The Complete Guide to Installing Trim Around Your Bathtub Surround

Hey there! If you‘re reading this, you‘re probably thinking about installing some trim around your bathtub surround to give your bathroom an upgrade. Adding trim is one of the best ways to make your tub area look high-end and finished. The great news is this is a project you can definitely tackle yourself!

I‘ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know. With the right materials and tools, you‘ll have stylish new trim up in no time. Let‘s get started!

Why Add Trim Around Your Bathtub?

Here are the key reasons you‘ll want to consider trim for your tub surround:

Boosts the Visual Appeal

Trim gives your bathroom instant character. It frames the tub, giving it a built-in, custom look. Trim brings together your tub area with the rest of the decor.

Covers Up Any Gaps or Imperfections

Trim cleverly hides any unsightly gaps, uneven edges, or spacing issues between your tub and the walls. No more seeing unfinished drywall edges!

Protects Your Bathroom Walls

The trim forms a protective border, keeping shower splashes and overspray off your drywall or plaster walls. This prevents water damage and peeling paint over time.

Matches Existing Trimwork

For a coordinated look, select tub trim that complements the baseboards, casings, and moldings throughout your bathroom. Tying it all together makes the space feel more harmonious.

Tub Surround Trim Material Options

You‘ve got several choices when it comes to the type of material to use for your new tub surround trim:

Material	Pros	Cons
Wood	Natural material, classic look Many stain/paint options Carved detailing possible	Must be sealed for wet areas Can warp or rot over time Prone to dents and scratches
PVC/Vinyl	Budget-friendly Easy maintenance Won‘t warp or rot	Less natural look than wood Limited color/style options
Fiberglass	Strong, moisture-resistant Smooth, paintable surface Won‘t crack or peel	More expensive than vinyl Prone to bending if not installed properly

As you can see, each material has its own pros and cons. In damp tub areas, I‘d recommend vinyl or fiberglass trim since they stand up to moisture well. But go for wood if you like the natural look and want to stain or paint it any color.

How Much Trim Will You Need? Measure Carefully!

Now it‘s time for the fun part – measuring! You‘ll need to measure the length of each wall section surrounding your tub accurately so you can cut your trim pieces to fit perfectly.

Here are some tips for getting it right:

• Use a metal measuring tape for precise measurements. Don‘t rely on a cloth tape which can stretch and bend.

• For inside corners, measure from the corner to the outside edge of the tub on each adjoining wall.

• For outside corners, measure the length of each side wall from the tub‘s exterior corner.

• Add up all your measurements to get the total linear footage of trim you‘ll need to purchase. Round up to the nearest foot.

• It‘s better to cut trim a little long rather than too short! You can always fine tune for an exact fit during installation.

Once you‘ve ordered your materials, it‘s go time. Let‘s get that trim up!

Attaching the Trim – Nails, Screws, and Adhesive

To firmly secure your trim, you‘ll need to attach it properly to the walls:

• For wood trim, use finishing nails. Pre-drill holes to prevent splitting.

• PVC, fiberglass, or metal trim should be attached with screws into the wall studs or backing.

• Run a bead of adhesive or construction glue along the back of the trim before placing it for extra holding power.

• In corners, cut trim pieces to 45 degree angles so they join together in tight mitered joints.

• Use a nail set after nailing to sink any protruding heads flush with the wood. Fill holes with putty.

• Shim any gaps between trim and walls with thin wood spacers before caulking if needed for an exact fit.

• L-brackets in corners reinforce joints. Screw them into the framing behind the trim.

Take your time securing the trim and it will look seamless for years to come!

Caulking Trim Seams – The Crucial Waterproofing Step!

Once all the trim pieces are cut, sized, and secured, there‘s one more vitally important step – caulking. You‘ll want to caulk any seams, corners, and joints in the trim installation.

Here are some caulking tips:

• Let any adhesive fully cure before caulking according to manufacturer‘s instructions.

• Run a continuous bead of tub and tile caulk along the top edge where the trim meets the lip of the tub.

• Caulk down each side where the trim borders walls and corner joints. Don‘t leave any gaps!

• Dip your finger in water and use it to smooth and shape the caulk into a nice finished bead.

• Make sure the caulk fully seals the trim to form a waterproof barrier.

• 100% silicone caulk works best for wet areas like tub surrounds.

• Reapply fresh caulk every 1-2 years on trim to maintain effectiveness.

Decorative Trim Options – Take It Up a Notch!

Beyond basic trim boards, you can install some decorative moldings to really make your tub surround pop:

Picture Frame Trim

Wide, ornate trim turns your entire tub area into a focal point, like a frame around a work of art.

Rope or Cove Molding

For a charming look, use curved accent trim where the tub meets walls or ceilings.

Outside Corner Trim

Decorative L-shaped trim covers outside corners for a finished look.

Cap Rail Molding

A horizontal cap rail adds polish when installed along the top of the tub‘s lip.

Wainscoting

Take wainscoting vertical trim up a portion of tub walls to add character.

The possibilities are endless – have fun with trim profiles and details!

Maintaining Your Trim – Keep It Looking Fresh!

To keep your tub surround trim looking its best:

• Wipe down trim as needed using only mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleansers.

• Re-apply fresh caulk along seams and edges once a year, or whenever you notice damaged caulk.

• For wood trim, re-stain or paint every 2-3 years as needed. Use a sealant on wood in damp areas.

• Watch for any bubbling or peeling areas in the caulk and re-caulk. This ensures waterproofing.

• Immediately wipe up spills and overspray after bathing to keep trim clean.

With proper care and maintenance, quality trim should last for many years of daily use!

Do It Yourself – Or Hire a Contractor?

Installing tub surround trim is definitely a DIY-friendly project for many homeowners. But you may want to hire a professional trim carpenter or contractor if:

• Your bathroom has tricky angles, alcoves, or uneven walls.

• You want complex decorative moldings installed.

• Electrical or plumbing work needs to be relocated.

• The project involves tile removal.

• You simply don‘t have the time or tools to do it yourself.

Hiring a pro ensures proper installation, especially if your tub area has intricacies or you want high-end trim details. They have the expertise to get everything perfectly waterproofed and fitted to your space.

Ready to Upgrade Your Tub Surround?

As you can see, adding trim around your tub is a big upgrade that can take your bathroom to the next level. With the right prep work, materials, and installation process, you can enjoy a custom-looking tub surround that increases your home‘s style and value.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your trim, caulk, and tools and dive into this satisfying DIY project! Let me know if you have any other questions – I‘m happy to help. You‘ve got this!