Your shower walls add character to your entire bathroom and play a big role in how you feel when you step inside to wash away the day. Fortunately, when it comes to bathroom shower wall materials, you have a lot of great options from whic to choose. The best materials for shower walls include acrylic, cultured marble, solid surface, and natural stone. While ceramic and porcelain tile remain popular, modern homeowners increasingly choose seamless options for their durability and lower maintenance
What Are the Best Shower Wall Materials?
The two most popular shower wall materials are acrylic and tile. Each option comes with its own pros and cons, and the best material for your shower walls will ultimately depend on your personal preferences, budget, and available space.
Acrylic shower walls are a durable, affordable, and low-maintenance option, making them an excellent choice for many homeowners. However, if design versatility and the ability to repair or replace individual tiles are important factors for you, tile walls might be the better option.
Let’s take a deep look at each option.
Tile Shower Walls
Tile walls have long been a favorite bathroom shower wall material for homeowners due to their wide range of colors, designs, and materials. They offer nearly unlimited possibilities for bathroom design and décor. You can choose from ceramic, natural stone, glass, and porcelain tiles. One big advantage of tile walls is that you can replace or repair individual tiles without having to replace the entire wall.
However, tile walls also come with their own set of challenges. They’re prone to cracking and chipping, but proper care and sealing can increase their longevity. They’re also more susceptible to leaks due to the nature of the bathroom, the grout applied, and the shower itself.
Tile walls often require a more complex, time-consuming, and messy installation process compared to acrylic walls. While DIY installation is possible, it’s generally recommended to hire a professional for the job. The overall cost of installing tile walls is higher than acrylic wall surrounds when considering factors such as mortar, grout, and special tools.
Keeping your tile shower walls clean can also be labor-intensive. To prevent mold growth and stains, you’ll need to wipe down tiles after each use. Clean the grout lines regularly with a grout cleaner. Proper sealing is also necessary to protect the grout from stains and moisture.
Pros of Tile Shower Walls
Individual tiles can be replaced or repaired without having to replace the entire wall
Comes in a wide range of designs, patterns, and color options, allowing for flexibility and creativity in bathroom design
Proper care and sealing can maintain and protect them against damage
Cons of Tile Shower Walls
Prone to cracking and chipping, which can lead to the need for repairs or replacements
More susceptible to leaks
Maintaining the grout lines requires regular cleaning with grout cleaner
Requires regular sealing
Installation is generally more complex, time-consuming, and messy
May need to hire a professional installer
Higher cost than some other shower wall options
Shower Options Other Than Tile: Acrylic Shower Wall Installation
Acrylic shower walls offer extensive customization possibilities. They can even mimic the appearance of tiles, though they may not achieve the exact look or aesthetic appeal.
Known for their durability, acrylic shower surrounds are resistant to scratches or chipping. When installed correctly, an acrylic wall is more likely to last longer than a tiled wall.
Another big advantage of acrylic walls is their ease of cleaning. Their smooth surface requires a quick wipe down with a damp cloth. A non-abrasive cleaner can quickly get rid of stubborn dirt and soap scum.
Acrylic surrounds are generally less expensive than tile walls when factoring in the use of mortar, grout, and special tools. The installation process is less time-consuming, making it a more convenient option for many homeowners.
Pros of Acrylic Shower Walls
Highly durable and resistant to scratches or chipping
Longer lasting than tile walls when installed correctly
Smooth surface is easy to clean with just a damp cloth and a quick wipe down
Generally less expensive than tile walls
Installation process is less time-consuming and messy compared to tile walls
Cons of Acrylic Shower Walls
Often only limited color options and may not provide the same level of design versatility as real tile walls
May not provide the same appeal and visual effect as real tiles.
Comparing Acrylic and Tile: Key Factors
Acrylic or tile: which is the best shower wall material for your bathroom? Let’s look at how each of these options stacks up against the other.
