Podesta Construction In most of our projects, solutions are product specific and the details enhance the design. This is an alcove tub that does not have whirpool features, thus no access panel. Using marble would protect the wood better from moisture/water splashing out. My suggestion if possible would be to select the acces panel that is part of an adjacent room if you want a wood panel at front, especially one with a flat recessed panel such as this design.

Richard G. Berry & Associates, Inc. Jessica,
The tiling trick is to hold the tiles off the tub by placing spacers between tile and tub during installation. You need two spacers per tile to keep them level. So installers use strips of wood but if you use a good mastic they are difficult to remove and can "pop" the tiles off or loosen them. Use standard spacers and have some spacers wedges available if the tub has a slope to it. The gap should be big enough to caulk but not to big. We use a self leveling laser to get a true line for the top of the first course with just the right space. By the way, when you buy your grout get a tube of caulk in the same color....well worth the extra couple dollars.
But to step back in the process... it is really important that the backerboard behind the tile is installed properly. There should be blocking behind the gap between the backerboard and tub lip. You should caulk this space with an acrylic/silicone caulk and let dry before tile installation. I have attached several pictures of a recent bathroom we completed. Hope that helps.

jessica dudley Thank you so much!

Podesta Construction It was fabricated by heavylux, our glass enclosure fabricator in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is generally referred to as a shower screen door as it only provides a certain amount of protection from water splashing out of tub area. I am not sure what area you live in, but I would imagine that there would be a local company that you can contact.

Podesta Construction Waterworks Durango in Basketweave on Floor. Shower tile was Ann Sacks-ceramic Ice color in Capri finish.