Video Transcript:
[Music] The time has come. You know you're ready for your shower remodel, but now you're realizing the first decision you have to make. What materials do I use? From durability, longevity, or even maintenance. Picking the wrong materials for your shower will set you up for failure from the very beginning. The good news, walk-in shower materials are our bread and butter.
Hi, I'm Shane, content manager with ZINTEX Remodeling. Having completed thousands of shower remodels, ZINTEX offers unmatched expertise on acrylic materials such as shower bases and shower walls. Today, we'll compare acrylic with other bathroom options like tile and solid surface.
First, let's answer the biggest question you may have. What are my options?
You already know that acrylic panels are a top contender in shower and bathroom models for a good reason. Thanks to a couple of factors like cost, quality, and longevity, acrylic has become a favorite for most homeowners. Tile has been a common material used for years and ruled the markets with customizations to match any space and any budget. Solid surfaces like marble and granite are another very common material. But it's mainly used in luxury bathrooms thanks to its high price point.
You're probably thinking, Shane, what is this going to cost?
If you're looking for a budget-friendly material, the winner is acrylic. That said, using acrylic won't inherently make your shower remodel cheaper. It's all about the style, the accessories you want, and the quality of that acrylic.
Next up is time.
Even a simple shower remodel can feel intrusive, especially when you aren't sure how long it'll take before peace of mind is restored in your home. If you're looking for a quick turnover, acrylic and solid surface are pretty much tied. This is because each wall panel is one solid piece. Unlike tile, which must be installed meticulously, piece by piece, in a time-consuming pattern, keep in mind that install time is not the same as your overall timeline, which will include time to plan your remodel, ordering the materials, and preparation of your space. The early stages may take several days regardless of the material you use, especially if you need significant changes or upgrades to your plumbing.
With a few of the practical considerations out of the way, what about design?
Each of these three shower materials allow for some sort of design versatility, each at a varying degree. Acrylic comes in an array of designs and colors and can mimic the look and feel of tile and solid surface stone. Tile has one major Achilles heel, cleaning grout, but also offers the most variety in terms of colors, textures, and materials such as ceramic or limestone. Solid Surface comes in a wide array of natural colors and organic patterns that instantly add to any bathroom space.
Whether you're looking at bathtub replacement options or upgrading your existing walk-in shower, it's important to think of the long term. With reasonable maintenance, these three shower materials last on average of 15 to 20 years, and with solid surface having a slight edge with 15 to 30 years. But this isn't a guarantee, especially if you aren't committed to proper upkeep. If you want nothing more than a low-maintenance shower, acrylic is the standout winner. In second place is solid surface, and bringing up the rear is tile. Unfortunately, all the exposed grout requires a lot of attention to ensure waterproofing and to prevent mold growth. When you think of the future of your bathroom, you're not just envisioning yourself using and cleaning your shower.
You might also be thinking about resale value. What shower material can you choose today that will appeal to the buyer down the road?
The truth is, it's hard to draw an exact connection between the materials used in a shower remodel and an increase in property value. According to Bankrate's 2024 data, a mid-range bathroom remodel can yield an ROI of up to 73%. On the flip side, a major bathroom remodel using luxurious materials yields an ROI of only 45%. If you want to recoup as much of your cost as possible, the winner is acrylic. Solid surface tends to fall under the luxury category, and most homeowners aren't able to recoup all of their investment when selling their home.
Now you know all about the options for shower wall materials. We've covered everything from cost breakdowns to maintenance requirements and beyond.
What's next?
At Zintex, we specialize in all things acrylic. Our showers are designed to meet your needs for budget, design, and durability. If acrylic feels like the right choice for you and you're ready to learn more about the ZINTEX shower installation process, feel free to visit our website to find more information about specific products and materials. ZINTEX Remodeling, transforming lives one bathroom at a time. [Music]
Shane Rogers is the Content Manager at ZINTEX Remodeling Group, where he has spent the past three years helping the organization grow. Driven by a passion for creating valuable content that supports both customers and team members, Shane ensures ZINTEX’s resources are informative, clear, and homeowner-focused. Outside of work, Shane enjoys spending time with his wife and young daughter, playing basketball, and flying in his Piper Cherokee.
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