by Louise R. Bishop

Created on: June 03, 2009

Considering remodelling your bathroom? This can be a daunting project for even a seasoned professional contractor. Many factors contribute to the cost of the job as well as the time line for completing the job. Depending on what type of tub or shower you currently have, a bathtub or shower pan liner can be a fast, affordable and permanent solution for your bathing area.

Most homes built before 1980 will have original cast iron or steel bathtubs with a tile or solid surface wall surround. Smaller shower stalls in these homes are usually tiled or have a combination of terrazzo floor with tile surround. Homes built after 1980 typically have a one piece fiberglass tub or shower unit installed against the studs of the bathroom wall. Cast iron, steel or tile tubs and showers can be "lined" or "overlayed" while fiberglass units must be completely replaced. Fiberglass does not support the weight of liner material.

Liners are made of solid surface material, not plastic or fiberglass. Some companies use a proprietary product while others purchase their liners from mass manufacturers. All reputable companies use an acrylic material. Acrylic is a non-porous product which prevents staining or discoloration unlike fiberglass which stains over time. Non-porous products are also mildew resistant unlike grout between tiles.

If you are considering a liner system, there are a few things to keep in mind while researching the company you want to do business with. In North America, there are several large companies with local dealers in nearly every state. These dealerships are set up as franchises, so each franchise runs an independent business, like McDonalds or Burger King. Your research should be done on your local franchise, not only the company at large.

Detailed measurements of your existing tub or shower base are taken by a company representative and the liner is custom formed to fit your particular unit. Make sure that the franchise you are working with uses only cast iron molds when forming your liner. Some use fiberglass molds which can change shape during the molding process resulting in a poor fit for the liner.

The wall surround in your shower or tub is generally the source of leaking or water issues, so it is important that new acrylic wall surrounds are installed at the same time as your liner. As water hits grout or caulk, it breaks down the sealant and makes its way into the structure wall behind it. If a liner is installed and your wall begins to absorb

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