Discover Shower Wall Materials for a Stylish Bathroom

For many, the shower is a sanctuary where stress and worries melt away beneath the hot spray of water. If your shower is your personal zen zone, then you may wish to upgrade it with a shower remodel. One big decision you’ll need to make is choosing a shower wall material.  

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 to choose from, including acrylic, natural stone, ceramic, and even concrete. Let’s review the best shower wall materials available and their pros and cons to help you make the right choice.  

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 

Acrylic Shower Walls

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.