A focused renovation around an existing bathtub: the old tiled surround was opened up, damaged backing was exposed and the wall area prepared for new white panels with built-in corner shelves. Follow the work from the original tub area to the installed surround.
Before & after
The bathtub surround
AFTER
BEFORE
What changed
The original tub area had square wall tile above an existing bathtub. Removal exposed deteriorated backing and dark staining behind the old finish, bringing the underlying wall into the scope of the renovation.
The photographs follow the opening of the surround, removal of loose material, wall preparation and the fitting of new white panels. A subway-tile pattern and molded corner shelves give the bathing area a different appearance while the bathtub and surrounding room remain in place.
Selective removal of the original wall tile and backing around the tub.
Opening the wall area to reveal its existing condition.
Removal of loose material and surface preparation ahead of the new surround.
A wall coating visible before the panel-installation stage.
White surround panels with a subway-tile pattern and built-in corner shelves.
Finishing details around the retained tub, wall bar and shower fittings.
The work, step by step
Follow the six stages below. Select any photograph to open the 12-photo gallery here, then use the side arrows, keyboard or swipe to browse the sequence.
Stage 01
The original tiled tub surround
The bathroom began with an existing bathtub beneath a tiled ceiling and walls finished in square ceramic tile. A horizontal wall bar, shower fittings and a small corner shelf formed part of the original tub area. This first photograph records the surround before the wall finishes were opened.
The project focused on the walls around the tub. The existing bathtub, nearby vanity, bathroom floor and tiled ceiling provide a consistent reference throughout the sequence.
Before: the original tiled bathtub surround, existing tub and tiled ceiling.
Stage 02
Opening the walls & removing the old tile
Work started with the removal of the old wall tile and backing in the tub surround. The plumbing-side wall was opened first, exposing the pipes and framing beside the bathtub. The tiled back wall was then opened in sections as removal continued.
Protective coverings inside the retained tub collected material during the work. The close views show the thickness and condition of the old wall layers as they were taken away.
Opening the plumbing-side wall and removing the original tile surround.A close view of the old tile and backing during removal.The back wall opened in sections as tile removal progressed.
Stage 03
Revealing the damaged backing
As more tile came off, dark staining and deteriorated wall material became visible behind the original finish. The close-up and wider photographs record those conditions across the back wall and toward the corners.
Opening the surround made the area behind the tile accessible for the next preparation stage. These views show why the project involved the underlying wall surface as well as a change in the visible finish.
More of the backing exposed around the retained bathtub.Dark staining and deterioration visible on the exposed wall backing.A wider view of the opened tub surround and exposed wall conditions.
Stage 04
Removal & wall-surface preparation
Loose material was taken away from the exposed wall, with work continuing across the back of the tub surround. The sequence then shows the area with the original lower wall finishes removed and the surrounding edges opened for the new installation.
The existing tub stayed in place while this work progressed. The photographs show the wall area before the coating and panel-installation stages, including the transition to the retained upper tile.
Removing loose material from the exposed back-wall surface.The tub surround after removal, before the next surface-preparation stage.
Stage 05
Preparing the wall & fitting the new surround
The next view shows a colored coating over the back-wall surface before the new surround. White panels were then fitted around the existing bathtub, introducing a subway-tile pattern and molded corner shelves on both sides.
During installation, temporary braces and a protective board held the center panel in position. The panel edges were brought together with the adjacent wall sections and the existing tiled area above.
A colored coating visible on the prepared wall before the new surround.New white wall panels and corner shelves held in position during installation.
Stage 06
The installed surround & finishing details
With the temporary bracing removed, the new white surround is visible across the back and side walls. Integrated shelves provide space for bathing products, while the wall bar, handheld shower and tub fittings complete the visible wall installation.
The finished wall view shows a focused update around the retained bathtub. The upper tile, ceiling, floor and nearby vanity remain part of the original room, keeping the project centered on the tub surround and the work behind its new finish.
After: the installed white surround, corner shelves and shower fittings around the existing tub.
A new surround around the bathtub you already have
The installed panels bring a bright, continuous finish and integrated shelving to the tub area. The photographs connect that visible change with the removal and preparation that came before it.
Thinking about updating your own tub surround? Share your location, a few photographs and what you would like to change. Nashkov Group can help define a focused repair or a wider bathroom renovation around your home.
AFTER
BEFORE