When Airstone contacted me last month to see if I’d be interested in trying their product, I had no idea what it was. So, of course I checked out the site and did a little research. It didn’t take me long to think this super light faux stone had loads of potential in all kinds of applications. Here are just a few pictures from other customers posted to the website:

Airstone as kitchen backsplash

Airstone for a built in look in an outdoor kitchen

So, what is Airstone? Technically, it’s a manufactured stone veneer containing 80% recycled materials. That means it’s lighter than real stone as well as concrete, and it’s eco-friendly. To install, all you need is adhesive, a putty knife, and a hacksaw. You can use it for indoor and outdoor applications (on appropriate substrates).

But here’s my favorite part: it’s affordable. You get all the benefits of a natural stone look without having to buy thinset, grout, spacers…or a wet saw. Bonus: you don’t have to know how to use any of that stuff either.

Since I tackled my kitchen backsplash the old fashioned way awhile ago (got the wetsaw in the basement to prove it), I thought for a long time about the best way to feature Airstone in my home. I wanted to try something I hadn’t seen on Pinterest yet. The idea of an accent wall appealed to me, but I couldn’t decide where I’d do it. If you read the title of this post, you can probably decipher where this project is heading…

guest bathroom before

That’s the guest bathroom (the main floor bathroom) in all it’s builder grade glory- a pre-fab, 3 walled tub/shower surround with zero awesomeness. I have been dreaming of “re-facing” the front of the tubs in both bathrooms for some time (I have a different material in mind for upstairs, it starts with a “bead” and ends with an “oard”). Since I knew Airstone can be used outside, I got pretty excited about the prospect of trying it out in this application. One of their installation experts gave me the go ahead in a quick chat, then I was off and running.

Currently Airstone comes in two colors, one being more gray and the other more tan. I chose the gray (Spring Creek) because I thought it would look best with the wall colors and vanity. Since I wasn’t rounding any corners and both sides of the tub have walls, I only needed the flat stones (there are also “corner” and “natural edge” varieties). For this projects, I purchased:

Cue Instagram.

airstone

I already had a caulk-gun, so I didn’t buy one- but you will need one for the exterior adhesive. P.S. I’m convinced there is no such thing as a dripless caulk gun. But back to the install, here it is in two steps:

applying adhesive to airstone

airstone for bathroom

If that seems simple, that’s because it is. You just lay the stones end-to-end however you like, trying to alternate the seams (like wood flooring). Now if you have one of these pre-fab tub/showers deals, you might already know that the tub front is not completely flat. If you look at the top right corner of the tub you can see the tub goes slightly in. I had a hunch that I’d be able to compensate with the Airstone because of the natural depth variation in each stone, something I doubt would be possible with a straight tile job (at least not without installing a flat surface first). Totally worked. Yeah, that almost never happens to me on the first try. I was shocked too.

Because my tub is not very wide, I started with stones on one end and installed about 3 or 4, then I moved to the other side. I just didn’t want to have all cut pieces at one end. But the adhesive has quite a long working time, so you can replace stones as needed if you want. Make your cuts as you go, it’s best not to move onto the next row with a hole on the previous. A simple hacksaw will cut Airstone, no power tools needed.

diy tub surround with airstone

When I got to the last row of full height bricks (not to the top, but as far up as I could go), I started experimenting with trim. I tried a piece of molding (similar to chair rail), but actually simple quarter round looked the best! First I had to deal with that little inset area in the corner though, remember? My first inclination was to ignore it…I mean the shower curtain would cover it anyway. I’d just cut a piece to go the length of the inner portion and call it a day.

But I just couldn’t! I mean I’ve been working with my little miter box saw for awhile now, and it’d be a shame to waste all those skills…

adding molding to tub surround

Ok-so by those cuts you wouldn’t think I have skills, but I swear the problem is that it’s not exactly a 90 degree corner. I knew I’d have to fudge it with caulk and spackle.

airstone and molding tub surround

Looking pretty finished now, I’m on a roll!

adding quarter round on top

Oh yeah, check out that craftsmanship. Amazing. Or, it will be after come spackle, caulk, and paint- which is still in the works (stuff takes time to dry, yo). And it will be covered by curtains. Ready?

pin it

diy tub surround using airstone

Ohmygosh I totally pulled a curtain switch on you too, did you notice? Well I couldn’t very well install a posh tub surround and then cover it up with a curtain now could I?

curtain panels

If you are patient, you can find two matching curtain panels that are not lime green at Ross. It took me about a week. I also picked up a set of sheers with a bonus valence (for another project, you’ll see!). I got an extra tension rod for $4.99, so I think this was less than $25 alltogether.

The curtains and (1) sheer panel are on a rod, and the liner is on another rod behind. I’m not sure if this is the best permanent solution, ideally the liner and sheer would be together (in my head, I want the curtains to stay still and the liner/sheer to be opened and closed). I’m still working on executing that. But this works for now, especially since it’s a guest bathroom. I may add a cornice box up top, which is why the curtain height is kinda weird. If I add the box, I can lower the rod…

In any case, let’s not throw the proverbial baby out with the bathwater. Just focus on the tub. With the Airstone. And its awesomeness.

prefab tub makeover

adding airstone to prefab tub

airstone tub surround

airstone on bathtub

380 Responses

  1. Marsha Milstock

    Rachael that bathtub is gorgeous.
    From ordinary, to extraordinary!
    Beautiful job.
    Marsha

    Reply
      • Cindy

        Love the new look. I have 1950s tile pink walls with black capstone top. The upper walls were once papered. I peeled the paper & painted the walls. The floor was retiled when a carpet layer pulled the tag strip and the original tile under came up. The carpet store replaced the bathroom tile because of his blunder. The tile is now beige. I think the colors you used would work.

