I like Maax for tub/ shoer surrounds they are acrylic and look great are affordable nad I have used them many times the new ones are put together with not even any silicone and please do not feel you need to use iteither follow the directions to a tee.

@Patricia Colwell Consulting Thank you.

What do you think of the design above? What designs are dated?

Any other responders out there?

I second ptreckel's advice. If they're already doing all that work for you, depending on what's behind your existing surround, ripping it out, putting up some hardyboard and doing an inexpensive, fairly simple subway tile (bonus if you find something discounted for clearance! :)) may be only marginally more expensive than doing an insert (assuming you're not replacing the tub....).

You asked which prefab surrounds look dated. I would say those that have thick, extruded alcoves designed for soap or shampoo. Or large sculpted ridges of any kind. The simpler the better if you go in that direction. Check out the Maax surrounds, but the newer ones that don’t have those molded alcoves, look best. Good luck!

i would avoid the grey and go for a simple white one.

White surrounds are not going to look as dated as white marble surrounds. The yellow was a popular color. This would be a good time to add a couple grab bars.

If you are accustomed to cleaning the yellow surround with a few quick swipes, then you may not want to get grouted tile. Although new tile is a piece of cake to clean compared to tile whose glazed surface has worn off, grout is grout and does require occasional sealing to minimize effort in cleaning.

Ledges have better air circulation than niches. Add a good exhaust fan to ventilate quickly.

@ptreckel unsure what is behind the surround. It was there when i moved in 20 years ago! Hmm i thought tile was for sure more expensive, but i'll check it out

When you have the surround removed, you might need to have waterproofing installed. At least then you will have a better sense of what your options are! Good luck!