What Material Works Best For Shower Walls?

If you’re in the middle of a bathroom renovation, you’ve got a lot of choices on your hands. You’ve got to think about features, style, and flow, but for now, we’re going to hone in on a singular facet of your bathroom, your shower walls. There are a lot of options at hand, even for such a specified part of your bathroom, but we’re going to dive into the benefits and pitfalls of some of your most common options. Check it out. 

 

Acrylic

This is a fantastic option for many reasons. First of all, it comes at a pretty feasible price, and on top of that, it’s a pretty long-lasting option. You can get a decade out of this material with no problem, and it’s exceedingly easy to maintain for that time. 

 

Beyond functionality, it has a great aesthetic to it as well. It does a great job at mimicking stone and or brick, which can give your shower a classic look. 

 

The downside however, is that it lacks durability. If you do happen to damage it, it’s a really difficult repair and the likelihood is that you might end up replacing it. 

 

Fiberglass

If you are just looking to get the job done without much in terms of style, fiberglass is a fantastic option. First of all, it is one of the cheapest materials out there, and second of all, it doesn’t have any grout, so you won’t have to worry about any mold. As far as that goes, it’s truly the best option if you just want to set it and forget it. 

 

Unfortunately though, there are basically no stylistic options out there for this avenue, but if you are ok with adding a little white into your color scheme, you should be alright. As far as durability goes, you are paying for what you get, so it helps to be somewhat careful with it as time goes on. 

 

Otherwise, fiberglass is quick, cheap, easy, and gets you from point A to B nice and fast. 

 

Ceramic

This option offers a wide variety of styles, so no matter what you are trying to go for, there should be something available to fit the bill. If you have a strangely specific color or shape, this can be a really helpful avenue to check out. 

 

It isn’t quite as cheap as acrylic options, but at the same time it is a bit more durable. It resists physical damage pretty well, and if it is damaged in any way, it is fairly easy to repair. 

 

As far as downsides go, this type of material can be prone to mold, and it doesn’t quite live up to a lot of other options when you get down to durability.

 

Stone

This is one of the highest quality materials available. It is extremely long lasting, going for multiple decades of use before running into problems. It has a very classy appearance, and it comes with a pretty varied spectrum of colors, shapes, and styles. 

 

On the other hand, stone tiles can undergo minor damages here and there, such as scratching or chipping, and they require a lot of maintenance and upkeep. They need to be resealed pretty frequently, and you also need to watch out for mold buildup. 

 

If stone is within your budget as far as installation and upkeep, this is a timeless option that goes extremely well with most any style you may choose. 

 

Porcelain

This is a really flexible option for your shower as far as style goes. Doesn’t matter what shape, size, or design you’re looking for, porcelain can do the trick. It is most definitely less porous than some of the other options, and as a result it is less impacted by the water and lasts longer as a result. 

 

The added durability comes at a cost. It is a bit more expensive than a ceramic or acrylic option of similar style, and it can be prone to mold as well, so upkeep is a must. 

 

Glass 

Classy and sophisticated, glass tiles will be a defining point of your new bathroom’s style. They are available in a lot of different styles, but whatever style you choose it is sure to make a statement.

 

Not only that, it also sits near the top of your options as far as durability and maintenance go. Glass tiles can last for decades if you make sure to give them the proper care.

 

The downside, their price. They present one of the most costly options, and you have to account for the extra effort needed to cut and install them. These tiles are also prone to cracking, but they can be replaced pretty easily. All in all the price tag is worth it when it comes to quality and style. 

 

Looking Into Redoing Your Shower?

If you live in the greater Sacramento area and are looking into a bathroom renovation, reach out to the experts at Vinson. We’ll be happy to answer any further questions you may have about your remodel options.