Are you asking if you would recoup your cost if you were to sell it? Probably no. However...from a design standpoint I personally don’t care for tile tub surrounds, and it would be worth it to ME. I kind of doubt that my personal opinion is an important factor in your decision process, lol. Only you can decide if your design is worth the amount it costs.

I'd prioritize a tub deck in a solid surface over wainscoting - hate grout.

Ditch the wainscoting entirely. Do the solid tub deck. Put your dollars in actual functionality, not useless froofery that can be done later more cheaply.

Agree with the others on doing a solid tub deck. You'll never see a return on the wainscoting and if it's not on all of the walls it will just look out of place anyways.

I wouldn't do the wainscoting either.

A solid surface tub deck and sides would look nicer for much longer than having the upkeep with the wood wainscoting. I would match the same solid surface as the counter tops with the sinks that are on either side of the tub. In fact, have you considered using a soaking tub instead of the built-in tub. Soaking tubs are very popular and can save money instead of buying a whirlpool tub. You can make the soaking tub the focal point of the bathroom and paint the wall behind in a darker color. There are so many cool looks with the soaking tubs. I know people are taking out their whirlpool tubs and installing soaking tubs instead. The shower would look nicer with glass to the floor on the sides and it would make the room feel larger too. That's my opinion!

And if you actually use the tub much, it's not going to love the water at all.

I don’t like the wainscoting either. Looks incongruous and misplaced. Almost like someone had lots of money and was trying to find a way to spend it all.

So solid tub deck with the same quartz as the vanity countertops, and tile the tub skirt/surround? attaching photos of the tile and quartz (MSI Calacatta Laza) I’ve chosen

I look at it as an extension of the materials within the shower. The wainscot looks out of place.

If it's just for the deck you might want to go with a simple solid that can be fabricated out of some smaller pieces. (i.e. 4 long strips to make a picture frame) and you can't do that with the veining of the stone you show there.

@just_janni I’d have to purchase another slab just for the tub deck if I chose something different than my countertop. My fabricator told me that he would be able to use a piece he has and part of my slabs (there would be one seam) for the tub deck.

^^^ that's GREAT!!!!!

ditto what Sophie said.....

Pondering the same decision, I chose the same polished quartzite tiles used on the floor and shower.

Thank you all! This was very helpful to me! Any suggestions on a good shower and tub surround tile to go with Cambria Torquay? The flooring will be DalTile Trellis Oak in Smoke color (plank on the floor, lattice weave on the shower floor. The cabinets will be bright white.

I know this is an old thread. I'm comtemplating if I want a tub at all but if I get an air or a jetted tub, if the sides have stone around, how do you reach the motor if you need a repair? Just curious if anyone has dealt with that situation. For my current outdated tub, I can reach the motor through the the cabinet; I have a cut out there. I could do the same thing. But adding a slab of quartz to a tub make for a very expensive tub. Dominique, what did you decide and are you happy with your decision?