The type of material you choose for your shower wall will have significant influence on the design and feeling of your bathroom. It also plays a role in how relaxing and comfortable your showers will be.
There are a variety of types of materials that can be used to construct shower walls. So, before you pick one, you should take time to evaluate your options in terms in terms of aesthetics as well as the ease in installation and maintenance and price.
Acrylic and Fiberglass
A prefabricated acrylic and fiberglass shower stall or shower is among the most cost-effective, economical methods to have your shower set up. The shower walls are made in a factory with molds. They arrive at your residence with a number of units. The only thing to do is put them in place. This can be accomplished in just a few hours, in contrast to the time it takes to set up tiles. They also create less clutter in the bathroom.
A variety of shower walls are offered.
Shower kit with multiple parts The kit is the components that can be joined to form an even, watertight flooring for your shower’s internal. The kit typically includes tub or shower pan and a few parts for walls and, in certain styles doors. This kind of set is quite simple for the DIY-minded to put in.
Wall Kit Prefabricated shower wall kit is comprised of wall components that do not include the bathtub or shower pan, and with no doors. It is extremely easy to build yourself, but you’ll be deciding on the type of material you’ll use for your shower flooring.
A single pieceThe shower is a single unit. With less joints, this shower will not be susceptible to mildew and mold than other showers that are prefabricated. However it’s heavy to move as many will not fit through doors of standard dimensions. This is why they’re mostly utilized when building new structures. They’re not easy to install and should be done by an expert.
Acrylic and fiberglass showers offer a sleek, modern look. While white is the most popular color but you can also find them in other colors with just a small amount of searching. It is also possible to paint these units if are looking for a more appropriate fit for your bathroom’s color scheme.
While acrylic and fiberglass appear almost identical and have the same properties, there are certain distinct differences. Acrylic is less susceptible to scratches and also has an appealing high gloss. Fiberglass is more prone to be damaged or faded however, it’s less expensive. If maintained with care fiberglass showers will remain in good condition for the same time as the acrylic models.
On the flip side they are both more susceptible to scratching and yellowing more than other materials for shower walls which is why they age more quickly. Although cracks and holes can be repaired however, they’re usually not completely visible when they’re repaired.
Ceramic as well as Porcelain Tiles
If you’d like to give your imagination the freedom to design a unique shower that perfectly matches the design the bathroom you have, then ceramic or porcelain tile are the top choices. They are available in an almost endless variety of sizes, colors and patterns, and they can be combined and matched to create a unique style. If the idea of designing your own shower walls isn’t appealing to you, it’s possible to keep things basic by laying your shower in a single basic, neutral color.
Although tiles will cost more than prefabricated showers and shower, it has an elegant and classic style, and therefore works more well in homes that are older as well as ones with traditional style.
On the plus side, tiles are extremely resistant to staining and water The grout between the tiles and the tiles themselves, are easy to keep clear. It is, however, necessary to keep the grout clean to stop mildew from becoming established. Repairs are easy, too. If one tile gets stained or damaged, simply take it off to replace the tile.
Although porcelain and ceramic are basically the same material however, they possess slightly different characteristics, so keep this in your mind when you are making your decision. Porcelain is more dense, resistant to water, and is more durable than ceramic. Ceramic is cheaper and more easily cut than porcelain.
The tiles made from porcelain or ceramic usually are less expensive than stone tiles However, prices for premium tiles can be more expensive than lower-cost stone tiles.
The process of laying a shower’s wall can be messy however, it’s achievable for anyone who is a self-helper who has a basic understanding of the installation of tiles.
Glass Tiles
An alternative that is not as popular in showers, the glass tiles come with several advantages. The range of colors and sizes is as broad like that of porcelain and ceramic tiles. Since glass reflect light, it makes a room seem larger, it’s a great choice for showers with small spaces. Additionally, glass is translucent giving greater depth to the color.
Glass tiles are extremely easy to maintain and all you require is glass cleaner and the use of a soft cloth. However they don’t cover soap scum and other residues well. Any scratches or nicks will be clearly evident. Also, it’s slippery, so it’s not the ideal choice for walls that could be grabbed to provide support.
Glass tile is more expensive than porcelain or ceramic and it’s difficult to set up and is best left to an expert. If you love the look of glass tiles, however, you want to keep your costs low, you might want to consider making use of glass as an accent.
Stone Tiles
There is nothing that gives showers an air of luxury as natural stone tiles. With respect to the type of stones, the tiles will be as suitable for an elegant style as they do in a rustic setting. Since they are a natural product each stone piece comes with its own color and patterns. Stone shower tiles work perfectly in bathrooms which already has natural materials like brass or stone.
They typically come with a glossy or matte surface. A rougher surface adds texture in bathrooms that have mainly smooth surfaces. While smooth stone tiles provide a modern contemporary design.
Because natural stone is much more porous than porcelain or ceramic tiles It absorbs water, soap minerals in dirt, and water more easily. It is sealed on the tiles to avoid this, however the sealant wears offand you’ll have to seal your stones regularly.
Granite, slate, marble, travertine and onyx are all options However, each kind of stone comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Marble looks luxurious, but is susceptible to staining. Slate is tough, but it is difficult to lay evenly because of its natural layers. Travertine is very vibrant and easy to cut, but it is prone to staining and scratching.
It is the least costly option for shower walls however, it’s not as long-lasting as ceramic or porcelain tiles. The primary benefit of stone is its appearance.
The attractive, easy-to-clean material for your walls can transform the shower area into a tranquil retreat and also add the look of your bathroom. If you’re budget-conscious and are looking for a straightforward cost-effective alternative, a prefabricated shower set-up will suit your requirements. If you’d prefer something that’s attractive and aren’t afraid of spending a bit more time and money glass, porcelain and even stone are great choices.
