So I left you guys with the last update to the bathroom looking like this, (Click here to see part 1) and it still kind of looks like this but we’ve made some progress.
We decided to go ahead and remove the tile around the tub for a couple of reasons, 1. all of the floor tile will be removed “soon”, 2. the hot water valve was leaking and we needed to get underneath of it to fix it and the only way to do so was to remove the tile (nice setup right?)
Thank goodness we removed the tile as there was water leaking from the valve onto the subfloor! Obviously you can see that we were unable to remove the tile from the wall without removing the sheetrock as well. We removed the tile by first scoring the caulk and then using a pry bar and a hammer to knock out the tiles… it was pretty easy, but very loud!
We installed this wainscoting around the tub, using a plywood backer board and pine 1×3 strips. The wainscoting around the base of the tub is wedged in but easily removable for future plumbing plans (which I have) or for repairs.
I was able to convince my Super Awesome Hubby to install a junction box over the tub so that we could install a chandelier that I have had for many years but that was sitting in storage. We found the center point of the tub by using a plumb line, then drilled a hole in that spot, we then stuck a long pole through the hole so that he could find the spot through the attic insulation. Poor guy struck his head on some roofing nails while he was up there… but he got it done! I had to hang it pretty close to the ceiling, but I ‘m very happy it is there.
I also primed the tub wainscoting with a tinted grey primer and then caulked all of the seams. If you’re wondering I chose to prime then caulk it was to reduce the possibility of cuts or splinters from running my fingers along the wood when smoothing out the caulk.
However, I did go back and prime the caulked areas so now I can use my tub again without being overly concerned about splashing water… not that I’m splashing water but just in case…
I also had had enough of this vanity! We had purchased a vanity on CL several months ago and I decided it was time we installed it.
It’s installed, but I have no sink and only a temporary top (it is from the laundry room update) but at least I can use it. My Hubby still has to make a shelf like cabinet/piece for the end and I will be painting it and the tub surround a dark grey eventually. Obviously I still need a top, a sink and a faucet, but because I will need two of each of these items (because of my husband’s vanity) I’m not ready to bite that bullet quite yet. We also are still trying to decide how best to deal with installing a mirror over this area, but for now this temporary one is fine.
We have a lot more to do, even for just a partial bathroom update, but I’d rather live with this bathroom in a semi-state of construction than the way it was… and I am totally loving the wainscoting around the tub, I think it makes it look so much nicer!
As always thanks so much for stopping by…
Until next time!
Uniquely Yours... or Mine! 
Everything is looking amazing! Your bathroom is ha-uge!! I love the chandy and the vanity…can’t believe you got the vanity on CL…..it’s perfect!
-andi
LikeLike
Susan,
My boyfriend and I hbe looked for three months to find something for our garden tub. This design fits wonderfully. The only thing is that I cannot twist my mind around trying to figure out how you were able to get it to look this way and flush. Did you remove the one by fours in the picture and then place with the made one by four and pine board? Or just put over/in front of the place one by fours holding the tub.
Thank you so much in advance for reading this post. Please feel free to email me Sarhendricks@yahoo.com
LikeLike
Hey Sarah, I sent you an email and a couple of pictures, hopefully they will help you!
LikeLike
This is a wonderful tutorial! I have a basement corner whirlpool jet/hottub bathtub that came with my house. No drywall or nothing, so after drywall is installed, I’d like to do this. It looks amazing.
LikeLike
Thanks so much dawn! Be sure to prime the MDF or wood before painting to ensure no water gets into it, but mine is still in perfect condition. I think it looks much prettier than a tile surround myself.
LikeLike
Quick question. Can you share deteails about the wood and technique you used. How thick was the plywood? On the top surround, are the strips on the wall, or on the plywood? Also, what kind of paint did you use? It looks really great, Thanks for sharing it. 😃
LikeLike
For whatever reason I didn’t have share these details, but in reviewing the posts this is what I saw/remember.. the wall behind the tub is green board (moisture resistant) Sheetrock with MDF stiles attached to it. The apron on the front of the tub was a smooth plywood (thickness was 1/2” I think) with the MDF stiles attached directly to it. The whole piece is removable for any work needed on the tub itself. Everything was painted with semi-gloss Benjamin Moore paint after all seams were caulked. Hope this helps!
LikeLike
Hi Susan,
I’m working on replacing my Roman tub skirt after some plumbing repairs (leaking) until I can fully replace the tub I just want to cover the tub. How did you adhere your wood to the bathtub at the top and bottom? Thank you in advance!
LikeLike
I didn’t have to adhere it, we made the wood skirt to fit under the lip of the tub so that the whole piece could come out if repairs to the tub needed to be made. So the wood was just sitting on the floor and being held up by the tub lip, hope that make sense! If I had to adhere it I would have used loctite caulk as adhesive to hold the skirting on.
LikeLike
Thank you! That’s very helpful.
LikeLike