        Your work is excellent!!

      • Kimberly

        omg…we have the same bathroom Cindy! I love the idea for the tub, but you just solved a problem for me. I would never have thought to just cover up the ugly pink tiles! Thanks!!!!

      • CluelessinCresskill

        How exactly did you cover up the pink tiles? I have them too and yuck!

      • Kristi Meenan

        Fireplace idea?? Oh my gosh. Ithink this wouldbe perfect if they could take the heat. Rachael. What do you know about airstone, heat and fireplaces?

      • Candace

        I used it on my fireplace and we loved it! I did alone without my husbands help and it turned out beautiful!!!

      • Candy

        Rachel do you think it would work on a garden tub? Thank you! And your tub is gorgeous.

      • Rachael Evans

        Thank you!! I think it could work depending on how much “roundness” you have in the sides….if it’s pretty flat then definitely!

      • Emilie

        Hey I love this idea. I’m just concerned about how well it holds up. The box clearly says “do not put in places with humidity, moisture” how well ia yours holding up?

      • Rachael Evans

        Emilie – It’s holding up great, the bathroom doesn’t really have a humidity level that would be concerning to me to be honest.

      • latoya guidry

        Quick question. Unless i missed it, what material did u use on top of the tub to mesh the top end of the tub to the stone to make it flow

      • Rachael Evans

        Hi Latoya – It’s foam core molding – comes in primed white already and super easy to cut. This shape is called quarter round.

      • Angie Macias

        Does the side of your tub have to be all leveled in order to put the airstone?

      • Rachael Evans

        How un-level is it? The natural shape of the stones lends itself well to a sliiiiggggghhhhtt curve (which is typically the case with these all-in-one tub/showers- mine included).

      • Rachael Evans

        Great! We’ve had no issues with it since the day it was installed. This is a guest bathroom, however it gets fairly frequent use and I bathe the dog in this tub!

    • Brian

      Cool project, but this was obviously written as a marketing gimmick for Airstone. Note how many times the product is mentioned and how easily she claims it is to work with. If you look at real reviews, the stuff is a pain to cut with a hacksaw, crumbles easily, and has huge thickness variations.

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        Brian – I appreciate your feedback, but I can assure you that I used it with no problem. The thickness variation doesn’t affect the look, in fact it makes it look more natural. It was quite an easy project, you just have to change your hacksaw blade often.

    • Chelsea Shaffer

      Rachel, This is such a great idea. Thanks for sharing! I would love to try this as well. What would you suggest I could use instead of molding for super old tubs with rounded tops? (Picture the top of an old claw foot tub)

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        Hi Chelsea – Is the tub itself rectangular? It might look nice to just tile up to the lip and then caulk the seam…hard for me to tell without a picture though. There are tons of options for molding though, and the vinyl/foam versions are very flexible so you may find something that looks nice.

      • Lindaa

        After reading all these ideas and looking at the finished product, I am inspired! I am going to make a pallet fireplace and install fire-logs and do the Airstone all over the face of the fireplace it give it a more natural look…:) Thanks all for the inspiration.

    • Meghan

      Would this stuff be easy to remove if needed? I rent and would love to do it but prbly would have to remove it when I leave some day.

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        Meghan – no, not as I have installed it. It’s quite permanent. You could consider installing it on “fake” front for the tub, and then attaching that to the tub in a removable way.

      • echo

        Just a thought but perhaps you could use contact paper first, then the airstone on top of that. I also live in a rental and want this to work for my apartment.

  2. Marnie

    Fabulous!!! Inspiration on a Monday morning…great way to start the week 😀 thank you…

    Reply
      • Julie Kirby

        So how do you get chosen to use this stuff? I’d be interested! And yes its beautiful, my head is swimming with ideas! He y how about a head board, how awesome would that be?

      • Tina K

        I also would be interested in learning how to be chosen to use this stuff.

      • Don

        Nice project. Im curious as to how much it cost for the whole project?

      • Rachael Evans

        Hi Don – it depends on how big your bathtub is, but less than $100 for mine!

  3. mary fran

    WOW…that is amazing. What a transformation! That’s a terrific product. My husband and I have a couple rental houses…my wheels are SPINNING!!!
    Thanks for the ideas!!
    Mary Fran

    Reply
  4. Jody peterson

    Wow!!! I love it. So I totally did bead ord haha! on my upstairs bathtub and the down is only a shower. Do you think Airstone would work inside the shower over butt ugly tiles???

    Reply
  6. Gretchen@Boxy Colonial

    Wow…looks great! I’ve seen those at Lowe’s, I think, but it never would have occurred to put them on a tub. backsplash is about as far as my creativity would take me!

    Reply
  7. Leslie Cross

    Rachael…This stuff looks awesome!! I have been looking for something different to do my backsplash in the kitchen with and I think I just found it! How much is it a box? Do you know how many square feet one box does? Thanks, darling…love it and love you!! Mom Cross

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      It’s $49.99/box and the flat stones cover 8 sq ft. Let me know if you try it!!

      Reply
      • Terry

        Hi Rachel,

        Has anyone ask about how you would put Air stone on the front like you did and down the short side also. I’m probably not describing this right.
        I have an old house and the bathtub is installed in a corner of the bathroom with a front side exposed (like yours) and then one end is also exposed. Any help on best way to connect the two sides when they meet at the corner?

