The shower wall material that works best for you could be the worst choice for someone else. It, therefore, means that the shower wall material that you choose will be determined by what you are looking to achieve in your shower. You could be looking for style and class while someone else will be looking to save as much money as possible. This article looks at some of the common shower wall materials and their benefits.
- Porcelain and Ceramic Tiles
For the longest time, porcelain and ceramic tiles have been the most preferred choice for shower walls. For someone looking to spend less and not giving in the aesthetic look, porcelain tiles would be their most preferred choice for shower wall material. For ceramic tiles, they are easy and simple to install and will not be easily destroyed by water and soap. They are both easy to clean; with a single wipe using soap water and a soft piece of cloth.
Tiles are a budget choice for shower wall material only if you stick with ceramic tile because porcelain is a little more expensive than ceramic. The only drawback with these tiles is that they leave grout lines that are prone to damage, and may even act as a haven for mold and mildew to breed. It, therefore, means that the grot will have to be maintained regularly, and this will not augur so well with your pockets.
- Solid Stone and Concrete
If you are looking for a natural look and feel in your shower, then stone is your best choice for shower wall material. The amazing colors and texture of natural stone incorporated with flowing water from the showerhead makes the shower look and feel like an oasis, a feeling most people are willing to spend on. The only disadvantage with stone as a shower surround material is that it is extremely expensive, most probably because it is rare to find and takes a lot of time to install. However, for the few ones who have it, they say it is worth the effort and cost.
- AcrylicÂ
If style and versatility are what you are looking for while still operating under a budget, then acrylic is the choice for you. It comes in large panels, hence eliminating grout lines that are a major headache because of mold growth and maintenance. The best thing about acrylic is that you have an opportunity to mimic any natural material of your choice for example tile or stone. You could also mimic any natural scene like the sky, beach, or forest and bring in the same aesthetic look and feel. Acrylic is easy to clean and install, which means that the upfront cost will be relatively low. On the other side, acrylic is not very durable; it is prone to wear and tear, and if damaged, you will have to replace the whole panel.
- Glass Panels
Glass panels are the best choice for someone intending to achieve class and elegance and not worried about the cost of material. Glass is best suitable for showers with just a limited amount of space because they make smaller spaces appear bigger than they are. They are easy to clean, with just a single wipe by use of soap water and a soft piece of cloth. Since glass comes in large panels, it eliminates grout that would otherwise present you with mold problems. They are not easy to install; which means that only a contractor can do the job. The other major concern with glass for shower surround material is that it is prone to scratches and can break easily. It is therefore not an ideal choice if you have kids around.
If you are still not sure about what material makes a great shower wall, you should consider calling in a contractor. A contractor, on top of installing the shower wall material for you, they will also offer you some professional advice, which will go a long way in helping you make an informed decision. Even as you seek professional help, ensure to go for the best in town. You do not want to spend so much of your money, only for someone to waste it with shoddy installation work.