Best Shower Wall Material Options

When selecting the best shower wall material for your bathroom remodel, there are several options to consider that balance aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. The ideal material will stand up to the warm, wet environment while adding visual interest to your space. By researching the advantages and disadvantages of various shower wall materials like tile, fiberglass, acrylic, glass blocks, stone, and composites, you can determine which choice is right for your needs and budget.

Tile

Tile is one of the most common choices for shower walls due to the vast array of styles, colors, textures, and patterns available. Ceramic and porcelain tile are the most popular options that provide a high-end, sophisticated look.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile has been used in bathrooms for decades thanks to its water resistance, durability, and easy maintenance. Available in a huge range of sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes like matte, glossy, or textured, ceramic allows endless design options. It can mimic styles from vintage penny tile to modern large-format styles. Though more prone to chips and cracks than porcelain, ceramic tile is budget-friendly and expected to last at least 50 years with proper care.

Porcelain Tile

Denser and more impervious to water than ceramic tile, porcelain tile provides extreme durability and stain resistance. Porcelain features very low water absorption rates, making it an ideal choice for steam shower walls. Slightly more expensive than ceramic, porcelain tile comes in various modern styles from petite mosaics to oversized slabs up to 4' x 10'.

Glass Tile

For a unique, contemporary look, glass tile infuses shower walls with luxury. The non-porous, glossy surface adds radiant shine while resisting stains and limescale buildup. Glass tile requires specialty cutters for intricate cuts and professional installation. Use extra caution as the material can crack and scratch easier than ceramic or porcelain. Limit glass tile to shower walls rather than floors for safety.

Pros of Tile Walls

• Extensive design options in colors, textures, sizes, and shapes
• Easy to clean with regular bathroom cleaners and disinfectants
• Impervious to water with proper sealing and grout application
• Creates a high-end, spa-like appearance

Cons of Tile Walls

• Grout lines can collect dirt and mold if not properly sealed
• Installation is labor intensive and may require professional skills
• Natural stone tiles require resealing every 1-2 years
• Glass tile is prone to cracking and scratching

Fiberglass

Fiberglass shower surrounds provide a budget-friendly alternative to tile with a quick, easy installation. Pre-formed fiberglass panels feature integrated shelves, soap dishes, and other accessories in one seamless piece.

Manufacturing Process

Fiberglass panels consist of fiberglass cloth soaked in a polyester resin. Colors and patterns are added to the resin before it hardens. The stiff, lightweight material resists chipping and cracking better than acrylic. Panels are molded into one-piece units or into three pieces for an alcove fit.

Benefits

• Low cost material ideal for DIY installation
• Wide range of colors and realistic tile patterns
• Easy cleaning with non-abrasive bathroom cleaners
• Resists mold, mildew, and bacteria growth

Drawbacks

• Prone to scratches and loss of gloss over time
• Seams between panels can allow water intrusion
• Limited sizing options
• Not as durable or luxurious as tile

Acrylic

Acrylic shower walls provide a seamless, easy-to-clean option. The acrylic sheets bond to adjacent walls, forming a waterproof enclosure without grout lines. Options range from basic models to customized designs.

Properties

Acrylic sheets consist of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resin. The material is flexible yet strong enough to withstand bumps and minor impacts. Compared to fiberglass, acrylic feels warmer to the touch and resists yellowing from UV light.

Acrylic vs. Fiberglass

While acrylic and fiberglass share similarities, acrylic stands apart with its glossy, glass-like surface that maintains its appearance longer. Acrylic also bonds directly to adjacent walls for a seamless look. Fiberglass may be more prone to cracking and needs extra reinforcement in the corners. Both offer moisture resistance and easy cleaning.

Maintenance

Use soft sponges and non-abrasive cleaners on acrylic walls to prevent scratches. Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads. A high-quality sealant protects the finish from moisture damage. Acrylic can be refinished by sanding out small scratches.

Glass Block

For a unique sculptural statement, glass block shower walls add modern style with natural light. The translucent glass blocks create an open, airy feel without compromising privacy.

Styles

Glass blocks come in clear, frosted, colored, and even decorative styles with shapes like squares, rectangles, and circles. Standard sizes are 3-5/8" x 7-5/8" x 3-1/8" thick. Some brands like Seves offer smaller units for a more mosaic look.

Durability

Solid tempered and annealed glass blocks withstand temperature changes, moisture, and physical impact. Their sealed structure resists mold and mildew when installed properly. Building codes require reinforced walls to support the heavy weight.

Cost

Pricier than tile or fiberglass, glass block walls cost $20-$40 per square foot including labor. Extensive cutting, reinforced framing, and tricky sealing add expenses. Glass block maintenance is minimal with proper cleaning products.

Stone

For a spa-like ambiance, consider natural stone like marble, travertine, limestone, or granite. These luxe materials make a stunning design statement despite requiring higher maintenance.

Types of Stone

Marble delivers elegance with its veining patterns but needs ample sealing from water damage. Travertine brings a rustic, earthy look that fits well in natural designs. Soapstone has a soft, smooth feel underfoot but scratches easily. Granite, such as black absolute, provides a rich, dramatic backdrop for contemporary spaces.

Pros and Cons

• Natural beauty and upscale appearance
• Prone to etching from acids and sealing required
• Can stain easily without proper treatment
• Natural veins and patterns add unique personality
• Cold underfoot unlike man-made materials
• Professional installation recommended

Composite Materials

Composite shower walls blend acrylic or engineered stone resin with natural stone particles like quartz or mother of pearl. The result is a lightweight, durable surface that imitates high-end finishes.

Shower Wall Panels

Popular composite brands like Swanstone, Fiberglass Reinforced Panels (FRP), andwet wall panels resist moisture, stains, and mildew growth. Many composites feature anti-bacterial protection. The lightweight sheets install over existing surfaces as wainscoting or full walls.