Durability and Lifespan: While tile walls can be maintained with professional-grade sealing and proper care, they’re more likely to crack or chip compared to acrylic walls. Acrylic wall surrounds, on the other hand, are highly durable and better at resisting damage, making them a more long-lasting option.
Cleaning and Maintenance: Acrylic walls are easier to clean and maintain than tile walls. However, the ability to repair or replace individual tiles can be a significant advantage in favor of tile walls.
Design Versatility: Tile walls offer a greater range of design options, making them a more exciting choice for those seeking to create a unique bathroom look. Acrylic walls, while customizable, do not offer the same level of design versatility.
Cost and Installation: Acrylic shower walls are generally less expensive and easier to install than tile walls, making them a more budget-friendly and convenient option.
Alternative Shower Wall Materials
While acrylic and tile are among the most popular shower wall materials, they are far from your only options. In fact, these days, many homeowners are branching out and getting creative with their ideas for shower wall materials.
You might prefer shower walls made from glass, stone, concrete, ceramic, marble, or granite. Let’s compare the pros and cons of each.
Glass Shower Wall Installation
Glass shower walls have become increasingly popular in modern bathrooms due to their sleek appearance, versatility, and ability to create a sense of spaciousness. Homeowners can choose between full glass walls and glass tile walls.
Full glass walls, also known as frameless glass enclosures, are made from large, seamless glass panels that create an open feel in the bathroom. These clear walls provide a view of the shower interior, allowing you to show off beautiful tilework or other design features. Alternatively, you can opt for frosted, textured, or tinted glass for added privacy.
Glass tiles offer a more intricate and customizable design option for shower walls. They come in a wide array of colors, sizes, and patterns, allowing you to create a truly unique design.
Though glass is beautiful when used for shower walls, it is the most fragile and scratch-prone of the options available. You always run the risk of cracking or scratching your glass shower, resulting in a costly bill. Glass is also expensive in general to incorporate into your bathroom. Some opt for glass accents instead to compromise on the cost.
Pros of Glass Shower Walls
Glass walls create a spacious, open feel in the bathroom
Easy to clean and maintain
Durable and long-lasting with proper care
Tiles offer highly customizable design options
Resistant to mold and mildew growth
Cons of Glass Shower Walls
Higher cost compared to some other shower wall materials
Requires professional installation
Glass walls can show water spots and streaks
Glass tiles include grout lines that need cleaning
Stone Shower Wall Installation
Stone tile uses options like travertine, slate, and onyx to create a luxurious and timeless look in your bathroom. Marble and granite are also popular stone options. Stone tile brings a natural element into your shower, resulting in a spa-like feel and offering a perpetually cool environment.
Wherever you use stone, ensure you seal the material at least once a year so that soap, hair, grime, and other unwanted things don’t get stuck in the cracks and crevices. Ultimately, though, the porous surface of stone makes it challenging to keep clean.
Pros of Stone Shower Walls
Durable and long-lasting (with proper care)
High-end, luxurious look
Wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available
Cons of Stone Shower Walls
Higher cost than some other shower wall materials
May require professional installation
Requires regular sealing to prevent staining
More prone to etching and staining
Concrete Shower Wall Installation
One of the most unique alternative shower wall materials is concrete. This trendy and versatile material looks great as part of a contemporary bathroom design. Its raw, industrial appearance adds a unique touch to the space, while its durability and water-resistant properties make it a practical choice for the shower.
Concrete shower walls can be customized with various finishes, including smooth troweled, textured, or polished. It can even be tinted or stained to complement the bathroom’s color scheme. Concrete can be poured in place or pre-cast for installation.
Pros of Concrete Shower Walls
Durable and long-lasting
Water-resistant
Easy to clean
Customizable finishes and colors
Cons of Concrete Shower Walls
Requires professional installation
Prone to cracking over time
Porous surface requires regular sealing
Ceramic Shower Wall Installation
Ceramic shower tiles are very common and can be found in many homes. Some see this material as an outdated style in the bathroom. The fact that it’s not very unique means it adds little to no re-sale value to your home. Additionally, ceramic tile attracts mold and scum in the grout lines. You’ll have to perform regular cleaning if you choose this bathroom shower wall material.
