When it’s time to remodel your shower, you have a couple of wall options. Most commonly, homeowners choose either a traditional shower tile installation or a laser-etched acrylic surround installation. Depending on your preferences, one might suit you better than the other. Below, we will look at laser-etched acrylic vs. traditional tile shower walls and help you decide what might be better for you and your bathroom.
Pros and Cons of Laser-Etched Acrylic Wall Surround Installation
A shower wall panel, specifically an acrylic wall surround, is custom-fit to your existing shower space. This makes for a seamless install, as it is placed into the area with the exact dimensions. Along with a stress-free installinstallation, acrylic wall surrounds are extremely easy to clean. When you install an acrylic wall surround into your shower, you have the option of laser-etched tile. Laser-etched tile gives you the beautiful look of tile without the grout to worry about. With its nonporous nature and no tile to scrub in between, shower maintenance will become much less of a hassle.
With simulated tile comes a tad less freedom, as they don’t use individual tiles. Your shower might not feel as custom if you are looking for a unique look. There are additional features you can add to your shower to make it feel more customized, including built-in shelves, a shower seat, or a rain fall shower head.
Pros and Cons of Laser-Etched Acrylic Tile Installation:
Non-Porous, Mold and Mildew Resistant
Scratch, Chip, Stain, and Fade Resistant
Readily Available
Average 1-Day Installation
Lasts for Years to Come
Pros and Cons of Traditional Shower Tile Installation
Traditional tiles come in different materials, the most common being ceramic, porcelain, and marble. Often, people will choose individual tiles like these when they are looking for a more unique look. Tile comes in a wide range of colors and materials that give you design freedom in your bathroom. With design freedom, though, comes time and upkeep.
Traditional tile typically has a one-week installation time, while acrylic wall surrounds can be installed in as little as one day. Because of the individuality of the tiles, they must be installed by a professional and regularly maintained. Tile has over 275 liner feet of porous grout in the tub area alone. This causes mold and mildew to form easily and requires to be sealed every year. Grout maintenance can be a serious issue, as well; mold forms easily in these hard-to-reach places, and getting rid of it can require quite a bit of diligence and know-how.
It's also important to consider the price of a tile shower installation. Modernize estimates that tile can add between &1,800 and $4,000 to a shower remodel. While the material itself can be pricy, labor costs can also be expensive.
Pros and Cons of Traditional Ceramic, Porcelain, or Marble Tile Installation:
Custom & Individual
Moderate Cost
Average 1 Week Installation
Must Be Sealed Every Year
Not Resistant to Mold & Mildew
Ultimately, the tile you choose for your shower is up to your wants and needs in your bathroom. Tile is a beautiful, evergreen look that can last you for years to come. Whether you choose laser-etched acrylic wall surrounds for your shower remodel or go the traditional tile route, it’s important to know the key differences between the two.
Bathroom Remodeling with Beautiful Acrylic Laser-Etched Tile
Specializing in acrylic wall surrounds for your bath or shower remodel, West Shore Home is the laser-etched tile expert. With a wide range of tile patterns and beautiful wall surround colors and designs, you can create the bathroom you’ve been wanting for years.
Laser-Etched Tile Designs
Not sure exactly what you want? Schedule a free design consultation to find the best look for your bathroom. Your design consultant will walk through the process with you from start to finish and provide you with a free quote and financing options. Contact us today to get started!
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