Shower Wall Materials: Expert Guide to Choosing the Best Option

When the time comes for a bathroom renovation, choosing the best material for shower walls is key. While some homeowners base their decisions solely on style preferences, others deep dive into all options to make the most of their bathroom remodel. If you belong to the latter camp, you’re in the right place. 

At MaxHome, we understand the challenge of picking the right renovation materials. As a trusted home improvement company serving thousands of Gulf Coast residents, we can help guide you towards finding the best material for your space. Contact us for a free consultation and get your bathroom upgraded today!

Key Factors to Consider

Looking for a bathroom remodel that lasts? Aesthetics shouldn’t be the only criterion for selecting the best material for shower walls. Consider the factors below to make an informed decision that balances visual preferences with functionality. 

• Durability and Longevity: Select materials known to resist chipping, cracking, and fading. Durable surfaces ensure your remodeled bathroom will withstand everyday use for years to come.
• Water Resistance: Opt for materials that effectively resist moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth. A water-resistant choice maintains cleanliness and helps preserve your bathroom’s appearance.
• Design Aesthetics and Customization: Choose materials and finishes that align closely with your vision. Creating a relaxing sanctuary involves selecting elements you genuinely love—otherwise, you may find yourself planning another remodel sooner than expected.
• Cost and Budget: Shower wall materials vary significantly in price, from affordable options to luxury finishes. Establish a clear budget before starting your remodel to guide your material choices effectively.
• Ease of Installation and Maintenance: If you’re tackling a DIY remodel, choose surfaces that are straightforward to install. Additionally, consider how much maintenance each material will require, favoring options that are simple to clean and upkeep.

Overview of Top Shower Wall Materials

The abundance of materials means you have options. However, choosing what matches your preferences best can be tricky. Here we’ll explore the most popular shower wall materials and find the best option for your space. 

Acrylic Panels

Acrylic shower panels are a top choice for a budget-friendly bathroom remodel that doesn’t sacrifice style or durability. Here’s how well they perform:

• Durability and longevity: Acrylic shower walls hold up on the walls well, though it can be susceptible to scratches and dents with heavy use.
• Water resistance: Acrylic surfaces are waterproof, with the only concern being the gaps between the panel and grout lines. 
• Visual Appeal: Acrylic walls offer versatility with a variety of available colors, making it easy to find a style that complements your bathroom design. While traditionally featuring a glossy, molded-plastic base, newer acrylic options now include improved finishes and textures, allowing homeowners to achieve a more sophisticated, high-quality look.
• Customization: Acrylic panels are conveniently available in various pre-fabricated sizes, offering a straightforward installation process. While they come in standard dimensions, many designs can be easily adjusted or combined creatively to accommodate different bathroom layouts.
• Cost: Acrylic shower walls offer a budget-friendly solution, making them ideal for homeowners seeking an affordable yet attractive remodel option. They’re generally less expensive compared to many other shower wall materials, providing great value for your investment.
• Ease of installation: Installing acrylic shower panels is easy. Precut the panels to fit the dimensions of your space, apply a high-quality adhesive to the walls, attach the panels, and use silicone sealant to cover the gaps. Handy tip: Leave the adhesive for up to 30 minutes before attaching the panels for a sturdy grip!
• Maintenance: This material is easy to clean. Opt for non-abrasive cleaning detergents to prevent harsh chemicals from deteriorating the acrylic surface. 

Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles

Ceramic and porcelain tiles are a popular choice for many homeowners, and offer a variety of benefits.

• Durability and longevity: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable. Resistance to scratches, moisture, and stains makes this option last. Yet, ceramic and porcelain tile shower walls are prone to cracking.
• Water resistance: Resistant to moisture. 
• Visual appeal and customization: With ample tile materials, you can choose the finish, texture, format, and color that match your design. Ceramic tiles are the easiest to customize due to the wide range of patterns and styles, while porcelain is perfect for a tougher and more scratch-resistant surface. 
• Cost: Professionally installed ceramic or porcelain tile shower walls run expensive, with labor alone ranging from $12 to $45 per square foot. When you account for the cost of materials, the total price adds up quickly.  
• Ease of installation: Ceramic and porcelain tiles are difficult to cut. That’s why they’re rarely used for DIY projects. Note that the installation is time-consuming and requires expert assistance to achieve the best final look. 
• Maintenance: Tile shower walls need extra care to stay clean. Use detergents designed specifically for ceramics and porcelain surfaces. Don’t overlook the gaps between the tiles — use a grout joint cleaning solution to prevent grime build-up. 

Solid Surface Materials 

Solid surface shower walls of cultured marble, granite, or quartz are appreciated for their aesthetic appeal, durability, and resistance to mold and mildew. Here’s what you need to know about this option. 