On the upside, ceramic is very cost effective and highly customizable. Whatever design you wish for your shower ceramic tile can deliver, including curved walls. With more design comes more complexity and higher costs. The material is complex and requires expert installation to achieve your desired look.
Pros of Ceramic Shower Walls
Generally less expensive than other shower wall materials
Comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes
Can last for many years when properly installed and maintained
Cons of Ceramic Shower Walls
Grout lines require regular cleaning and maintenance
May chip or crack
May require professional installation
Marble Shower Wall Installation
Marble has long been a symbol of luxury and sophistication in bathroom design. When used as a shower wall material, marble creates a stunning focal point that exudes elegance. The natural veining and unique patterns of marble add depth and visual interest to the shower space, while its smooth, polished surface provides a high-end, spa-like feel.
Marble shower walls can be installed using large slabs for a seamless look or small tiles for a more traditional appearance. The material ranges in color from classic white to bold hues like black, green, and pink.
Pros of Marble Shower Walls
Elegant appearance
Unique veining provides one-of-a-kind look
Can increase home value
Cons of Marble Shower Walls
Expensive compared to other shower wall surrounds
Porous surface requires regular sealing
Prone to etching from acidic substances
Granite Shower Wall Installation
A classic idea for a shower wall material is granite. Its exceptional durability, resistance to moisture, and stylish appearance makes granite a popular design choice for homeowners across the country. Granite comes in a range of colors and patterns. While one piece of granite might contain just subtle flecks, another may feature dramatic veins.
Granite shower walls can be installed as large slabs without seams or as smaller tiles. Its inherent strength and natural water-resistant properties make it a solid choice for the wet environment of the shower.
Pros of Granite Shower Walls
Highly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks
Water-resistant and easy to clean
Comes in a wide range of colors and patterns
Can increase home value
Cons of Granite Shower Walls
More expensive than other shower wall materials
Requires professional installation
May require regular sealing
Some granites may be porous and prone to staining
Our Recommendation for Shower Wall Materials
We’ve given you the good, the bad, and the ugly on some of the most popular ideas for shower wall materials. At the end of the day, the best shower wall material will depend on your vision for your bathroom, your current home design, and your budget. However, we do have a favorite.
We believe acrylic is the best material to use for shower walls because it provides a great balance of durability, cost-effectiveness, and low maintenance. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in shower construction and doesn’t chip, peel, crack or fade over time. It’s also highly resistant to mildew and mold.
At West Shore Home, we install acrylic shower walls in as little as one day, resulting in less disruption in your home and greater cost savings. We offer different styles and textures that can make your shower match your vision. We can even add customizable accessibility features such as low- or no-barrier entry, built-in seating options, and grab bars.
If you’re interested in a new shower, acrylic is the way to go.
Request a no-obligation consultation today.
FAQ: Choosing The Best Material For Shower Walls
Q: What is the most durable shower wall material?
A: Solid surface materials like Corian and acrylic panels offer exceptional durability for shower walls. These non-porous options resist mold, mildew, and staining while withstanding daily use for decades.
Q: What shower wall material is easiest to clean?
A: Acrylic and solid surface shower panels are the easiest materials to clean because they have few or no grout lines and non-porous surfaces. Simply wiping with mild soap and water is typically sufficient for routine maintenance.
Q: Is tile still a good option for shower walls?
A: Yes, tile remains a popular choice for shower walls due to its versatility, design options, and cost-effectiveness. However, modern alternatives like acrylic panels and solid surfaces have gained popularity for those seeking lower maintenance options.
Q: How much do shower wall materials cost?
A: Fiberglass and standard acrylic shower surrounds are typically the most budget-friendly options, with basic models starting around $300-500 for materials. Standard ceramic tile can also be economical, depending on the tile selected. While higher-end materials like natural stone or premium solid surfaces cost more initially, they may offer better long-term value through durability and lower maintenance costs.
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