Affordable, durable, and easy to clean, acrylic shower walls are often seen as the ideal upgrade. However, like any home improvement product, acrylic shower walls come with their own set of challenges. If you're considering an acrylic shower remodel, understanding these potential pitfalls and how to avoid them will help you achieve the bathroom of your dreams without unnecessary stress or expense.
At ZINTEX Remodeling Group, we’ve spent over a decade and thousands of remodels learning the ins and outs of acrylic shower walls. Here, we’ll cover the five most common issues you could encounter with your acrylic shower and provide practical advice to keep your shower installation hassle-free.
Table of Contents
- The Basics: What Are Acrylic Shower Walls?
- Poor Installation Can Lead to Warping and Leaks
- Scratches and Stains Over Time
- Limited Customization Options
- Susceptibility to Mold and Mildew
- Lack of Long-Term Warranty
- Are Acrylic Shower Walls Right for You?
- Discover the Cost of an Acrylic Walk In Shower
The Basics: What Are Acrylic Shower Walls?
Acrylic shower walls are lightweight, pre-fabricated panels typically made from a durable plastic material. Favored for their sleek design and low maintenance, they’re often used in remodeling projects to replace older tiles or dated bathtubs. They are available in various colors and finishes to suit a range of bathroom styles and preferences.
Acrylic is also a material that can accommodate a wide budget range. This makes it a great choice for everyone from the property owner looking for an affordable rental upgrade to the homeowner looking to add a touch of luxury to their primary bathroom.
Before committing to acrylic shower walls, it’s important to consider the following potential drawbacks and how proper planning can help prevent them.
1. Poor Installation Can Lead to Warping and Leaks
Improper installation is one of the most common issues with acrylic shower walls. If the panels aren’t securely adhered to the wall or properly sealed, they may warp over time, exposing the underlying structure to water damage. This damage to your bathroom’s structural integrity can lead to expensive repairs, especially if you don’t notice or address the damage quickly.
The Solution: Hire certified and experienced installers for your shower installation. While DIY installation might save money up front, it leaves room for error if you lack the expertise. Professional installers ensure panels are securely fitted and sealed to avoid leaks and warping. This level of waterproofing results in a safe, functional, and hygienic bathroom for you and creates long-term value when you decide to place your home on the market.
2. Scratches and Stains Over Time
Although acrylic walls are durable, they aren’t immune to wear and tear. Over time, they can get scratched by abrasive cleaners or stained by hard water deposits and soap scum. While this kind of surface-level damage isn’t going to compromise the functionality of your acrylic shower, it will diminish its appearance.
The Solution: To avoid scratches, use non-abrasive cleaning products and soft sponges or cloths. When shopping for a cleaner, look for one specifically designed for acrylic surfaces or stick to mild shower cleansers that don’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach. Regularly wipe down the walls (about once or twice a week) to prevent soap from accumulating and hardening over time.
Bonus tip: For hard water stains, apply a mixture of distilled white vinegar and water to dissolve buildup gently. Spray the mixture onto your shower walls, allow it to sit for five to ten minutes, then wipe it away with plain water and a clean sponge or cloth.
3. Limited Customization Options
Acrylic walls might not satisfy homeowners seeking the intricate designs or unique textures offered by alternatives like tile or natural stone. This is especially the case if the contractor you’re working with only offers single-color panels. When your only options are white or off-white, you may find it difficult to select a finish that aligns with your interior design.
The Solution: Invest time in selecting your contractor and make sure they offer finishes that complement your bathroom’s aesthetic. Some acrylic systems offer simulated tile patterns, modern colors, or designs that replicate natural materials like marble. Additionally, pairing the walls with stylish bathroom fixtures such as matte black faucets or a contemporary showerhead can give your space an elevated look.
4. Susceptibility to Mold and Mildew
The good news? Acrylic is one of the most mildew and mold-resistant shower materials available. When installed properly, they offer excellent waterproofing to prevent water damage. That said, they aren’t entirely immune. Mold can grow if there are gaps in the sealant or if water collects in certain areas. Left untreated, mold growth can compromise both the appearance of your bathroom and the quality of your indoor air.
The Solution: Proper sealing is essential. Ensure your installation team applies a high-quality sealant to all joints and edges. If you’ve noticed water pooling anywhere on your shower floor, make sure that your installation team also plans to level the floor before installing the shower base.
Bonus tip: Clean your shower regularly and maintain proper ventilation in your bathroom to prevent mold buildup. Keep a squeegee handy to wipe condensation off walls after each use. Consider installing an exhaust fan to regulate humidity levels.
5. Lack of Long-Term Warranty
As you can see, some of the problems you may encounter with acrylic shower walls result from improper installation techniques. Less frequently, homeowners may discover issues like flaking or cracking, which may have to do with a manufacturing defect. Without the protection of long-term warranties, these situations will lead to out-of-pocket expenses for replacements and repairs.
The Solution: Choose products and services from companies that offer strong warranties. Look for language like “lifetime” or “limited lifetime.” Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the warranties you’re accessing. Verify that your bathroom remodeling company is sending out technicians with manufacturer certification (e.g., KOHLER-certified technicians if you’re purchasing KOHLER products) to prevent coverage denial.
Bonus tip: Partner with a bathroom remodeler that has great reviews and several years of experience. Remember, roughly 20% of businesses close their doors within the first year. Your labor warranty only lasts if your bathroom remodeler is still in business.
Are Acrylic Shower Walls Right for You?
Despite these potential problems, acrylic shower walls remain a highly practical choice for many homeowners. Here’s why:
- Affordability: They’re a cost-effective alternative to more expensive materials like tiles or stone.
- Quick Installation: Thanks to pre-fabricated panels, they can be installed in as little as one day.
- Ease of Maintenance: Forget about scrubbing grout lines—acrylic walls are simple to clean and maintain.
- Durability: With proper care, acrylic shower walls can last for 15-20 years while retaining their sleek appearance.
Discover the Cost of an Acrylic Walk In Shower
Are these potential problems avoidable? A successful acrylic shower remodel comes down to careful planning and choosing a trusted installation partner. When you work with professionals like ZINTEX Remodeling Group, you can enjoy a seamless process from start to finish. From our broad range of acrylic products to our robust warranties, we’re here to deliver a shower you love.
How much will it cost to get your acrylic walk in shower from ZINTEX? Find out with this complete guide to ZINTEX walk in shower costs.
FAQs About Acrylic Shower Walls:
Q: How long does it take to install a brand-new shower with acrylic walls?
It can take as little as 24 hours from start to finish to install a new acrylic shower. This includes time to demolish existing materials, address minor plumbing and structural issues, create a waterproofing seal, and secure the acrylic wall panels. Most projects will take no more than two days to complete. Once your shower is installed, you can use it right away.
Q: Are acrylic shower walls available for shower and tub combos?
Acrylic wall panels are just as durable, aesthetic, and practical when used in a shower and tub combination. You may want to choose a shower and tub combo over a walk in shower if you:
- Don’t have another tub in the house
- Have young children
- Enjoy soaking tubs for relaxation purposes
Q: How much will brand-new acrylic shower walls cost?
Acrylic shower walls tend to cost between $8,000 and $15,000, depending on the finish and customizations you choose. Material costs tend to make up about 40-60% of total costs. (Total costs will also cover plumbing, electrical work, structural repairs, installation, and more.)
Topics:
