Tile and solid surface shower surround pros and cons
Cost, durability and ease of cleaning comparison
Design options and aesthetics
When it comes to designing a new shower, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what type of material to use for the surround. Two popular options are tile and Corian solid surface. Both have their own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs before making a decision.
Tile is a classic option that has been used in bathrooms for centuries. It is versatile and comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes. It’s also relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, tile can be difficult to clean and maintain. Grout can become discolored and mildew can form in the crevices. Additionally, tile can chip or crack if something heavy falls on it.
Solid surface shower surrounds is a newer option that has gained popularity in recent years. It’s made from a man-made material that looks similar to natural stone. It’s available in a variety of colors and patterns and is easy to clean and maintain. Unlike tile, solid surface doesn’t have any crevices for mildew to form and it’s more durable.
When it comes to cost, tile is typically the more affordable option. A tile shower surround can cost anywhere from $15 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type of tile you choose. A solid surface shower surround, on the other hand, can cost anywhere from $20 to $45 per square foot.
In terms of aesthetics, both tile and solid surface shower surround can look great. Tile comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so it’s easy to find something that matches your personal style. Solid surface shower surround also has a variety of colors and patterns, but it’s more limited than tile.
When it comes to durability, solid surface shower surround is the more durable option. It’s resistant to chips and cracks and doesn’t require as much maintenance as tile. Because solid surface has no grout, there is no cracking between the tiles causing water damage.
Solid surface shower surround is the easier option when it comes to cleaning, as it is non–porous and easy to wipe down. In comparison, tile can be more difficult to clean due to its grout lines.
In conclusion, tile and solid surface shower surround are both great options, but they each have their own set of pros and cons. It’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs before making a decision. If you’re looking for a more affordable option that has a wide variety of colors and patterns, tile may be the best choice. If you’re looking for a more durable option that’s easy to clean, solid surface shower surround may be the better choice.
For more information about solid surface shower surrounds, click here.
FAQs
If creative and classic charm is the look you want, tile shower walls may be the right choice for you. If you are looking for a maintenance free alternative that still offers beautiful style options, solid surface might be the best fit for your goals.
Which is better shower surround or tile? ›
Because solid surface has no grout, there is no cracking between the tiles causing water damage. Solid surface shower surround is the easier option when it comes to cleaning, as it is non–porous and easy to wipe down. In comparison, tile can be more difficult to clean due to its grout lines.
Is it better to tile or use a tub surround? ›
Acrylic Showers & Surrounds
A more cost-effective choice than tile, acrylic is available in many colors and textures, some of which convincingly emulate the appearance of tile. However, unlike tile, which can often be replaced at the individual level, an entire acrylic wall surround may need to be replaced if damaged.
What is the best option for shower walls? ›
Acrylic shower walls are a durable, affordable, and low-maintenance option, making them an excellent choice for many homeowners. However, if design versatility and the ability to repair or replace individual tiles are important factors for you, tile walls might be the better option.
What is the most durable shower surround? ›
Acrylic panels are typically more durable and require less maintenance than fiberglass, but they can be more expensive.
Is solid surface shower better than tile? ›
Solid surfaces are non-porous, making them mold and mildew-resistant. Gone are the days of hoping that your grout is secretly growing things that will affect your health. With nowhere for the water to go but down the drain, mold and mildew have no place to grow in solid surface showers.
What type of walls are better than tile in a shower? ›
Acrylic panels
Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping. Moreover, it's easy to clean with a soft cloth and warm water.
What's the easiest shower surface to clean? ›
Acrylic is the easiest shower material to clean because it's nonporous. Nonporous materials cannot absorb soap, water, bath salts, or any other material.
What is the best material to use behind shower walls? ›
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
What is the best material for a bathtub surround? ›
Acrylic. Highly favored for bathtub surrounds, acrylic offers a smooth finish and is easy to clean. Plus, its customizability with built-in seating and shelves makes it an ideal choice for those seeking functionality and style.
Con: High Maintenance
Although ceramic tile itself is very easy to clean, tile showers have grout lines that need to be maintained. Unless regularly sealed, they will be prone to mildew, cracking, and possible leaking.
What type of shower lasts the longest? ›
What type of shower lasts the longest?
| Type of Shower | Typical Lifespan |
|---|
| Fiberglass Shower | 10-15 years |
| Tile Shower | 20+ years |
| Acrylic Shower | 15-20 years |
| Stone/Marble Shower | 20+ years |
1 more rowOct 18, 2023
The least maintenance shower walls are made from materials like fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surfaces due to their seamless design, resistance to mold and mildew, and ease of cleaning. Tile can also be included if using epoxy grout.
What is the most reliable shower brand? ›
According to the experts, the best shower brands to consider are:
- Mira.
- Aqualisa.
- Triton.
- Gainsborough.
Characteristics of Classic Tile That Never Loses Its Style
Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes. Hexagon-shaped and other geometric tiles.
What is the best shower tile to prevent mold? ›
Glazed Ceramic
This will seal away the porous parts of the tile vulnerable to mold and mildew. Ceramic glazes do more than just add a layer of protection to keep out water. The right glaze can also make care and maintenance extremely easy to maintain.
Is it better to use a shower base or tile? ›
While tile flooring is more durable than shower pans, installation can be much more difficult and require more maintenance. As a result, tile flooring is more expensive. You'll need to have a skilled hand or hire a professional to lay your tile flooring.
What is the easiest shower material to keep clean? ›
Acrylic is the easiest shower material to clean because it's nonporous. Nonporous materials cannot absorb soap, water, bath salts, or any other material.
When it comes to designing a new shower, one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make is what type of material to use for the surround. Two popular options are tile and Corian solid surface. Both have their own set of pros and cons, so it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs before making a decision.