. My contractor was impressed with how it's designed. Any water that happens to get between the seams is channeled down into the tub.

Sterling has a video that demonstrates how to install the tub and walls. It makes it look really quick and easy, but they're installing it in a perfect scenario, and I'm sure the video is well-edited too. All the framing in my bathroom wasn't exactly perfect and straight, but my contractor and his helper were able to work it out.

thanks mona! would you mind posting a picture when it's all done. Just to clarify, there is not any caulk where the surround meets the tub?

Are you going to miss the yellow LOL? I actually don't mind the yellow--which is why I have not been pushed to update. Although we did update the avocado bathroom!

thanks, Kristine

I will be sharing before and after pictures. And yes, the seams have no caulk. Not where the top of the tub meets the bottom of the walls, and not in the vertical seams where the wall pieces meet. Link below is to the model I got. Some models do need caulk, some need some caulk, and others no caulk.

I hate the yellow and I'm so glad to be rid of it, at least in the main bathroom. We have a second smaller one in the same color, but I'll have to live with it. Ugly yellow aluminum siding will be coming off of the house too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Sterling Accord

My surround kit is Swanstone ordered from Lowes. I also did not want to deal with cleaning tile and grout. My contractor did an excellent job and there is no visible caulk. I think with the kit you have to order the sealaant from Swanstone and it is clear. There is nothing to get moldy or have to clean. I used a 15% off moving discount coupon from the Lowes website even though I wasn't moving.

And Swanstone has a new line of high recycled content colors called the Our Planet collection.

Here is a link that might be useful: Swanstone shower walls kits website

thanks sue--your tub looks great! I will have to check swanstone out.

I looked into the Swanstone walls too. It's my understanding that although there's no grout, there's still caulk along the top of the tub and the vertical seams. You'd have to buy a tub too, so consider that in the cost. Also, if you want wall storage, there's not much.

Swanstone makes a unit similar to Sterling's, their material is called Veritek. I think it's a no-caulk.

Also consider how your choice will be installed. I believe what Sue has is glued to the walls (Sue correct me if I'm wrong). The Sterling Vikrell and Swanstone Veritek units are attached directly to the studs.

Here is a link that might be useful: Swantstone Veritek