Elevate Your Bathroom with Custom Tile Tub Surrounds
The bathroom is often one of the most used rooms in a home, and the area around the tub is a space where beauty and function must come together seamlessly. At Royal Tile & Masonry, we specialize in creating custom tile tub surrounds that enhance both style and durability. Based in Duluth, MN, our team has developed a reputation for excellence by focusing on craftsmanship, detail, and customer service. Homeowners who want more than a standard fiberglass or acrylic wall system trust us to design and install tub tile surrounds that not only protect the walls from water but also bring a unique sense of personality and luxury to the space.
The Value of Tile Tub Surrounds
When a homeowner invests in a tub surround, the goal is more than simply shielding walls from moisture. A well-installed tile surround adds visual character, improves property value, and transforms the atmosphere of the bathroom. Tile has a timeless quality that goes beyond quick solutions.
Key advantages of tile tub surrounds include:
- Adding visual character that enhances the room’s overall style
- Improving property value and creating a long-term investment
- Offering unlimited design creativity (from sleek porcelain to mosaics)
- Withstanding daily use, splashing water, and high humidity
- Outlasting plastic or fiberglass panels by decades
Our Process for Tub Tile Surrounds
Consultation
Every successful project begins with a conversation. At Royal Tile & Masonry, the process starts with understanding the homeowner’s vision. Some clients want a tub surround that blends into the existing décor, while others want the tile to serve as the focal point of the bathroom. Our designers provide guidance on the right materials, shapes, and finishes to achieve that vision while staying mindful of budget and long-term maintenance.
Design & Preparation
Once the design is approved, our team prepares the space with careful attention to waterproofing. In a humid northern climate like Duluth, protecting walls from moisture intrusion is essential. We use moisture-resistant backer boards and waterproof membranes so the foundation behind the tile remains protected for years to come.
Installation
The installation itself is completed with precision. Each tile is set to maintain clean lines, balanced spacing, and consistent flow from one section to the next. Attention to symmetry and proportion is central to the finished look.
Finishing Touches & Review
After the tiles are in place, high-quality grout and sealant are applied, ensuring resistance to mold, mildew, and discoloration. The project is not considered complete until our team reviews every detail with the homeowner and ensures the finished tub surround meets our exacting standards.
Styles and Materials for Every Home
No two homes in Duluth are the same, which is why our tile tub surrounds are never a one-size-fits-all solution. Some homeowners prefer ceramic because it is affordable, versatile, and available in countless colors and finishes. Others choose porcelain for its strength and ability to mimic natural stone while requiring less maintenance. Natural materials like marble, travertine, or slate remain popular among those seeking an elegant, timeless appearance that instantly elevates a bathroom. Glass tile, with its reflective qualities, can make a small bathroom feel brighter and more spacious, while custom mosaics allow a completely personalized artistic touch.
Popular materials:
- Ceramic – affordable, versatile, available in many finishes
- Porcelain – strong, stone-like look with low maintenance
- Natural stone (marble, travertine, slate) – elegant, timeless appearance
- Glass tile – reflective, makes small spaces feel larger
- Custom mosaics – personalized and artistic
Design options:
- Large-format tiles for a seamless, contemporary feel
- Small subway tiles for a classic, structured look
- Decorative borders, accent strips, or contrasting grout for unique details
Our team collaborates with each client to combine functionality with visual impact, creating tub tile surrounds that are as practical as they are beautiful.
The Royal Tile Difference
Homeowners in Duluth choose Royal Tile & Masonry because they want more than an installer – they want a partner who listens, advises, and executes with care. Our reputation is built on precision and dedication. We don’t cut corners during preparation – the stage that ensures the longevity of the finished project. We also believe in using only the best materials, from the tiles themselves to the adhesives, membranes, and grout. Our clients appreciate that we treat every project as if it were our own home, which means paying attention to details that others might overlook.
Equally important is your customer service experience. Remodeling a bathroom can feel overwhelming, so we focus on clear communication from start to finish. Homeowners are updated at each stage of the project, questions are answered promptly, and every effort is made to minimize disruption in the home. This commitment to service is one of the reasons our clients come back to us for additional projects or recommend us to friends and neighbors throughout Duluth and the surrounding communities.
