I am in process of a rehab to a cozy little 2/1 apartment (duplex). (C, maybe C+)

The tub is a cast iron unit with huge chips in it. I have already decided that I will not put another steel tub in because the reviews all seem to say they chip so easily it isn't worth it.

Anyhow, the surround is an ugly, stained five piece glue on unit. There is a window in the middle of the wall that I will keep.

Last year I rehabbed the other side and I put ceramic on the walls four foot up and then encased the tub and shower area to the ceiling. I also put in two aluminum corner shelves that are anchored to the wall. It looks decent and has lasted thus far.

Now for the opinions I am looking for:

I have a heavy three piece surround that is another glue up. It is set where I can cut out for the window and trim it out. It has only one shelf which would be under the window.

Do I go with it? I can remove some of the old tiles that were an ancient surround then butt new tiles into them and all gets covered with the new surround.

I could also just tile everything as I did on the other side. I did it more for ease of cleaning. I even ran tiles behind the toilet.

If I run new ceramic should I add the shelves? I am concerned now that someone could use one as a lever to pull themselves up or some such and thus rip out the tile and leave a big hole in the wall.

It's a small bathroom. Floor is 5x5 without the tub. I have a 30" vanity and a medicine cabinet above that. I have added an above the stool cabinet on the wall for extra storage of junk in the other unit. There is a linen closet right outside the room.

Then I started overthinking, which I am prone to do, and thought why not run the tile floor to ceiling? I already have enough on hand for that. But would that make it look like a commercial bathroom instead? Easier to clean, no more paint.

I have a few other projects to contend with in the apartment so I am letting this one wait until later. I am doing all the labor myself. The only purchase for this room will be the tub. I have new shower faucet in house as well as new flooring.

This is the dilemma that I am in. How far is too far?

I don't want to become a slumlord but I realize that there is a line in the sand where you don't get an added return on the investment.

As far as what looks best, well that is one of the big questions. I like the looks of tile. But I also like the shelves to hold things that you want in the shower. I have never ripped a shelf off the wall but I have seen that happen.

The surround will save a little time as I will not need to tile everything that is under it since there is sturdy tile there now. It is ugly though. As in real ugly and covered in adhesive so I will not be leaving it if no surround goes up.

The surround you have and the window trimmed as Plenty described would be my choice.

I keep seeing dirty grout in my mind, so I disagree when you say that is easier clean.

However, if you go with tile: You can make sturdy tile shelves - up high where they are only reached while standing.

Cut a large, square tile in two, corner to corner. Stick the 2 back sides together and insert it between rows of wall tile. Trim the wall tile in that row to fit around it.

OR

My preference is to use 2 large rectangular tiles with the edges cut at 45 degrees.

Stick their backs together & place it between 2 rows of wall tile. This way, you have a drain hole in the back vs the triangle.

Trim the front edge with 3/4" wide trim tiles.

Whatever you do, I know you'll have fun! : ).

Remove over the toilet cabinet, tile four foot up, painted wall above. I'd use fiberglass surround.

Easy to clean, cheap to repair if tenants get destructive. Still room on walls for tenant to hang artwork or, as 'they' say, 'make it their own.'

House is brick outside so unless I replace it with glass block or something it would look off from outside. Maybe I should look into that, except then only one side will have it as I don't want to redo the other bath in less than a year's time.

Both windows have film on them so they get a little light but can't see thru unless opened. Double hung so they could open the top. Fans are in both rooms already. I will wire this one up to the light switch as I have damage to the upper walls from humidity.

I wrapped the other one with aluminum corners, glued in place.

Tile.

Sisco, I believe you are onto something. I'm not getting out of this project in a couple days time.

Leaning more towards what I did on the other side. All tile. I will go into the other apartment and see if the corner shelves I installed are still there. That will decide if I put the others up, leave it all blank or build tile shelves as mentioned above.

I guess I could even build little alcoves in the non-exterior walls. That will take more time tho.

Probably go with a plastic tub, maybe a Delta? The 300 lb metal tub will be a lot to manhandle solo. The thinner metal versions just have so many bad reviews I am afraid to try it.

The window will most likely stay, even if it doesn't get used. Planned to replace the exhaust fan anyhow as it is really loud. Will wire it up to the switch to help with moisture issues while running showers.

Just bought a pallet of click lock vinyl that should be enough to do all that needs done in this apartment. I pick it up this morning from auction.

Interesting solution. I like the idea of getting some natural light in there even though it is obscured, but your way eliminates the entire process.

No cutting around and trimming the window. No ledge to catch water and leak.

I already have a fan in there so why not do this?

Downside is just the natural light which isn't that big of an issue.

I could still tile the entire thing if I chose not to go the surround route as well.