There are different methods/materials that are used for creating a "watertight" tub surround. We used Hardibacker for the tub walls (a type/brand of cement board), thinset (instead of joint compound) for "spackling", and Hydroban, a brush or roll-on waterproofing membrane. Or, you could use plastic (sheeting) between the studs and cement board, or Kerdi (a cloth-like membrane) over your cement board instead of Hydroban (or Redguard, which is another roll-on product). The important thing is to lay the groundwork first, before you tile and grout. They are only as good as what lies beneath them. As an added measure, we used TEC XT grout, which is supposed to be more stain, crack, mildew resistant than other grouts, and caulked at changes of planes (niche shelves, where the tile meets the tub). We sealed the grout with a penetrating solvent-based sealer (only type to use with the XT grout). We used STT's SB sealer, which was easy to use and had minimal odor, as well. We also are in the habit of using a daily shower spray, and wiping down the walls after showering. Probably overkill, but we lived with our really cruddy bathrooms for too long, and spent a lot of time, effort (and $!) to turn them into nice ones. We want them to remain nice for many years to come, so to us, the extra effort is worth it. If your shower door is in really bad shape, you might want to consider a new one (esp if you are totally remodeling the room). There are baked in and sprayed on treatments available for the glass to help keep them looking nice and clear longer. Squeegeeing the doors after every shower helps, too.

Does the joint where the glass wall tile meets the deck need a special glass molding? I would prefer none just glass tile to solid surface. You can run the wall tile right to the tub deck, and caulk the intersection with color and texture matched caulk. Borders/liners are added for aesthetic and transitional interest. Sometimes it's purely design, sometimes for function, sometimes a combination. If your glass tile can stand on its own, and you'd prefer it to do so, then let it. I've not ever seen a glass grab bar or hand rail. Clear polycarbonate (I think it was PC) yes, but glass, no. Mongo

It would be wonderful if you can afford it--no grout lines, beautiful colors...except for the radiation and the fumes, what's not to love :) (JUST KIDDING--see the kitchen forum) No really, someone--who was it-was it --agh, I'm blanking--but she got some beautiful slabs for about 5/sf (before fabrication) that she used for tub apron and I *think* shower walls. She was very happy and understandably so, when we saw the pics. 2cm would definitely be the way to go, as opp. to 3. You'd never see the extra cm that you'd be paying for. If you decide to go with a counter of the same material, *there* you might want to use the 3 in order to have that nice solid deep counter edge.

If you are using granite countertops, imo it would look like you totally cheaped out to use laminate for the tub. Nothing wrong with laminate...but I just don't think mixing those materials in that setting would be a good thing. My thoughts exactly. If the $450 is just too much to be contemplated, you could go with laminate on the vanity -- I think matching is more important than which material you choose. And in the long run, it's a bathroom; as you said, it's just you and your husband who'll see this. Expensive granite makes sense in the kitchen, where you spend lots of time and greet guests ... less sense in a functional, personal space.