      • Rachael Evans

        Hi Terry – Airstone makes corner blocks for this reason, but what you could do is just overshoot on the long side about 1/2″ (like the depth of a brick) and then when you tile the short side, the ends will meet. Just make sure the edge of the overhanging bricks is NOT a cut edge. Hope that helps! I’ve done this on inside and outside corners to save money on having to buy another box of special corner bricks. Read more about that method here: http://lovelycraftyhome.com/2013/02/04/airstone-project-kitchen-backsplash/

      • Theresa Lambert

        Hi Brad,
        We have a 3 piece surround fibre glass or acrylic tub. We would like to do the outside of thentub, as well as the inside main wall of the tub. Is the airstone reccomended for inside of a shower? What are the dimensions of this product?
        We also see that many have asked about if the Airstone is staying on the tub after a considerable length of time? Has there been any issues withnthe stone coming off the tub?
        Do you ship to Canada?

    • Judy K

      I would also love to try as back splash, have you tried it yet?
      Judy k.

      Reply
  8. Maddie

    I’m so glad you posted this! I had been looking into AirStone for a while for my kitchen backsplash. But, after mucho Googling, I’ve only found two different posts online about people using it. I’m glad to see you speaking so highly of it!

    Are you going to seal it any way, like you would do with stone tile? Or is it fine as is?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Maddie- What I’ve been told is that it’s recommended for a backsplash because it’s porous it can stain, but other than that it’s not necessary per say 🙂 I probably won’t be sealing mine on the tub. It doesn’t need sealing for water resistance.

      Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      You can put a sealer on it if you like, but honestly I think it would be fine without it. It wipes with soap/water pretty easily, but it’s not really in an area that gets that dirty in my house (since it’s a guest bath, the tub rarely gets used).

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        Jordan- Honestly I thought about it, but generally they advise against any potential “standing water” situation.

  13. Georgie

    how light is it exactly? I wonder if you could put a strong magnet strip on the back instead of glueing it to the bath. (thinking renter friendly!)

    Reply
    • kate

      what about using caulk on the back that might scrape off when leaving. Id test it first though.

      Reply
    • Victoria

      A hot glue gun is great for applying things to surfaces like bathtubs, countertops, ceramic tile or glass backsplashes, etc. Use a large blob of glue on each corner of whatever material you’re gluing (rather than spreading the glue across the entire surface), and press it firmly into place. To remove, slip a plastic or metal putty knife behind the glue blobs, and they should pop right off. Perfect for renters!

      Reply
  14. AllThingsGirly

    What does it feel like? Does it feel like stone or does it feel like foam?

    Just curious. It looks gorgeous! (Adding it to my beautiful builder basics board!) AllThingsGirly on pinterest

    Reply
  15. Julie

    It looks great. I would think though that for a tub that gets a lot of use it should be sealed not because of it getting dirty or anything but because of the moisture buildup. I wouldn’t want all my hard work going to waste. It completely changed the look and feel of the room.

    Reply
  18. Tamara Bennett

    This looks so pretty! You did a fabulous job! I saw this pinned on pinterest and decided to investigate. We have this type of stone in our kitchen and master bath. It was here when we bought the house, I had no idea what it was called. I love the look though. I am thinking about incorporating it into other parts of our home as well, but the idea of DIY was so intimidating. I am so glad to find your tutorial, I didn’t realize how simple it would be!

    Reply
  19. Jennifer

    Awesome job! I tiled my bathroom floor with flat river stones (you know, the kind on the mesh background), but I’m not very happy with how the caulking where the tiles meet the tub looks. I think this might solve my problem, and be in the same theme as what I already have (the river stones are white and grey)

    Can this stuff be painted? Maybe it I paint some of them a white shade so that they REALLY tie into the theme…….

    Reply
  20. Gwen

    This is amazing – I need to find this product in Canada….any ideas where? I have been looking and can’t find…..in the Toronto area.

    Reply
    • Kimberley

      The only place I could find it was Lowe’s… they are in Canada too aren’t they? It is supper easy to install however a bit messy when you have to cut the bricks.

      Reply
      • Rachael Evans

        Kimberley, I’m pretty sure it’s only retailed through Lowes. Not sure if they are in Canada though.

  22. Isabella J.

    So very impressed! You have given me the best idea with this, I was going to buy regular tile tomorrow! So glad I found you!

    Reply
  23. LMcD

    Can you get it at home improvement stores like Home Depot? And, do you think it would work on a tiled fireplace? Thanks for sharing your ideas!

    Reply
  27. Kristin

    Love your tub! I would like to do something similar in my bathroom. I have one concern…some of the reviews on other sites rated airstone poorly for use in wet environments. Is yours holding up? Do you have any crumbling problems? Just trying to do all the research before I delve in. Thanks for the help!
    Kristin

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Kristin- I’ve only had mine up a few weeks, so I can’t really speak to the long term use yet. But I would imagine it has a lot to do with the install. It’s possible people aren’t using the right adhesive or putting it on an approved substrate.

      Reply
  28. Leslie

    We recently used Airstone to refinish our fireplace and we love it. I noticed in your post you used PL Premium Construction Adhesive. Is there a reason why you didn’t use the Airstone Adhesive? Did you have to change it up since you were installing on a tub? Looks great!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Leslie- Yes, it was recommended because of the tub application to use the exterior adhesive 🙂

      Reply
  29. Lesa

    I have the old enamel coated cast iron tubs with lovely PINK tiles..will the Airstone stick to this type tub?

    Reply
  30. Chris

    Love this. We did our kiitchen island and our fireplace last year. I would recommend using only the construction adhesive not the airstone adhesive. The air stone adhesive made a holy mess and only had white color so it does stick out a little bit in places. I’d be interested for the inside walls of the tub. We wanted to use it outdoors but it chips fairly easy. Not sure how it would hold up in extreme conditions.

    Reply
    • Linda

      I did the front of my tub using the exterior grade caulk, rather than interior. Since exterior is made for exposure to the elements I don’t think I will have a problem with it. Water doesn’t seem to splash out in large quantities from the tub.

      Reply
  33. Liz

    Love it! looked at our tub this morning only to find its not flat 🙁 I am however interested in how to hung the curtains. I am redoing our bathroom (we bout an old farm house) and I love the look of the curtains but I am a bit worried about what the top would look like. I did look into a double curved rod but they are a bit pricey. We love our curved shower rod but I’m at a loss on how to hang the Curtains. Any advice would be great. Thanks ~ Liz

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Liz- I’m planning to make a cornice like this, but more rectangular I think: http://pinterest.com/pin/98516310570565792/
      Right now they are hung on two separate tension rods, which-as long as they are right behind eachother- doesn’t look bad. I’m with you on the double rod- too pricey.

      Reply
  35. Lori Schulte

    Thanks! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for to use on the front of a removable panel on our zacuzzi tub. It’s older in style, but still fully functional, but the front panel is just plan ugly! This will work out perfectly!!! Appreciate your sharing and your attention to the details! Well Done!

    Reply
    • Angela

      I agree. I love my Jacuzzi but, the panel door has never looked right! I love the look of this product but, I’m thinking we would have to disguise a door. How did you do this project with your jacuzzi door panel? Did you find a way of covering the panel and still making the motor accessible?

      Reply
  37. Jeanine

    where did you get your first, dark blue shower curtain?
    It looks amazing but have you had any problem with the adhesive failing from all the moisture in the bathroom?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Jeanine. Target! No, we haven’t had any problems. It was recommended that I used the exterior PL Construction adhesive instead of the Airstone interior adhesive because of the high moisture application. Airstone can be applied to outdoor spaces using the same method, it’s ok if it gets wet!

      Reply
  39. michelle

    This looks awesome and we are about to completely renovate a bathroom so we are looking for all kinds of ideas. We can’t afford anything but a standard tub/shower so I love the idea of some diy upgrading after the contractor is done! has anyone had any other ideas for that top edge? the bathroom being redone is the main bath for 3 children plus all guests – ie, it is quite actively used. That wood corner molding is just NOT going to work.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Michelle- The molding isn’t wood..it’s foam core molding, check your local home improvement store for it!

      Reply
      • meredithvb

        For the uneven corner, did you use the molding also? I can’t tell from the picture if it is the same material. Great use of the airstone! It is going to be my next project!

  42. Kim

    Just curious how this is holding up?? I love the look, but I’m worried about the stone popping off the tub. Have you had any issues?

    Reply
  45. julie

    Would this stone hold up on the wall under a kitchen bar? I am just wondering since it is “softer” if my kids can put their foot through it? LOL! I guess they haven’t put their feet through the dry wall yet, so I am hoping this would work! Also, how would you work with the trim at the bottom of the wall? Would I just leave it off altogether? Or add 2×4 (or whatever size would work) to bring it out flush with the stone?

    Reply
  47. Patti

    I am interested in using this as a back splash in my kitchen. I am wondering how easy it would be to clean if food or liquid splattered on it? Do you have any information about that?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Patti- You can seal it with natural stone sealer (like you would a regular tile backsplash) which will help with cleaning. It cleans with soap and water!

      Reply
  48. Allie Shields

    I love this, it looks amazing! I’m trying to re-create this look for an apartment bathtub – do you have any ideas? I’m thinking something like sticking the airstone to a board then have the board somehow removably adhered to the bathtub wall.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Allie- Yes!! I have thought about doing that as a temporary solution for a kitchen backsplash too (for a renter). I think you could definitely pull something like that off. I’m not sure how to secure it…is the tub sandwiched between two walls?

      Reply
    • Victoria

      You could buy a sheet of whiteboard paneling at Lowes or H.D. for approx $14.00, and have them cut it to size for free. Then attach your AirStone to the board, and hot glue the board to the kitchen backsplash or the side of your tub. If you put it on a tub, you might want to run a line of silicone DAP across the top, to keep water from running onto the paneling.

      Here’s my comment from above:

      A hot glue gun is great for applying things to surfaces like bathtubs, countertops, ceramic tile or glass backsplashes, etc. Use a large blob of glue on each corner of whatever material you’re gluing (rather than spreading the glue across the entire surface), and press it firmly into place. To remove, slip a plastic or metal putty knife behind the glue blobs, and they should pop right off. Perfect for renters!

      Reply
  49. Jennifer W

    Since the stone is porous, what worry is there about mildew/mold? Is it resistant?

    Reply
  50. lisa goodale

    the face of my tube is not even, it has a decorative indention- any idea how I can deal with that?, love the way this looks , great job!

