I do like the look of panels matching the cabinets. Mine is just tile.

Good news- bad news.
Bad news first- not a clear cut answer to help you.
Good news- it honestly sounds like you cannot go wrong with the options you presented.
I suspect that for wearability, using the slabs or tile would work better. As far as looks go, I truly think you cannot make a mistake.

I did granite slab on both surfaces and love it. Here is it being built:

Arielitas_mom,

She was asking about bath tubs, not indoor swimming pools! :>)

Wow, your 'tub' surround is gorgeous!

I agree with sheilaaus- all your choices will look good! What a dilemma to have!

Don't forget there is also tile that looks like beadboard in case you would prefer a non porous product around the tub and like the look of the beadboard. I love it, but not sure I can afford it so I'll most probably just go with regular tile around the tub and wood paneling on the front.

Don't forget there is also tile that looks like beadboard in case you would prefer a non porous product around the tub and like the look of the beadboard.

For anyone interested, here's one source:

Here is a link that might be useful: Hastings Collection Ceramic Beadboard

I did white beadboard 4 feet up the bathroom, matched this to the vanity and did carera marble tub surround to match the carerra marble vanity top...

Here's our tub: I tiled the deck and backsplash, bought plywood and trim that matched our vanities, then constructed the picture frame design on the surround.

thank you so much!! very helpful!

Weedyacres, that is beautiful!! Where can we see more pictures of your home?

Bill, do you have any idea how expensive the ceramic beadboard is? Have you ever used it? There isn't a distibutor within 100 miles of me so I was going to call tomorrow to get a price. I'm afraid to ask as I imagine it's quite expensive.

Houseful: you're too kind. Our house isn't so pretty right now, and we're remodeling it top to bottom, inside and out (we've nicknamed the place "Weedy Acres" if that gives you any idea with what we've got ahead of us outside). Our master bath (above) was our second project. I'm starting to put together a web site of our DIY efforts, and I'll post a link when I get it presentable.

Weedy, you and I have A LOT in common, LOL! I can't wait to see more!

Was the master bath a DIY project? Do you do your own designing too?

brutuses-- sorry it took me so long to get back to this thread-- unfortunately, I don't have any answers for you. However, I do know that they're not the only game in town. Crossville, I believe, also makes a ceramic beadboatd, but I think theirs is only in a 6x6.

I went to visit a local flooring store today and was so pleased to see they had everything I could possibly want and their prices were very reasonable. I had them give me prices on the various glass tile I'm interested in, some porcelain floor tile, marble and a beautiful Santos Mahogany laminate by Armstrong that is so gorgeous you'd never know it's laminate unless you touch it. It has a beautiful sheen to it just like a hardwood floor, has beveled edges and just looks divine. Not to mention it's about 1/4" or more thick. Actually it's the thickest laminate I've seen. I guess it was 10 mm or more.

So I'm feeling a bit more at ease now that I've finally found a source for all of my tiling needs and it's 5 minutes from my house. Love that!!

Houseful:
Sorry, I neglected to come back to this thread and didn't see your note. A link to our web page documenting our house remodel is below.

And yes, all our projects are DIY (D for design as well as do). We have great fun!

Here is a link that might be useful: Weedy Acres remodel