Bathroom showers are meant to be comfortable, beautiful, and last a very long time. So, it only makes sense to choose a shower wall material that strikes a balance between durability and aesthetics. Some of the most common materials used for shower walls include acrylic, glass, and porcelain. But these aren’t the only options you have. There are others that suit your budget, maintenance requirements, or personal style.
Are you renovating your bathroom or building a home and want to be well-informed before choosing the shower wall material? Here is a guide containing some of the best shower wall materials. I will also highlight the pros and cons of each to help you narrow your options down a bit.
Best shower wall material
1. Glass tiles
Glass tile is an amazing bathroom wall material, although it happens to be a pricy option. They typically come in plain square or rectangular shape, however, if you want a customizable option then you can opt for mosaic glass tiles. If you want an easy-to-clean and aesthetically appealing shower wall material, then glass tile is the perfect choice.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Mold-resistant
- Classy aesthetic
- Spacious illusion
- Waterproof
Cons
- Expensive
- Professional installation needed
- Not resistant to cracks, chips, or scratches
- Slippery
2. Acrylic
Acrylic is a wonderful alternative to glass tiles because it is relatively affordable and mold-resistant. It is also easier to install and comes in an array of patterns, colors, and styles to suit any decor. Acrylic is a perfect choice if you want to match your shower wall with your home décor.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Relatively less expensive
- Less slippery
- Various designs, colors, and textures to choose from
- Resistant to mold and mildew
Cons
- Vulnerable to abrasive damage and impact damage
- Not environmentally friendly
- It may look cheap to guests or visitors
3. Natural stone
Although natural stone is a more expensive option, it is a magnificent way to make your bathroom stand out. It consists of tiles installed one by one, and since they are all irregularly shaped, they form a rustic yet distinct aesthetic. This is the ideal choice for you if you want a natural and durable shower wall material.
Pros
- Natural aesthetics
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can increase the home resale value
- Can resist heat, abrasion, and damage from impacts
Cons
- Expensive
- Prone to staining and water damage
- Regular maintenance required
- Cleaning is difficult
4. Fiberglass
When you talk of a versatile shower wall material, you talk of fiberglass. This material is durable, dampens sounds, and reduces the amount of heat transfer through the wall (otherwise known as insulation). It is an excellent choice if you want a material that will serve other needs as well.
Pros
- It can be used for insulation as well
- Reduces sound
- Easy to clean and maintain
- Very durable
- Crack, mildew, and mold resistant
Cons
- Not resistant to scratch or heavy impact damage
- May fade overtime
5. Marble
Marble has long been admired as an elegant bathroom wall material. The lightweight material adds brightness to the bathroom and lasts for a significant amount of time. If you want a material that offers a high-end appearance, long lifespan, and durability, then this is the perfect material.
Pros
- Extremely pleasing aesthetics
- Add to the resale value of your home
- Easy to polish
- Durable
Cons
- Extremely susceptible to staining
- Require regular sealing
- Not budget friendly
- Prone to cracks
6. Granite
Granite is a very versatile material, the attractive material can be used for flooring, countertops, and bathroom walls. Coming in a range of colors and patterns, it makes a shower wall that is heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and stain-resistant. It is the best material if you are looking for both durability and style.
Pros
- Very durable
- A variety of colors and patterns are available
- Easy to clean
- Resistant to chemicals
- Attractive natural look
Cons
- High cost
- Requires regular sealing
- Cracks are hard to repair
7. Ceramic
If you happen to be on a tighter budget, then ceramic material can be an alternative. It is one of the most used materials today; toilets, sinks, and even flooring now feature ceramic. This material also comes in a variety of designs, colors, and styles. What’s more? It is known to last very long if maintained properly.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Water-resistance
- It is a durable choice
- Very affordable
- Comes in a wide range of designs and colors
Cons
- Vulnerable to crack, mildew, and mold build-up
- Costly
- Professional Installation Required
- The appearance might come off as old-fashioned
8. Porcelain
Porcelain tiles are similar to ceramic tiles but are considered an upgrade since they are more durable and water resistant. This makes them a more expensive upgrade, but they require little maintenance and offer more design styles.
Pros
- Water and stain-resistant
- Extremely durable
- Very easy to clean
- It can be replaced easily if damaged
Cons
- Expensive
- Difficult installation process
- It can be slippery when wet
- Prone to dent and cracking
- Mildew buildup
FAQs
Which shower wall material is the cheapest?
Fiberglass is one of the least expensive options in terms of price, and even repairs are not expensive.
Which shower wall material is easiest to clean?
Glass tile surface is one of the easiest shower wall surfaces to clean.
Which shower wall material last longer?
In terms of durability, Natural stone tends to be one of the most durable materials.
Which shower wall material offers the highest quality?
Porcelain tiles offer strength, longevity, and durability.
Conclusion – Best shower wall material
So there you have it, a list of some of the best shower wall materials, along with pros and cons. Now that you have a working idea of all these materials, I believe there is nothing stopping you from making a choice on which is best for your bathroom.
To further help you out, we recommend considering the budget for the project, the maintenance needed, and the style or design that matches the aesthetics of your home. Low-budget options include Acrylic, Ceramic, and Fiberglass. For easy maintenance, Porcelain and ceramic tiles are some of the best choices. Finally, for design and style flexibility, Ceramic, Acrylic, and Granite are the perfect choice.
I hope this article was helpful. For more interesting content, visit Samkinsconstruction today!
Thanks for reading.