Tile is attractive and timeless, but it requires serious elbow grease to keep clean and mold-free. Natural stone is stunning, but it comes with a higher price tag than suits your budget. Where do acrylic shower walls fit into this equation?
ZINTEX Remodeling Group has helped homeowners find durable, stylish, and low-maintenance bathroom solutions for decades. We specialize in acrylic shower walls and know everything there is to know about them, both good and bad.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros, cons, costs, and design options of acrylic showers, giving you the information you need to decide if they’re the right fit for your bathroom upgrade.
Table of Contents
- What Are Acrylic Shower Walls?
- Pros & Cons of Acrylic Shower Walls
- How Much Do Acrylic Shower Walls Cost?
- Key Features of Acrylic Shower Walls
- How Does Acrylic Compare to Other Materials?
- Is Acrylic the Right Choice for Your Shower?
What Are Acrylic Shower Walls?
Acrylic shower walls are durable and water-resistant panels that help protect your shower enclosure. Made from a synthetic plastic material, these walls are known for their versatility and ease of installation.
Typically, acrylic walls come in large 5’x8’ sheets or panels that can be trimmed to fit your shower's dimensions. They offer a seamless look, eliminating the need for grout lines that are common with traditional tile installations.
Acrylic is non-porous, so it resists mold, mildew, and bacteria. This helps keep your bathroom healthier with very little maintenance. It’s also strong and lightweight, making it a great option for new builds, rentals, and homeowner upgrades.
Pros & Cons of Acrylic Shower Walls
Every material will come with its own sets of advantages and disadvantages. It’s very important that you, the homeowner, weigh these carefully to ensure you’re making the best overall choice for your bathroom.
Advantages of Acrylic Shower Walls
✅ Affordable Choice - Acrylic is generally cheaper than solid surface or tile showers. It's a great option for homeowners looking to save money.
✅ 100% Waterproof - Acrylic is non-porous, so it won’t suffer water damage. Silicone-sealed joints prevent hidden leaks from forming behind walls.
✅ Easy to Clean - Acrylic shower walls have a smooth, non-porous surface. Cleaning is as easy wiping it down, no harsh scrubbing is needed.
✅ Low Maintenance - Acrylic showers need minimal upkeep and can last over twenty years. The reapplication of silicone seals happens only rarely.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Shower Walls
❌ Less Durable Than Solid Surface - Acrylic is a softer material, meaning it can scratch or dent more easily than stone-based surfaces.
❌ Sensitive to Harsh Cleaning Products - Use only manufacturer-approved cleaners on acrylic. Strong chemicals and abrasive cleaners can cause damage.
❌ Limited Size & Shape Options - Acrylic panels come in set standard sizes, which makes it more difficult to fit unique or custom shower layouts.
How Much Do Acrylic Shower Walls Cost?
One of the biggest factors when choosing a shower wall material is cost. Acrylic shower walls are often more affordable than tile or stone. Price can vary based on factors like size, quality, and installation similar to other materials.
Acrylic Shower Material Costs
Acrylic shower walls come in a range of styles and finishes, which will also impact the overall cost of your remodel. On the lowest end, you're looking at not just fewer aesthetic options, but also less durability. Once you get into the mid-range and higher, you can typically expect a lifespan of at least 15 years and a wider range of colors and patterns to choose from.
- Low-Quality Acrylic Panels: $300 - $1,000
- Mid-Range Acrylic Panels: $1,000 - $5,000 (includes more design options and reinforced durability)
- High-End Acrylic Panels: $5,000 - $10,000 (custom sizes, premium textures, and finishes that mimic tile or stone)
Professional Labor Costs
The installation process for acrylic shower walls is faster and more affordable than traditional tile. Labor costs will depend on your location and the complexity of the project. Here’s a general breakdown:
- DIY Installation: $0 - $500 (if you purchase a DIY-friendly kit)
- Professional Installation: $2,000 - $5,000. This price covers demolition, prep work, and possible plumbing or electrical costs.
Tip: "The most expensive remodel project is the one you have to do twice!" While a DIY option certainly exists for every home project, it’s not always a good call. Work with a professional to make sure that acrylic wall systems are installed properly and plumbing is updated as needed. If panels are not correctly installed, especially in the corners, it can lead to much more expensive repairs due to water damage. Meanwhile, DIY is great for basic aesthetic upgrades, like adding a new coat of paint to your bathroom walls or installing hanging shelves.
Key Features of Acrylic Shower Walls
Cost is far from the only deciding factor when you're choosing new shower walls. Here are some of the key features that make acrylic walls a standout option for modern bathroom design.
Customization and Design Options
Acrylic shower walls offer a range of customization options, allowing homeowners to create a truly personalized bathroom space. Choose from classic whites, warm neutrals, or bold, modern hues to match your bathroom’s style.
Many manufacturers, including Jacuzzi, Kohler, and BCI, offer designs that look like other materials. These designs can resemble patterned tile, marble, or granite.
Durability and Lifespan
Acrylic shower walls are known for their durability, making them a long-lasting solution for your bathroom. These walls are resistant to staining, heat, and discoloration allowing them to retain their integrity over time.
The lifespan of acrylic shower walls typically ranges from 15 to 20 years, depending on care and maintenance. Some high-quality acrylic walls can last even longer, potentially up to 30 years or more with proper care.
Ease of Maintenance
One of the most appealing aspects of acrylic shower walls is their low maintenance requirements. The non-porous surface of acrylic resists the buildup of soap scum, mold, and mildew. This means less time spent scrubbing and more time enjoying your beautiful bathroom.
For routine cleaning, a simple wipe-down with a soft cloth and mild cleaner is usually sufficient. There's no need for harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing tools that might be necessary with other materials.
Quick Installation Timeline
Acrylic shower walls have the power to completely transform your bathroom, creating a fresh, modern look quickly. Installing acrylic shower walls requires little time as the process is generally completed within one to two days.
Installers cut or score the large panels of acrylic to fit your shower space and then attach them using durable adhesive. Silicone seals the joints and corners to guarantee a watertight enclosure. After installation, your new acrylic shower becomes instantly usable.
When your bathroom needs a new look quickly and efficiently, acrylic walls prove to be an excellent option.
How Does Acrylic Compare to Other Materials?
Before you decide if acrylic is the right choice for your shower remodel, it's useful to see how it stacks up against other materials. Here's a quick look at the key comparisons between acrylic, tile, and solid surface.
| Material | Cost (not incl. labor) | Design Considerations | Lifespan | Maintenance Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | $8,000 - $15,000 | Comes in an increasing array of designs and colors | 15 - 20 years | Easy to clean with no specialty supplies needed, but caustic cleaners can cause surface damage |
| Tile | $4,000 - $20,000 | Offers the most variety in terms of colors, textures, and materials (such as ceramic or limestone) | 15 - 20 years | Easy to clean tiles, but grout requires significant upkeep to prevent mold growth |
| Solid surface | $10,000 - $17,000 | Comes in a wide array of natural colors and organic patterns | 15 - 30 years | Easy to wipe down but requires specialty cleaners designed for natural stone |
Is Acrylic the Right Choice for Your Shower?
In the past, homeowners often defaulted to tile showers, only to find themselves dealing with constant grout maintenance and costly repairs over time. Alternatively, they chose natural stone at a much higher price point. Today, acrylic shower walls offer a practical solution that is budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and available in a variety of designs.
With years of experience and thousands of successful installations across 11 states, ZINTEX Remodeling has helped homeowners like you create stylish, hassle-free bathrooms.
How much will a ZINTEX acrylic shower cost? Take a look at our walk in shower pricing guide to find out.