    Reply
  51. Megan S

    I did this to my bathtub last night thanks to your inspiration! It definitely was as easy as you said it was. I’m going to take the quarter round tomorrow. Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
  52. Okie

    This is AWESOME!!! I love, love, love this! If I ever have the chance to do something like this, I totally will! This is one of the best tutorials ever! 😀

    Reply
  53. Lenna

    Love this idea. My husband & I are building a house and we saw this product in Lowe’s. 1st thought we had was to put it on the wall around the breakfast bar! The lighter color matches the stones going on the fireplace so it’ll be perfect!

    Reply
  54. Vintage Resurrections

    First time I’ve been here and I can, with all honesty, say that “I Love You”! This is a FAB idea! A major transformation in about an hours work, I’d say. I can’t find enough places to share this idea though, lol!

    Reply
  55. Joy

    Gorgeous tub upgrade!!!! PS…I want to buy that blue curtain off you!!! 😉

    Reply
  56. paige

    just curious, would you have any suggestions for doing it less… permanently? as in for an apartment bathroom?

    Reply
  58. Retired carpenter

    Solution: not recommended for Jacuzzi tubs with access panels on the front . But still can be done by using 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch plywood. Measure your width and/or height make sure your width fits loosely. Apply the stone to the plywood leaving 4 stones on all four corners not glued in a bout 6 inches from each corner. 6 inches from top and bottom and sides. Now with all the stone dried and set your panel will be ready to install. Screw the panel directly to the Tub. Now set the for missing stones by using self adhesive Velcro strips. Now if you have to get in your access panel removed and four stones removed the four screws and remove the whole pane. The upper 1/4 around can be glued directly to the tub and caulked do not cock the quite around to the stone leave enough room for removing the panel. Solution problem solved for Jacuzzi problems with access panels. Enjoy

    Reply
  59. _emily_rose

    I don’t usually comment on posts I find on pinterest (shame on me), but I wanted to let you know that I really, really like this. I have one of ‘those’ in a very small master bath, and I’m looking for ways to spruce up the bathroom without taking up additional (or non existent) space. This is wonderful!

    Reply
  60. Mrs. Franklin

    I like the stones – very pretty! But I don’t like the trim at the top. I feel like over time the wooden trim would get wet and warp or even mold. Maybe there is an alternative to the wooden trim?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      It’s actually not wood, it’s the plastic-like composite stuff (super light and easy to cut) that they sell at Home Depot and Lowes. This is not our main bathroom either, so I’m pretty confident this will hold up 🙂

      Reply
  61. Erin

    Did you have to grout or do anything to the Airstone after it was applied? If so, how did you do this and what products did you use?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Erin, I didn’t but you can use sealer (like for granite counters) that you can find in the tiling section at a hardware store.

      Reply
  62. ThatOneGirl

    Curious if the stones can come off easily if you were to do it at an apartment? Haha

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      They wouldn’t with the adhesive you’re supposed to use, but I am tempted to suggest hot glue. It’s a totally unsanctioned use of hot glue and Airstone, of course LOL

      Reply
  63. Liz

    Two Questions:

    1) I have a large wood panel wall, will it work and stick to real wood?
    2) My fireplace is a large brick wall, will the adhesive work over brick and will the result be too bulky??

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Liz, yes it will adhere to wood and brick!! The stones are about 1/2″ thick if that helps you decide!

      Reply
  64. Jill

    Have you tried it on a wall. I have a bathroom wall I’d like to cover. If you can put it on a wall, can you hang a picture too?

    Reply
  65. Mariah

    I’m so excited I found this! I just recently bought my first home, a fixer upper, and the bathtub is GOLD! I don’t want to knock down more walls than I have to, and the tub is I good shape, but I hate the look. I was debating putting up something like bead board, but was afraid of mold and mildew! This seems to be the perfect solution to my problem! Pair the stone with a nice new shower curtain and I should be good to go! Thank you! 🙂

    Reply
  66. Yaina

    I love this… But when I move out I’m planning to rent so I think it would be a safer bet to stick them to each other not the tub… And I would also go one or two stones above the tub cause then you can cut the curtain to stop a little bit below the cute and it will stay clean and you can still see the stones. Love this I’m glad I saw it otherwise I wouldn’t of had any idea what to do with the bathroom.

    Reply
  67. Veronica Bobonica

    Fabulous! I love when people think OUTSIDE of average! This is beautiful! You did a great job with the curtain pulling the colors from the stone.

    Reply
  69. Barb

    Did you need both boxes? I tried the calculator and it said we’d only ned one box

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      I only needed one box I’d say, but I wanted the variety of lengths from two, if that makes sense.

      Reply
  70. Ashlei

    I want to try this but I rent is there a way to remove the tiles once we move?

    Reply
  71. Walks

    Thanks for showing me this, been wanting to renovate the bathroom for months but didn’t want to rip a tub out. Airstone looks like it may be perfect for my situation.

    Reply
  72. Lisa

    I just did this to our tub this weekend and I have to say it looks amazing! This was such a fantastic idea that I had to try it and it was so easy to do. Our bathroom has a rustic type theme so it was perfect and it gave it a different look because we have glass doors rather than a curtain. Thanks for the idea!!

    Reply
  74. Anna

    Would this work to cover tile on a bathroom wall? I have pink and blue tile half way up the walls in my bathroom, I have been looking for something to cover it with.

    Reply
  75. rachel

    Is there any prep work when using this product on a regular wall? I would like to do this in the bathroom and kitchen, which are just standard drywall covered in flat paint. Also, how is the tub holding up? Since it is a guest bathroom, is the tub even used very often?

    Reply
  76. Sue Lehrer

    Wondering if you could overlay an ugly outdated fireplace surround?