Tile vs. Prefabricated Surrounds
Some homeowners initially consider prefabricated fiberglass or acrylic tub surrounds because they appear convenient. While those options may work as quick fixes, they rarely match the long-term benefits of tile. Over time, plastic and fiberglass surrounds can fade, crack, or stain. Once that happens, replacing them often requires removing the entire unit.
In contrast, tile tub surrounds remain strong and visually appealing for decades, and if one tile becomes damaged, it can be replaced individually without disturbing the rest of the installation. Tile also gives homeowners freedom to design something that truly reflects their personal style. Instead of settling for a plain one-piece panel, they can enjoy a bathroom that feels tailored and unique.
Begin Your Project with Royal Tile & Masonry
A Bathroom That Reflects You
A bathroom should be more than functional. It should be a comfortable and inviting space that reflects the homeowner’s taste. With a custom tile tub surround from Royal Tile & Masonry, that vision becomes a reality.
Expertise and Craftsmanship
Our team combines technical expertise, artistic design, and exceptional customer service to deliver results that endure. From the first design consultation to the final inspection, we are committed to exceeding expectations at every step.
Get Started Today
If you are ready to transform your bathroom, contact Royal Tile & Masonry today to schedule a consultation. Together we will design a tub surround that blends beauty with durability and brings lasting value to your home.
Tile Tub Surrounds FAQs
What materials are best for tile tub surrounds that will last in Duluth’s climate?
Porcelain and ceramic tiles tend to perform best for tile tub surrounds in the Duluth area because they resist moisture, temperature fluctuations, and hold up well over time. Natural stone such as marble or travertine can offer a very luxurious look, but they require sealing and careful maintenance to protect against water damage and staining. Glass tile or mosaic accents are excellent for decorative touches, especially in areas that don’t get heavy wear, but the grout around small tiles must be sealed properly. Choosing the right material, with proper waterproofing behind the walls, ensures that your tub tile surround remains beautiful for years.
How long does installing a tile tub surround take with a professional installer like Royal Tile & Masonry?
When Royal Tile & Masonry handles the installation of a tile tub surround, the process typically spans several days. First there is a design consultation and selection of tile and layout, then the existing wall surfaces are prepared, waterproofed, and backer boards are installed. After that, the actual tile setting, grouting, and sealing happen. Drying and curing times are built into the schedule to ensure proper adhesion and durability. Weather, tile type, amount of layout complexity (like mosaics or accent strips), and whether old materials need removal or repair can affect timing. Royal Tile & Masonry aims for efficient work without cutting corners, so you get a quality tub tile surround that lasts.
Can I use large-format tiles for a tile tub surround or are smaller tiles better?
You can use large-format tiles for a tile tub surround. Large tiles give a clean, modern look and reduce the number of grout lines, which can simplify cleaning and maintenance. However, large tiles require precise flat surfaces and careful installation, especially around tub edges or fixtures, to avoid issues with water infiltration or unevenness. In tight corners or curved edges, smaller tiles or mosaic tiles may allow more flexibility for cuts and shapes. Royal Tile & Masonry works with homeowners to choose the tile size that best fits their design goals, the physical layout of the tub area, and practical considerations like maintenance and durability.
What is the cost difference between a prefabricated tub surround and a custom tile tub surround?
A prefabricated surround made of acrylic, fiberglass, or solid surface tends to cost less upfront than a full custom tile tub surround. The price for tile tub surrounds reflects not only the tile material itself but also labor for proper wall preparation, waterproofing, setting, grouting, and sealing. Custom design choices like decorative border tiles or mosaics add to the cost. Although tile tub surrounds are more expensive initially, their long-term durability means fewer repairs or replacements, which often makes them more cost-effective over time. Royal Tile & Masonry provides detailed estimates so you understand all cost components before work begins.
How do I maintain my tile tub surround so it continues to look good and avoid mold or water damage?
Maintenance begins immediately after installation. Keeping grout and sealant in good condition is essential. Grout should be cleaned regularly, and sealed if required, to prevent water penetration and mold growth. Use mild, non-abrasive cleaners so tile surfaces and grout lines are not damaged.
Wiping down surfaces after use helps reduce soap or mildew buildup. Inspect seals or caulk along the tub edge where tile meets the tub; these are common weak spots. If you notice any cracks or gaps, getting them repaired right away prevents moisture from getting behind tile or into wall structures. Royal Tile & Masonry uses quality materials and workmanship that make maintenance easier and help extend the life of your tub tile surrounds.