Acrylic vs. Tile: What Shower Wall is Better for You?

Video Transcript: 

[Music] Are you stuck at a crossroads where you need to choose between a tile or an acrylic shower? With so many differentiating factors like cost, installation timelines, durability, maintenance requirements, and more, we understand it can get overwhelming. 

Hi, I'm Shane, content manager with ZINTEX Remodeling. Whether you're installing a brand new shower or upgrading an existing one, you have an important decision to make. 

First, let's talk materials. You've narrowed it down between tile and acrylic as the choices for your shower walls. This may seem like one small consideration in a bathroom remodel, but in reality, it will affect everything from upfront cost to long-term maintenance. At ZINTEX Remodeling, our goal is to help every homeowner make informed decisions about their bathroom remodel. Whether you go with tile or acrylic, there is no one-size-fits-all estimate for shower remodels. Your final total will reflect not just the materials that you choose, but also the contractors that you hire, available customizations, and more. That said, tile showers tend to come in at a higher price point than acrylic. 

Let's look at this example. An average acrylic walk-in shower can cost anywhere from $11,000 to $22,000. And a tile shower will average around $20,000 to $30,000. Why? Tile, even on the lower end, can generally cost more than acrylic to produce. Plus, it's much more labor-intensive to install. 

So, what do we mean by labor-intensive? 

Tiles must be installed meticulously, piece by piece. And even a small simple pattern requires days to place. Some contractors may be able to speed up the process by grouting sections of tile rather than one at a time. But this still can take 3 or 4 days from start to finish. On top of that, there's a minimum of 48 hours for the grout to cure before you can start actually using your shower. We can have your shower completed in as little as 1 day. If you're looking to have your shower renovated and to get back into your space quickly, acrylic is the way to go. 

When you envision your new shower, does your mind automatically go to tile? 

For decades, tile has been the standard and for good reason. With many different types, shapes, and colors to choose from, tile wins the prize for design versatility and customization. That said, don't count out acrylic in the design category. As acrylic becomes more popular, manufacturers create more and more options for homeowners to choose from. You can even install acrylic panels that mirror the aesthetic of tile without the hassle of maintaining grout. Plus, acrylic showers are much easier to customize, especially for safety. For example, you can easily install grab bars and seating features with virtually endless possibilities of positioning to maximize user comfort and safety. You can also include an acrylic lip on the base of your shower that creates seamless wheelchair access without sacrificing water containment. 

Assuming that you're using quality materials and have a reliable contractor taking care of you, your home, and your installation, you're looking at a lifespan of 15 to 20 years. That goes for both tile and acrylic. There's one important exception that can put acrylic far into the lead here, and that's moisture buildup. Acrylic does an excellent job of protecting the interiors of your walls because, unlike tile, it's non-porous and has only a few seams. While the tile itself can be excellent at resisting water, grout can present problems over time. Not only does this expose your interior walls to the risk of structural damage, but it also creates optimal conditions for mold growth. 

When you're designing a new shower, it's important to consider how it will impact your future routine. Shower cleaning isn't anyone's favorite chore, and the material you choose plays a huge role in how easy it is to maintain. The tile itself is relatively easy to clean. But the grout is another story. Even if you're regularly resealing grout, you'll probably need to use a scrub brush and some serious elbow grease to keep it clean. On the flip side, acrylic requires minimal effort to wipe down. As long as you steer clear of abrasive cleaners and harsh chemicals, you'll be good to go. What about calling in the pros? With proper DIY cleaning and care, you most likely won't need any professional maintenance. That said, it can be easier and cheaper to fix damaged tiles compared to fixing a damaged acrylic panel simply because when the ladder gets cracked, the entire thing must be replaced. 

Let's revisit the topic of mold growth. DIY methods may be enough to tackle a mold problem in the early stages, but what if you don't notice the problem right away? That mold could be growing behind your shower wall for years. At this point, you'll need to invest in professional mold remediation to eliminate mold entirely and protect your health. This reality is a high risk for homeowners with tile showers simply because they're not as reliably waterproof as acrylic showers. When it comes to bathroom remodels, every detail counts. You now know the key differences between tile and acrylic showers and can make a choice that supports your budget and long-term goals. 

ZINTEX Remodeling is here to support you from day one. We pair our clients with a designated design consultant and project manager to ensure that no detail is overlooked. Ready to get started? Visit our website to schedule your no-obligation free in-home consultation and take the first step in creating the bathroom of your dreams. [Music]