    Reply
  77. Chasity

    Beautiful idea! I want to use this idea in our new master bath. I have a garden tub that needs tile or something done but wasn’t sure what to use. I’m definitely using this idea for the front but still not sure what to use for the top. Do you have any ideas?

    Reply
  78. Kelly D

    This is so amazing, I’m totally over the moon in love with the look!! We are in the process of giving our old, outdated original 1978 bathroom a makeover, and I was googling for pictures trying to find if anyone had cemented ceramic tile to the front of their tub, (couldn’t find any) then I saw yours! I am SO going to do this!! I might run to Lowe’s tonight! Thank you for the great idea and wonderful pics!!

    Reply
  79. Nicole

    This is brilliant!! I’m thinking I could use this same basic method to do a removable backsplash in my apartment kitchen. I don’t have a backsplash right now, it’s just the wall, so it doesn’t work to just hot glue them to the tile backsplash…because there isn’t one :). I like the idea of screwing the board into the wall (screw holes are allowed in apartment walls) and then just adhering airstone over those screws with Velcro.

    Would you suggest doing anything differently if doing this for a kitchen backsplash? I’m wondering how it would look to have 1/2″ thick plywood with the 1/2″ thick airstone where I would have to cut out for the outlets. You would be able to see both layers of thickness (plywood and airstone) along the edge of the outlet. Any thoughts on how to disguise that?

    Reply
  80. Larry

    How hard is it to keep the airstone clean when it is used in the shower as a shower wall? Is there a product that makes keeping the airstone as a shower wall clean?

    Reply
  82. Lesa Kosteck

    it is indeed (sing it with me) “AWE-SOOOOOME!”.. I’ll be utilizing this product (which I’d never heard of before coming across your article ..thank you) in many applications in the home that we’ll be putting on our land in the (hopefully) near future… I’ll definitely be checkin’ out more of your articles and saving your site to my favorites and frequents … Nothin’ but the best to you and yours… 😉 me

    Reply
  83. Frankenmadlaa

    I love the idea but didn’t fnd anything like this in Germany!
    Does somene know if AIRSTONE is available in Germany?

    Reply
  85. Jillian

    Hello, I love what you did with the bathtub, looks fantastic! My question though is regarding the curtains and shower curtains. Did you hang two different rods, one for each curtain. Did you hang them same height or staggered? I’m working on a bathroom redo and really like that look. Thanks for your help.

    Reply
  87. Nathan

    We did this to our tub after seeing this and it turned out amazing. It was really easy to do! It makes the entire bathroom look better, I suggest if your thinking about doing it to just go ahead!!

    Reply
  89. Nikki

    Ok, so I have been wanting to do a kitchen backsplash and I think I may have to try and copy this exact look! You don’t mind do you?! 🙂

    Reply
  90. Mara

    HI My only concern would be the trim. It fixes the problem but maybe with children I’m curious if it would get to wet from baths etc. but then again one could just replace it lol. Have you noticed anything? Thanks

    Reply
  92. Danielle

    Wow wow wow!! I love the look, but need to use a different topper for my bathroom. I’ll have to browse Round my local hardware store to see if I can find inspiration!

    Thank you.,

    XoXo

    Reply
  93. Valerie

    Oh! Lovely! Now, how about modern looking glass doors? Not those old fashioned sliders, but the new modern ones! That would be the finished touch.

    Reply
  98. candis

    I plan on tackling this project but am curious as to how kid friendly it is. Granted my kids don’t play with the outside of the tub…but I do have 3 young children who take daily baths in it.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Candis, honestly I’m not sure…because we don’t use the tub that much it’s hard to say. It is meant for exterior use, so I think that says a lot about the durability and we have had no problems with it!

      Reply
  103. Kristal Penner

    Rachael,
    The tub looks amazing. I’m preparing to sell my home and need some wow features like this. The only thing I didn’t see on your blog is about how much you spent on the AirStone and adhesive. Do you remember?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Kristal, I believe boxes of 8 sqft are around $50/each. The price on the adhesive might vary by location, I used the exterior PL brand, a couple of tubes.

      Reply
  115. Tom

    Can these be cut horziontally with a hacksaw if the last row dosent come out even?

    Reply
  116. Jessica

    this is so awesome!! i will definitely have to save this blog for when i get a house this year ( hopefully) and make my tubs look like this!

    Reply
  127. Carolyn

    Great idea! Wonder if you can use the loop tape. Attach one side to tub and other side to individual bricks. Love your ideas!

    Reply
  138. Caleb

    This would be a great addition to any bathroom. It is a good way to mix things up and add a little creativity to your bathroom.

    Reply
  141. nathalie

    Hello.
    i really love your idea. I would like to know if i can put your idea in my facebook and translate in french your word in the picture. I will put your name of website as a source.
    Do i have your permission?
    Thanks and continue your good job

    Reply
  142. cori

    is this removable? i am renting an outdated home and id like to make it look some what nice, and i thought this was to cute , and just wondering if i could pull this off

    Reply
  144. Madeleine

    Can anyone think of a way to do this/something similar to this where it would be easy/semi easy to disassemble? I live in an apartment and would love to do something like this, but would need to take it back down once I move out.

    Reply
  145. Kathi Jackson

    Quick Question:
    Can it be removed later without doing permanent damage? It looks great now but who knows what will be in style in 5 or 10 years. Has anyone had any experience with removing it after a period of time?

    Reply
  147. priscilla

    I don’t like it. It looks tacky to me. Who has a stone bathtub with vinyl on top?

