I'm adding a tub/shower to my basement bathroom (it was just a 1/2 bath). The tub is selected, everything is framed, and 80% of the plumbing is in (hired a pro plumber for this).
I'm at the point where I need to decide what material to use for the tub/shower walls, and currently have 3 thoughts:
1. Those inexpensive 3 piece panel kits available at the big box stores. My stepdad suggested those, as he has used them over the years. I don't really like the ones I've seen, they look rather cheap, and not the style I want -- but they do seem frugal and easy to install. (The 1 piece kits aren't an option because I'm pretty sure there is no way to get that into my basement -- it was hard enough getting the tub down there).
2. Tile. Seems like the most work, and the most maintenance long term, but maybe the most forgiving in terms of fit, and could do a lot of different styles. I have done some tiling before (need to study up though on the best system to use behind the tile.
3. The higher end 3 piece kits, such as the swanstone products. I like the look of this product, but have no experience working with it. I'd have to get my measurements 100% perfect to order the panels, and even then may have to do some onsite cutting as these go in -- not sure yet what tool I'd need to do that cutting. If done right, it seems like a very low maintenance end result, that I think would look a lot better than option #1 (the cheap panels).
Any other ideas? Anybody have experience installing those swanstone panels?
Thanks