• Durability and longevity: Solid surface shower walls are resilient to stains, scratches, and mold. 
• Water resistance: High water-repellent qualities. 
• Visual appeal: Cultured marble, granite, and quartz boast an unmatched resemblance to natural stones at a fraction of the price. 
• Customization: Solid surface materials are trickier to customize as they come in prefabricated sizes and shapes. 
• Cost: Solid surface shower walls of cultured stones come at a significantly lower price than natural stone and tile alternatives. Expect to spend anywhere from $2,300 to $ 3,400 for a solid surface shower wall surround. 
• Ease of installation: Solid surface shower walls are easy to install. All you need to do is dry clean the walls and glue large panels using the high-quality adhesive. 
• Maintenance: Unlike tile, this option doesn’t have that much grout line surface that calls for more comprehensive regular maintenance. 

Glass Tiles and Panels

Glass tiles and panels add a sophisticated touch to your bathroom. If that’s what you’re looking for, consider what else to expect with this option. 

• Durability and longevity: Glass tiles are durable and up to 3/4 inch thick. 
• Water resistance: Highly resistant to water. 
• Visual appeal and customization: Get creative with the abundance of colors, shapes, and patterns that glass tiles come in. Glass is a prominent, light-reflective material that’ll help you achieve that sleek finish with no extra effort. 
• Cost: Beloved for high-end bathroom remodels, glass tiles are costly, with effort-consuming installation further driving up the final price. 
• Ease of installation: The glass is more challenging to cut than traditional ceramic tiles. 
• Maintenance: Glass tiles and panels are harder to keep clean as they are highly susceptible to water stains.

Natural Stone 

Looking for a timeless classic? Before committing to natural stone shower walls, consider what you are signing up for. 

• Durability and longevity: Natural stone is highly durable and ages beautifully. 
• Water resistance: Some natural stone surfaces might be porous and absorb water. These would need extra sealing to withstand humid conditions. 
• Visual appeal and customization: Stone surfaces add a touch of elegance to any space. That makes stone a good material for shower walls for traditional designs. 
• Cost: Significantly more expensive compared to other alternatives. 
• Ease of installation: Natural stone requires professional handling due to its considerable weight and other peculiarities. 

Additional Alternatives

Exploring additional options for your bathroom remodel? Fiberglass shower wall panels offer an affordable and practical solution, often available as convenient one-piece units—perfect for simplifying DIY projects. They’re typically among the most budget-friendly choices.

If you’re looking for something with a slightly more upscale appearance, laminate shower surrounds strike a nice balance between fiberglass and premium materials like ceramic or glass tile. They’re easy to install, often using a simple interlocking panel system, and provide a visually appealing upgrade at a moderate price point.

Comparative Analysis

For a clearer comparison of the discussed shower wall materials, refer to the table below.  ʼ

Criterion for comparison	Acrylic Panels	Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles	Solid Surface Materials	Glass Tiles	Natural Stone	Fiberglass	Laminate Panels
Durability	Solid durability that can withstand daily use	Mostly durable, yet prone to cracking	Resilient to stains and scratches	Mostly durable, yet prone to cracking	Mostly durable, yet prone to cracking	Less durable due to a softer surface	Solid durability that can withstand daily use
Water resistance	Waterproof	Waterproof	Waterproof	Waterproof	Some surfaces might be porous and absorb moisture	Waterproof	Waterproof
Aesthetics	Available in a range of pre-fabricated styles	A balance between practicality and chicness	Mimics natural stone	Light-reflective surface adds to the visual appeal	Timeless look and freedom to customize	Practical, but limited customization options	Available in a range of pre-fabricated styles
Cost	Affordable	Mid-range	Affordable	Mid-range	Expensive	Affordable	Mid-range
Maintenance	Low-maintenance	Use dedicated detergents and dry clean the surface for a shiny finish	Low-maintenance	Stain-prone	Challenging to maintain with some stones due to porous surfaces	Low-maintenance	Low-maintenance

Installation and Maintenance Tips

You can achieve long-lasting results with your bathroom remodel by following a few installation and maintenance tips.

• Get things measured: Measure the dimensions of your space before anything else. 
• Prepare the materials: Get panels and tiles precut for a DIY project. Plus, get your toolkit — tape measure, level, screwdriver, jigsaw, rubber mallet, etc. — and other supplies ready. 
• Follow the instructions: Follow material-specific instructions for installation and maintenance. 
• Keep the space clean: Use non-adhesive detergents to maintain the sleek surface. 

Consider consulting MaxHome, a professional home remodeling company, as the first step in your bathroom renovation project to avoid costly repairs down the line.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the cost vary between different shower wall materials?

Acrylic and fiberglass panels and solid surface materials are the most cost-effective solutions. The mid-range options are ceramic and porcelain tiles, whereas natural stone is one of the priciest shower wall materials. 

What is the longest-lasting shower material?

While porcelain and marble are traditionally known for durability, acrylic shower walls also stand out as an exceptionally long-lasting and practical choice. Acrylic shower panels are highly water-resistant and remarkably durable, offering a reliable, cost-effective alternative to pricier materials.

Are acrylic shower walls easier to maintain compared to tile?

Acrylic shower walls require less maintenance compared to tiled walls. Use a non-abrasive cleaning detergent with a soft microfiber cloth to wipe the surface, and you’re good to go!