"Wood veneer". Don't use anything with an MDF core.

I've built several wood surrounds for tubs. Some have been painted wood, others stained. Never had a problem.

I've even done a couple of wood tub decks. Usually teak. Never had a problem with those either.

It's quite easy to disguise access panels (if needed for plumbing or motor access) into a wood apron, too.

Mongo

We had one in our last house and will do the same in our new house. We used cabinet doors over a veneer and it looked great. I am not sure i would do it in a kids area but didn't have any problem in the master bath.

I think weedyacres posted a pic of a gorgeous stained wood tub surround that they DIY'd.

Mongo

I'm taking a brave route (due to Omega's guarantee) and doing a wood surround on our son's tub/shower combo. The tub is tiled but the wall around it will be a couple of wood panels (allowing access to the controls) and fluted collums. I worried about the front panel because it's a highly detailed wood door (matching the vanities) that sticks out about 1 3/4". Omega guarantees even if i'm lazy as sin and don't wipe it down after baths, it will be fine. We'll see :) (I'm lazy as sin and have the housekeeper do that only weekly...but I might do better if properly motivated).

Thanks all.
Igloochic - Are you getting your vanity from Omega, also? The design sounds like something you'll enjoy long after your son is finished. This bath/shower combo will be used by 3 boys, so I might want to look into that omega guarantee too!

Yes mx :) The vanity is Omega as well. I fell in love with a totally inappropriate door style (we always fall for the bad boys don't we?) and figured out a way to use it by putting it in the family bathroom. A reasonable person would choose less carving, less distressing, and less cost LOL but I just HAD to have this stupid door...and now it's not only doors, but a tub surround. I had a long talk with the Omega dealer and their headquarters about two year olds and splashing :) And they said they guarantee that the finish won't be hurt...and if they're wrong...they've put it in writing, I get a new tub surround :)

Omega cabinets aren't cheap, but they're known for their finish quality, so we'll hope this all works :oP

Here's ours, made from plywood and trim in the same finish as our vanity. It doesn't get much water exposure, except an occasional few drops or splatter, which I wipe off with a towel.

I have a question. I am building a tub surround from wood and have been looking around at the various cabinet makers.
One of those companies told me I should use MDF on the center panel with hardwood frame because of the wood expanding and contracting with steam and wet environment.

However I see where other places just recommend that you use HARD wood species and that you seal it well. Those sites said nothing about MDF - just to stay away from MDF (for use with all of it - not just center as I'm talking about)

So now am not sure if I should get the all hard wood including center panels or allow the center MDF . The doors I'm looking at have an applied molding with recessed center panel. (To match my vanity)

Another question I have is whether I should absolutely paint it rather than stain it or does it matter if I stain it if I am applying polyurethane or other recommended finish coats?