    Reply
  152. teddjpb

    So beautiful! I want my dream home to be stone and wood themed and this would be perfect for the bathroom. Thanks for the tutorial!

    Reply
  156. Tracy

    Would like to know how well that faux stone is holding up on the tub. By the way, suggestion for liner with sheer, you can sew or velcro the sheer to the liner. Holds up well and easy for removal for laundering.

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Still looks great! It is a guest bathroom, so it definitely gets less use. But, this is made for exterior as well so I’m pretty confident in its longevity. Thanks for the tip on the curtain, that’s a great idea!

      Reply
  161. Diana

    Do you think there is any way to do a removable version of this? I live in an apartment and want to try this out on my tub but I obviously can’t leave it when I move out. It’s so cute and would go with the garden themed bathroom I have planned!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      You could glue the stones to a piece of plywood or something like that, and then 3M Command strip that piece to the tub? Let me know if you try it!

      Reply
  163. Hailey B.

    I just seen this on pinterest! I love the idea! How many boxes did it take to do it? I’m really thinking about doing this! (:

    Reply
  166. MJ Carley

    What a transformation! Now it looks so modern and updated. Beautiful and clever!

    Reply
  168. Melissa May

    I love this! I’ve been looking for a way to update our bathroom look without a total redo of the room; it just needs a facelift haha I think I’m going to have to show my husband to get him to agree to it. It seems like it only takes a few hours, right?

    Reply
  176. Bye Bye Builder Grade Bathtub |

    […] do, then this might be the perfect project for you! I first found a tutorial for using AirStone on Lovely Crafty Home’s Blog. I loved how her bathtub turned out, so I decided to give it a try myself! I did find a few tips […]

    Reply
  179. Kristin

    OK, so at first, I was thinking, well, I’d love to do this but the tub ledge is simply too narrow to fit with this type of update. Plus, mold! There will be the slightest crack between the ledge and the Airstone and it’s all over…and then I saw your pics of the chair rail as the new ledge and I realized, OMG! NO MOLD! And now I can have a decent-sized bathtub ledge. I am TOTALLY doing this. Thank you, thank you, thank you!! You’re a lifesaver!

    Reply
  180. kaleigh

    This is awesome! I am a renter and would like to do this to my kitchen and bathroom. What would you suggest for a temporary application?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Kaleigh – I’m not sure about a temporary solution unless you glued the bricks to a board and then tacked the board in place somehow. I thought maybe command strips would work, but the back of the bricks are not smooth so I’m not sure how good the adhesion would be. Plus that would be $$$. If you try something and it works, let me know!

      Reply
  182. Kate

    When a tub is not flat how do u adhere the air stone? It looks like the air stone is not touching your tub on the top row before you put trim on.

    Reply
  184. Jennifer

    Hi! Wondering with the AirStone bathtub surround, did you end up needing 2 boxes? Their website says 1 box covers 8 square feet….

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Jennifer, I had purchased several boxes to do another project, so I used bricks out of two boxes for extra variety. But I don’t think I used more than 1 box’s worth total.

      Reply
  190. Janille McGee

    I love this! However, I live in an apartment and I am TIRED of the boring outdated look of the houses I stay in!!! Is there a way to install this on something else and place it on the front without damaging or altering the tub? I could really use some help!

    Reply
  192. Bobbi

    We rent, and I’m wondering how easily it can be removed? It is absolutely gorgeous!!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Bobbi – it would not be easy to remove…definitely would damage the walls. Your best bet would be to install it on a board cut to size that is attached to the area you would like in a less permanent way

      Reply
  195. Klarissa

    hi i was wondering how easy to remove it I’m renting and I would love to do this at the end (if I ever move) would it be easy to remove

    Reply
  199. Mindy

    WOW! This looks amazing. I would love to do this to the front bathroom. Thank you for the tutorial and inspiration!

    Reply
  201. Linda

    My husband built a new front porch on our house and I wanted to dress up the area around the front door and the window. I found airstone on sale at Lowes, so my daughter and I put up cement board over original wood siding to get a smooth surface and applied a lot of airstone around the door and floor to ceiling under porch. It turned out beyond beautiful and in fact was the “something extra” that drew in buyers when we sold our house last June. The only problem we had was keeping the adhesive off our fingers so we wouldn’t transfer it to the face of the stone. It cut easily with a chop saw.

    Reply
  203. karen

    I am so glad I found your blog post. My husband picked up a couple boxes of this at Lowe’s today after we saw your photos and he is installing them as I type this as a “back splash” behind our cooktop. It looks fantastic, is so easy to put on, easy to cut and I couldn’t be happier to have it finally look “finished” instead of plain. Thank you!!

    Reply
  205. Jenny

    Hi, Rachel.
    I know this is from 2013, but every time I see it on Pinterest, it gets ideas churning! 🙂 Do you, in your expert opinion, think this would adhere with their glue to a pre-existing smooth countertop? (Ha. Bear with me.)

    Our home is an old house. We love it, but they did some updates to the kitchen in the 60s that included installing a regular 60s style countertop behind the stove as a backsplash. I can’t take it down without ripping out half of the wall and we REALLY don’t have the time to drywall or re-plaster the kitchen. I would love to put these up as a backsplash around our kitchen and hide this weird “backsplash” area, too. I am concerned, though, with the heat, grease, and smooth surface, that it might not stay.

    Do you have any thoughts on this?

