Like most franchised companies I’ve come across, they tend to have a higher employee turnover. Perfect for rental properties, hotels/motels, and renovation of starter homes for first time buyers/owners. I feel the Bath Fitter system has a place in the market. Not the their tub over a tub system, which I do feel is a very cost competitive approach over pulling an old tub out. In all fairness to Bath Fitters, I’m only talking here about their tub surrounds. Yes all of us contractors do not provide a lifetime warranty, but most failures are going to occur the first year with daily use. Attention to detail on concealed sealing is more important. Caulking is the first thing to get dirty, so less is more. Insuring a minimal amount of exposed caulking. It works perfect for less than true alcove conditions. It does come in much thicker material which doesn’t show any waviness across the flat panel sections, often has molded in features that give it strength, and is finished along it’s edges. What has been tried and true is the 3 piece acrylic surround. When it went off the market due to high failure (according to the supplier) I could see how poor installation could create high failure. We did many of them and never had a problem because we are meticulous in our workmanship. Such as Formica’s 202 system which I personally thought it was a good system. We are very familiar with many surround systems that have come and gone over the years. I’m the second generation owner of a company that has been in business for 55 years. First of all I’m a General Contractor who employs very skilled finish carpenters. So I’m compelled to tell a different story. I went looking on line anyway to make sure I wasn’t missing anything new that may be out there.Īfter reading these blogs, I think all those writers must work for Bath Fitters. I checked with my plumbing suppliers and confirmed that all I can get is 3 piece models. The only one piece surround I have ever seen is from Bath Fitters. The client seems to think that I can get one where the supplier will make it to fit by bending it for me. I came upon this page because I have a recent request for installing a one piece tub surround. Which of these wall surround options do you think is best? Please comment below.

Tile or stone patterns will need to be matched up during the installation process.There are seams in the 2 inside tub corners (this problem is overcome with a triple gasket sealant system).It’s easier to move three separate flat sheets of acrylic into a bathroom vs.Thicker acrylic walls used provide a strong, more durable product over the long run.The plumbing wall can be replaced separately if there were to be a problem with the valve behind the wall.Don’t need to add trim pieces at the bottom or outside edges of a tub space (note – three piece acrylic side walls are equipped with bends to eliminate trim pieces on the outside edges).A 3 piece system allows for expansion and contraction so walls don’t buckle.Each wall is custom cut to ensure an exact fit even when walls are out of square.Three piece acrylic bath tub wall surrounds – With 3 piece systems each wall panel (back, side and plumbing walls) is custom cut to fit to go over existing bathtub walls. The material needs to be heated and bent creating a weak spots.One piece walls only come in 84″ height maximum – which can be a problem in shower projects.Walls are thinner than a 3 piece system.A one piece system cannot be used on angled walls.The entire system will need to be removed if there is a plumbing problem down the road.This system can require up to 10 additional trim pieces (including at the bottom of the tub and outside edges) that creates additional seams that could collect mold and mildew.It’s hard to maneuver this acrylic sheet into a small 5’ x 7’ bathroom.Walls are more prone to buckling due to expansion and contraction.Many existing walls are out of square which may require forcing the liner into the enclosure space or require excessive caulk to fill in gaps.There are no seams at the 2 inside corners which avoids caulk joints in these two places.“One piece” acrylic bathtub wall surround system – A one piece bathtub surround will use one continuous piece of acrylic on the back wall, side wall and plumbing wall for a tub enclosure.

Learn below the advantages and disadvantages of each of these systems. One big difference is one company in the industry (Bath Fitter) promotes a “one piece” system while all the other companies use a three piece systems. With that being said not all acrylic wall systems are alike. Acrylic tub and shower wall surrounds have become a popular choice for remodeling projects today since they’re easy to clean, have no grout joints, are warm to the touch and are available in many colors and patterns.

1 piece bath and shower kit