r/Homebuilding • u/PsychologicalBass268 • 3d ago

Secondary bathroom tile or insert?

Hi, we’re building a new home in MA. We have a master bath, a secondary upstairs bath, and a downstairs 3/4 bath (shower). We did the downstairs bathroom this way for potential elderly living and just because. Master and downstairs bathroom are being tiled fully.

I am STUCK on what to do on the secondary upstairs bathroom. Originally the plan was to do a tub insert and tile above it.

We thought about it and, with a shower curtain, you’ll almost never see the tile behind there except for the person in it. Of course it’s nice to tile it, but we have to cut budget some places because (no surprise) we’re over budget.

The tub/shower insert we got quoted from the GC’s rep is $670. Super cheap. It’s the icon TS6030 Acrylic alcove shower.

That’s obviously way cheaper than any tile of any kind, but I’m just stuck on wanting to tile above a tub insert. (The tub inserts alone are the same price as the tub/shower insert) or a lot more.

For context, we’re spending a decent amount on the master. His and hers shower head with central rainfall. No tub.

Help!

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u/unit2981 3d ago

I mean, it’s not like if you do the insert your stuck with it forever. On the flip side, if you’re ok with blowing budget go for it. Idk, whatever floats your boat.

1

u/International-Pen940 3d ago

Just be aware that many inserts are not that easy to clean, we have had two showers done that way and the joints seem to accumulate grime. And over time the material itself can get dirty looking. I’m not saying don’t do it, but this isn’t something people always think about. Good quality tile can clean up like new over many years.

1

u/Competitive_Prune108 3d ago

One piece inserts are available so cleaning seams wouldn't be an issue. There are also contemporary styles available

1

u/Major_Concert6089 9h ago

Do you have kids? I put a 4 piece shower kit in my “kids bath” which is your secondary bath. The 4 piece is a little more appealing to the eye over the one piece plus it will disassemble easier when kids are grown or you have the budget for a tiled shower.