Can You Put a Tub Surround Next to a Plaster Wall?

General Information

• Tub surrounds are a manufactured product that you place on the wall around your bathtub or shower. Several different materials can form a tub surround, such as plastic, acrylic or fiberglass. A different kind of tub surround is made of tile. Unlike drywall that can be detached from the wall one sheet at a time, plaster covers the entire wall. It can be applied directly to masonry walls or used in conjunction with a wooden or metal lath. You can install a tub surround when it is near, or even covering, plaster walls. However, you may encounter some problems.

Potential Problems

• The biggest problem you are likely to encounter if you place a tub surround near a plaster wall is water damage. Water can splash onto the walls and create cracks and holes in the plaster. It also can cause the plaster to swell and crumble. Water can leak through the tub surround into the interior of the wall, causing significant damage. Water stains may develop on your plaster walls when water comes in contact with the walls. Mold and mildew development are other possible problems.

Preventative Measures

• Help prevent water damage to the plaster walls by taking precautionary steps. Add caulk around your tub surround to prevent any water leaking onto the nearby walls. If the tub surround is made of tile, inspect the grout lines to ensure there are no gaps where water can seep through.

Additions

• Adding material to your plaster walls can allow you to install your tub surround near the plaster without the concern of damaging the walls. Paint a coating of latex vapor barrier primer-sealer onto your plaster walls to form your own moisture barrier. Another option is to apply a coat of waterproof and breathable plaster to the walls. This material is plaster, like your existing walls, but contains waterproofed components that make it safe to use in an area exposed to water.

Alternatives

• You can prepare the plaster with another materials before installing the tub surround. Ceramic tile provides a durable surface to protect your walls from the nearby water. Natural stone, such as marble or quartz, also can be applied to the walls to prevent water from infiltrating. Moisture-resistant drywall also can be used instead of plaster.