Hi there. I'm in the process of redoing my bathroom - well, planning the
remodel. I have a bathtub I like, but the side panels of the tub are
really ugly, and I'd like to replace them with wood. Since the tub is in
the corner, the wood would be used to cover one side and the head of the
bathtub. I'd like to stain the wood dark mahogany to ebony to make a
modern contrast to the white tile and chrome fixtures.

What sort of wood would you recommend for the project? I was thinking
cedar or maybe redwood. Is there anything I should particularly watch
out for when using wood in a damp environment like a bathroom? If I can
find the wood milled tongue and groove, do you think that would work
well? I'm worried about swelling and contracting of the wood as it goes
through wet and drying cycles. What sort of sealant would you recommend?

Or should I just buy a new damned tub?!?

Thanks,

Sammy