    Thanks a million. ☺

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Dear Jenny – This product will definitely work as a backsplash, in fact it’s one of the primary uses. The key will be in prepping your surface. Basically there would be no going back from this – you would need to degrease VERY well, then sand through the countertop veneer as much as possible. I’m assuming it’s press board or something underneath. Once you get through it, I would put a coat of good primer on, then proceed with the adhesive. You could even use the recommended outdoor adhesive instead of the indoor if you’re really worried. Let me know if you pull the trigger!

      Reply
  206. BB

    I love this idea! I did see it was from 2013 so I was wondering how it was holding up. The airstone is not what I am worried about but the wood piece at the top. Do you get mold? How do you think it is holding up?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Thanks!! Everything is holding up well! The piece of “wood” at the top is actually foam/vinyl molding, I used it because it would be more water resistant. The caulk is bathroom/kitchen sealer as well. We use a shower curtain and liner, so really this area hardly gets wet. No issues to report so far!

      Reply
  208. Acitygirl

    That’s is absolutely beautiful. I would love to do that in my tub BUT unfortunately I have reconsidered it twice in the inside and twice the finish came off. If I can resolve that problem I am so on to this project!!!

    Reply
  209. Alyssa McCord

    What about for renters? is there an adhesive that would come off with minimum effort and not damage the tub?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      This question comes up alot – and I think you could definitely do this with some version of 3M Command strips. It would be pricey though. You could also try glue dots. The bricks themselves are pretty light. I would even be tempted to give hot glue a go (it has a tendency to stick pretty well, but then come off in one piece easily). Of course, you’d want to test in a small area though. Let me know if you do try it!

      Reply
  211. Angelina Davis

    Did you end up using the two full boxes of airstone and adhesive for the tub?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      I did have some scrap tile and adhesive left! I would definitely recommend using from two boxes though for better variety 🙂

      Reply
  212. Amanda

    I love the look of the stone, I have been looking for a rug like that in the picture made of jute/sisal or close for my bathroom. Where did you get yours? Thanks!

    Reply
  219. Laurdess

    Oh my God thank you for posting this! Not only do I have the same tub… but I was clueless on how to do the top. I like options. Thank you so much really. You have no idea how much this put me at ease. I am, though having a hard time trying to find out if this stuff is hard to take off once it’s on. Do you happen to know?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      I wouldn’t want to try to take it off haha. The adhesive is technically permanent.

      Reply
  226. Kelsie

    Hi Rachel! I’m just curious what you decided to use in the end for you curtains. I know you had 2 rods, but what to did end up with? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Kelsie! I still have two rods, the one in the back has the liner and the front one has curtains on each side with sheers in the middle. It seems to work fine, so I haven’t changed it even though it’s a bit non-traditional haha!

      Reply
      • Dawn M Fleischman

        Rachel, I love this so much, I am currently working on my bathroom and have started the Airstone and am so excited! Can’t wait to finish it! As far as the curtain rod/s…did you leave a space without the Airstone to accomodate for the rod attachment to the wall or did you attach the rods to the Airstone? I was thinking about measuring the rod ends and the leaving a big enough space on the wall without the Airstone to be able to attach the rod. LOVE LOVE LOVE your ideas and am already planning on a project at my daughter’s with this awesome stuff ! Thanks so much for the inspiration 🙂

  232. Jessica

    Love this airstone idea! With using the stones for the kitchen backsplash do you just apply the adhesive and stick right on the wall? And it sticks to the paint on the wall and everything?!

    Jess Hylland

    Reply
  234. Rachel

    Hi I’m sorry if this is a bit off topic but I wanted to know what shades of gray and by what company you used for your stripped bathroom wall I absolutely love it your bathroom is beautiful

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      Hi Rachel – I can’t remember the lighter color, but the gray is Burnished Clay by Behr.

      Reply
  235. Emma

    Hey. I’m moving into an apartment and those bathtubs are just the ugliest. Would these come off or is it a pretty permanent project?

    Reply
  237. Pat Miller

    So, it’s been a few years since you did the bath tub airstone job. How is it holding up?

    have you used any kind of sealant on the stones that are exposed to water? I had debated using it inside a shower, but they mention it would be hard to keep clean. If you use a sealant, can you then clean it easily?

    Thanks! This looks like a possible answer to my ugly shower stalls.
    Pat

    Reply
  240. JoAnn

    I love this idea. I have a rounded tub I want to do this to. Is there a way to do it on a curve?

    Reply
    • Rachael Evans

      It probably won’t work on a true round tub. Mike has an ever so slight arch that can be compensated for with the varying thicknesses of the stones.

      Reply
  255. Micheala D. Linhart

    I gotta say that I love your outdoor kitchen/kitchen porch and your bathroom brickstones. Actually, I love everything with stones. You get the natural look of things. Love your blog by the way 😀

    Reply
  263. Xu Lixing

    The use of Airstone is incredible, specially the bathtub looks great.

    Reply
  270. Shae M.

    Jennifer,

    This creation is beautiful! I would love to try this. How has the creation held up over the past couple of years?

    Reply
  271. 30 DIY Home Repair and Improvement Ideas - Hative

    […] The key to this look is using Airstone, a manufactured stone. Simply use adhesive to place the stones on the tub. If you need to cut one, a hacksaw will do the trick. Finish the look with a border of quarter round and caulk and you have a custom look! via lovelycraftyhome. […]

    Reply
  272. Priscilla Neal

    I hate it. It’s ass-ugly, cheap and contrived. Why would you put that on the side of a tub?

    Reply

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