The Advantages and Disadvantages of Quartz Shower Walls
Installing quartz walls in showers has become an increasingly popular option due to the material's stylish appearance and durability. However, quartz also comes with some downsides to consider. Looking at the pros and cons of quartz shower walls can help you determine if this material is the right choice for your bathroom remodel or new construction project.
We'll also provide tips on installation, care, maintenance costs, and how to maximize the beauty of quartz in your dream bathroom design.
The Pros of Quartz Shower Walls
Let's start with the positives. Here are the main advantages that make quartz an enticing option for shower walls:
- Extreme Durability: Quartz is one of the most durable options for shower walls. Made from natural stone and high-quality resins, quartz stands up excellently against cracks, scratches, chips, and dents over years of use.
- Low Maintenance: Due to quartz's non-porous quality, it resists absorbing water, soap, and chemicals. This makes cleaning and care quite simple with just mild soap and water.
- Stylish Appearance: With a glossy finish that mimics high-end tiles or natural marble, quartz adds a polished, sophisticated touch. The material comes in a diverse array of colors and patterns.
- Resists Mold and Mildew: Unlike grout between tiles, solid quartz walls don't provide places for moisture and soap scum to accumulate and cultivate mold.
- Greater Design Flexibility: Quartz shower walls can be fabricated into nearly any shape or size needed to fit your bathroom plans, including building out curves or installing spacious and seamless walls.
The Natural Stone Look Without the Hassle
One of the greatest advantages of quartz for showers is that it provides the elegant look, feel, and durability of natural stone without as much maintenance. Materials like granite, marble, and other natural stones require annual sealing to prevent staining and water damage. Quartz is highly water-resistant itself and never needs sealing.
Continuous, Seamless Walls
While beautiful, tile shower walls feature grout lines where moisture seeps in and mildew takes hold. Quartz delivers expansive, continuous walls without grout or seams for water to penetrate. This also contributes to an ultra-modern, sleek aesthetic.
The Cons of Quartz Shower Walls
For all its perks, quartz does come with a few disadvantages to factor into your decision making:
- Higher Installation Costs: Due to weight, thickness, and fitting challenges, professionally installing quartz walls costs more than lighter-weight materials.
- Prone to Scuffing and Scratching: Despite durability, quartz can show signs of wear over time without proper care, especially lighter colored materials.
- Limited Color Variety: While options exist, quartz lacks the vast diversity of colors, patterns, and designs that materials like tile or glass provide.
- Difficult DIY Option: Professionals strongly recommended. The weight and fragile nature of quartz makes DIY installation tricky.
Understanding the Installation Demands
Installing quartz on vertical shower walls requires special adhesives and reinforced structural support. This complex process also demands near-perfect measurements and meticulous precision cutting quartz seams for a quality result.
Why Hiring a Pro is Non-Negotiable
Quartz manufacturers unanimously advise customers to hire professional installers for bathrooms due to the challenges of working with this heavy material on walls. DIY mistakes often lead to cracking, uneven seams, drilling issues for faucets, permanent damage, and voiding warranties.
Quartz Shower Wall Cost Breakdown
Understanding what goes into pricing quartz shower wall installation helps set realistic budgets:
- Quartz Material: $15 to $30 per square foot
- Adhesives, Supports, Other Supplies: $3 to $8 per square foot
- Professional Installation Labor: $10 to $25 per square foot
- Total Quartz Shower Wall Cost: $30 to $60+ per square foot
As a price comparison, tile shower walls cost $15 to $40 per square foot with DIY installation possible. Quartz weighs over twice as much per square foot compared to porcelain or ceramic tile. The installation process is subsequently trickier, demanding expertise.
Caring for Your Quartz Shower Walls
To keep quartz walls looking like new, be sure to:
- Rinse soap residue after showering
- Squeegee excess water to minimize mineral spotting
- Use a soft cloth and mild, non-abrasive soap for routine wiping
- Avoid using bleach, alkaline, or acidic cleaners
- Re-apply sealant near faucets every 2 years
Is Re-Sealing Quartz Shower Walls Necessary?
Unlike natural stone, quartz itself does not require sealing maintenance because it's non-porous. However, the grout between wall seams and around faucets may need fresh sealing every 1 to 2 years. Using a silicone-based sealant formulated for wet areas keeps moisture from penetrating behind walls.
Quartz Shower Wall Pros vs Cons
Here is a quick comparison overview weighing the advantages against drawbacks:
Pros- Extremely durable
- Low maintenance needs
- Stylish, polished aesthetic
- Resists mold and mildew
- Greater design flexibility
- Expensive installation costs
- Prone to scuffs/scratches
- Limited color variety
- Challenging DIY install
The Alternatives to Quartz Shower Walls
If quartz doesn't seem like the ideal fit, consider these other popular shower wall options:
- Porcelain Tile: Affordable, easy DIY option with endless design choices. Higher maintenance.
- Glass Tile: Gorgeous translucency. Special waterproof grout needed.
- Fiberglass: Budget-friendly. Withstands moisture well but scratches over time.
- Acrylic: Warm, inviting texture. Prone to chipping and staining.
- Natural Stone: Elegant marble or granite. Requires annual sealing.
Key Factors in Selecting Shower Wall Materials
Consider aspects below when choosing the best materials:
- Budget constraints
- DIY skill level
- Desired aesthetics
- Longevity and durability needs
- Ongoing maintenance expectations
With proper consideration of the pros and cons, you can create a bathroom that will last. Be sure to hire experienced professionals for installation success. Contact reputable quartz suppliers in your area for pricing and guidance choosing the perfect color and style.