Are you in the process of renovating your bathroom? If so, you're going to have to make a number of choices. One such choice is the choice of your shower wall material.
There are a number of different shower wall materials available, each of which provides something different in terms of benefits and drawbacks. Wondering which offers the most benefits? We're going to get into that below.
Acrylic
If you're looking to remodel your bathroom on a budget, you might consider going with acrylic. Acrylic is a cheap but highly functional material that can thrive for around 10 years of use. Exceedingly easy to maintain, it's one of the most popular shower wall materials in existence.
In terms of aesthetics, acrylic is a terrific mimic. Though it's not quite on the level of actual stone or actual brick, it is often designed to look like those two materials.
When it comes to installation, acrylic is toward the top of the shower wall material totem pole. It's exceedingly easy to install, and can generally be set up within a few hours. As such, its installation costs are relatively low.
The downside to acrylic? It lacks toughness. Should it become damaged, it will be almost impossible to repair it. As such, in order to fix the problem, you'll have to replace it entirely.
Ceramic Tiles
If you're looking for an aesthetic that's a little more unique, you should consider going with ceramic tiles. These are available in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and colors, and can go a long way in enhancing the overall aesthetic of a bathroom. Whether you want a quirky look, a classy look, an out-there look, or otherwise, ceramic tiles will accommodate you.
Highly durable, they can thrive for up to 10 years. Tough and resistant to physical trauma, they're easy to repair in the event of damage.
Generally speaking, ceramic tiles are fairly affordable. Though they're not as cheap as acrylic, they are cheaper than most other materials.
The downside to ceramic tiles? For one, it's prone to mold buildup. For two, it's not quite as durable as other types of tiles.
Porcelain Tiles
Porcelain tiles are in terms of aesthetics. Like ceramic tiles, they're available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. That said, in terms of performance, they're generally considered to be superior to ceramic.
Why is this? Because porcelain is a less porous material. As such, it's less affected by water and is generally capable of lasting longer.
Of course, with that added durability comes an added price; you will generally pay more for porcelain than you would for ceramic. Plus, like ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles are prone to mold buildup. So, if you use them, you'll have to be diligent in your maintenance duties.
Stone Tiles
If you're looking for the best of the best, you should consider going with stone tiles. As luxurious a shower material as you're going to find, it evokes sophistication and class at every turn. At the same time, it offers exceptional performance, thriving through decades of use.
Stone tiles are available in a wide variety of styles. Whether you want uniformly shaped marble tiles, asymmetrical granite tiles, or otherwise, you will be accommodated.
Because of natural stone's hardness and water resistance capabilities, stone tiles are built to last. Note, though, that they do incur cosmetic damage from time to time (ie. scratches, chips, etc.).
It should also be noted that stone tiles require a great deal of maintenance. Not only do you need to clean them and rid them of mold, but you must also reseal them on a regular basis. That said, if you've got the money and you're willing to put in the work, this material can transform your bathroom.
Glass Tiles
Another high-end material you might consider is glass tiles. Shiny and reflective, they instantly catch the eye. Available in a number of colors and styles, they can define the overall look of your bathroom.
In terms of durability, glass tiles are toward the top of the totem pole; They can last decades if properly cared for. Note, though, that they're prone to cracking. Fortunately, if they do crack, they're fairly easy to replace.
There are a few downsides to glass tiles. The first is their price; with the exception of stone tiles, they're the most expensive shower material around. The second downside is their installation; because they need to be cut and trimmed, they include an intensive and lengthy installation process.
Fiberglass
Looking for a no-frills but effective shower wall material that quite simply gets the job done? If so, you should go with fiberglass. One of the cheapest materials in existence, it's a great option for the budget buyers out there.
Installed without the use of grout, they don't tend to attract any mold. As such, maintaining them is very simple. All you have to do is wipe them down with soap and water from time to time and they'll be good to go.
Of course, there are downsides to fiberglass as well. For one, it's not as durable as the materials reviewed above. For two, it's aesthetically boring, available in only plain white.
Need Help Choosing a Shower Wall Material?
Are you still not sure of which shower wall material to use? Are you in need of bathroom remodeling services in Sacramento, California? If so, we here at Solid Construction & Design are the people to see.
Sporting a team of seasoned and skilled remodeling specialists, we've remodeled a bevy of bathrooms throughout Sacramento and its surrounding areas. Regardless of your remodeling needs, our team of experienced remodelers can accommodate them.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
