Acrylic vs. Tile Shower Walls: Which Are Better?
Jul 27, 2021When you’re planning a bathroom remodel, you need to be sure you’re completely satisfied with every choice you make. One of the more important decisions you’ll have to tackle is which material to use for your shower walls. Acrylic and tile are two popular options with plenty of differences that any homeowner should carefully consider before choosing either material for their project.
Is one material really better than the other? The answer to that question is somewhat subjective. What can be definitively said, however, is that one is better for you. And that’s a conclusion you’ll only come to when you learn more about the pros and cons of acrylic and tile shower walls.
Let’s Talk About Tile
Tile is commonly used in bathrooms for good reason: When it’s installed correctly and the materials are of good quality, it can look stunning. There are many color and design options to choose from, and tiles can be cut to meet precise measurements or create a unique design. However, the primary reason that ceramic tiles were once the top choice for shower walls is their superiority over other materials of yesteryear when it came to moisture resistance and durability.
Of course, the long-lasting beauty of tile does come with a price. Proper upkeep means you’ll have to use plenty of your time and elbow grease to keep your shower wall in good condition. Tiles are prone to cracking, and grout typically becomes stained and harbors mildew unless you diligently scrub it on a regular basis. And since you eventually need to reseal your tile shower walls or re-do the grout, it’s tough to call tile a cost-effective option. This is truly an option where you get what you give—but be prepared to give a lot.
All About Acrylic
If you just want to enjoy your shower without worrying too much about those walls, you should consider acrylic. High-quality acrylic shower walls are more durable, faster to install, and far easier to keep clean than tile walls. At Morgan Bath & Shower, for example, the acrylic products we install are made with multiple layers to resist physical damage and cracking, and they also have nonporous surfaces that resist mold, mildew, and bacteria growth. And because of acrylic’s build, light weight, and ease of installation, it’s often the more budget-friendly option for homeowners.
Acrylic typically isn’t available in as many colors as tile, and it can’t be cut on the spot to get around any measurement mishaps during an installation or create all of the pattern possibilities tile offers. But high-quality acrylic, like the products we use at Morgan Bath & Shower, can be so versatile. The acrylic products we install can be designed to mimic the appearance of tile or even stone shower walls, and comes in numerous colors so that you can still get the shower of your dreams without ever thinking about grout.
Our Recommendation
As a homeowner, you’re free to design your shower however you wish to suit your tastes. But if you’ve decided that acrylic shower walls are the best option for your home, we fully support you. At Morgan Bath & Shower, we exclusively use top-of-the-line acrylic products in all of our bathroom remodeling services. You can count on us when you want the most visually stunning acrylic shower walls and other features around—and you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing they can be installed in as little as one day so that you can use your new shower right away. If you opt for tile instead, we respect your decision. But keep in mind that if you ever want to switch to acrylic in the future, we’ll be happy to help.
For more information about Morgan Bath & Shower’s products and services, contact us today.