Popular Shower Wall Materials For Your Bathroom Remodel

A bathroom remodel involves a lot of planning and design, especially if you’re going for a full rebuild. There’s a lot to consider, which means you’ll be spending time looking at different materials that fit your needs and preferences. It helps to work with a trusted contractor, as they have the expertise to narrow down the choices and present you with the best materials that help you get closer to your dream bathroom.  

If you’re planning to remodel or add a shower in your bathroom, then you’ll need to decide the material for your shower walls. This is slightly different from selecting wall tiles or flooring material for your bathroom remodel, as they’re going to be more exposed to moisture especially when you use the shower. Don’t just decide on any other material and consider one that improves your new bathroom’s convenience and fits its design language.

Selecting the right shower wall for your bath renovation doesn’t have to be difficult if you know what to look for. The Bathroom Store shares what you need to consider:

Choosing the Right Material

As you browse for different types of shower walls, it becomes easier to visualize what looks best in your bathroom remodel. But don’t forget that the material needs to be more than just stylish but also easy to clean and water-tight. You should also consider how the shower is used daily so you’ll know which material can endure staining and other forms of premature wear and tear. Also make sure to get a material that’s durable, reliable, and within your budget!

Popular Materials to Consider

Stone Tiles – Stone is a great material if you’re looking to add a more natural element to your bathroom remodel. It’s ideal for traditional or contemporary bathroom designs, as they are available in several types such as marble, slate, granite, onyx, and travertine. Stone tiles can also add a luxurious feeling to your bathroom design depending on the material, with certain materials such as marble and granite offering a sense of class and sophistication that heightens your overall bathroom experience.

Stone tiles are great for shower walls as they have natural water resistance capabilities and won’t easily break. They’re built to last, but you may expect cosmetic damage over time such as chips and scratches. They can also be a bit tedious to clean at times, especially with marble being easy to stain. They’ll also need resealing every few years to protect their beauty and retain their vibrance.

Acrylic Panels – This material is a highly functional yet affordable material that’s easy to maintain and has at least a 10-year lifespan. It offers a more contemporary solution to waterproofing your shower wall as it’s available in different styles and colors. You can even get them in styles that mimic stone or brick! 

Acrylic panels are also relatively inexpensive to install for many professional bath renovation contractors, but it can be difficult if you choose to DIY the job by yourself. A single acrylic panel can be attached to the wall with a heavy-duty construction adhesive, and it usually involves at least two people to get the job done properly. And because of their affordability, they tend to get damaged more easily compared to stone. It’s also practically impossible to repair once it becomes damaged; it’s often better to get it fully replaced instead.

Glass Tiles – If you’re not into stone but want an equally high-end material to consider for your shower walls, then this is a great alternative. They’ve only become available in the last decade, but they’ve since become a popular material for homeowners. Glass tiles are also available in different colors and styles that can easily define and enhance your bathroom remodel.

Glass tiles look incredibly stylish and appealing in any kind of bathroom design, and since they’re naturally shiny and reflective, they make your shower area look more spacious for its size. Their visual appeal also lends itself to their translucent appearance, as it gives much more depth to their color and design. And apart from glass tiles for your shower walls, you can also consider full glass enclosures for your shower area!

When it comes to installation, however, glass tiles can be a bit tricky for inexperienced contractors. Compared to porcelain or ceramic, glass tends to be much more fragile, so make sure you work with a contractor who has the right experience when it comes to installing glass tiles in your shower installation. Glass also doesn’t hide soap buildup very well, but fortunately, cleaning and maintenance are relatively easy. You’ll only need to use a glass cleaner and a soft cloth to get the job done!

Ceramic Tiles – This material is commonly used for shower walls because of its simplicity and affordability. While the material is more susceptible to moisture infiltration over time compared to porcelain tiles, the difference is minimal and is usually non-existent when properly glazed. This is what makes ceramic tiles highly resistant to heat and water, and because it’s cheaper than porcelain, it makes an economical material for a shower wall in your bathroom remodel. 

Porcelain Tiles – Porcelain is a bit more expensive because it’s more durable and water-resistant. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are made to last (with an average lifespan of several decades) but keep in mind that some colors and designs tend to go out of style long before their deterioration.

As for cleaning and maintenance, both ceramic and porcelain tiles don’t require much effort. All you’ll need to use is a damp mop along with water mixed with mild soap. But every few years, the grout in between the tiles will need to be resealed to prevent stains and mildew growth.

Knowing the different types of materials for your shower wall is crucial if you want to have a satisfying bathroom experience. And with our team of experts at The Bathroom Store, you can be sure that your shower installation is in good hands! Talk to us today by calling (701) 515-0370 or you can conveniently reach us online.