Is there some reason you need wainscoting at all? Why not just paint the walls to save even more money?

Thanks sj, that's why I am asking. I am definitely considering just painting....it just seems like all of the design pictures have something covering the wall.

Do horizontal bead board if you want a fresh take on wainscotting. But, you don't need anything at all unless it's a boys bath with the associated "misses". If it is, upgrade the paint to a semi gloss so that it's easier to scrub, and that should provide all of the actual protection that the walls need. That's the main purpose of wainscotting, not decor.

Thanks hollysprings! That is the information I was looking for.

You don't have to do wainscoting, but I would like to suggest extending the tile a few more inches beyond the tub to handle splashing, especially on the shower head side. I think the traditional sliver of wall tile next to the tub apron is not very good for one of the most critical drip areas.

The most important thing to do is to teach your boys to respect their bathroom. If they mess it up, make them clean it up. That's what my parents did with my brothers.

Here is a link that might be useful: Hit the spot

I agree with Hollysprings about horizontal beadboard! Love it! I'm attaching a photo I had saved, where I think this works so well!

You are smart to stick to your budget! Before you discount tile altogether, you might be interested to see what "kgwlisa" achieved while watching her pennies!
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/bath/msg051750542122.html

We're in the middle of a renovating our little boy's bathroom. We had the same debate and opted for tiled wainscoting in the end. We love how it's turned out. We have a way to go, but here's a photo too.

Good luck with your project!
Ruth

Here is a link that might be useful: kgwlisa's bathroom

... and here is our work in progress...

Sorry I am struggling to attach more than one image! Last one that I had saved!

Good luck!!!

Wow, thank you so much! Those look really nice!

@Ruth - how did you do that tiled wainscotting? What tiles? I don't see any vertical grout lines, which makes me suspect you have found some very long tiles... please share - I'm looking to do this in my bathroom and haven't found a good solution yet!