The shower is an important part of bathroom design and construction. What materials you use will determine the aesthetics, your experience, functionality, and maintenance. The shower head and shower surround are two of the most crucial parts of the shower.
What is a Shower Surround?
A shower surround is the walls above the tub line or the shower base that surround the shower. The shower surround can be made from different waterproof materials. The shower walls contain water from the shower and move the water towards the drain basin.
Each of the materials that can be used in a shower surround has its respective advantages and disadvantages. Many shower surrounds are made from materials like tile, glass, or acrylic. Here is more information on each of the materials shower surrounds are made from.
1. Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a lower priced material that often comes in a ready to install unit, or as a separate shower base and enclosure. This type of shower surround is smooth and non-porous, with no grout lines, making it relatively easy to clean. Compared to porous materials like tile, fiberglass is more mold and mildew resistant. The material is fairly thin, but this is a viable option for homeowners on a tight budget.
2. Acrylic
Acrylic shower surrounds look like fiberglass, but the material is quite different. This material is a plastic-like material with a gel-coat covering. Acrylic shower enclosures are still inexpensive but cost slightly more than fiberglass. This is also a non-porous material making it easy to clean.
One of the big advantages of acrylic is it comes in a wide range of colors, styles, and patterns. Often, acrylic shower enclosures are used for faux marble or stone, or other fancy patterns. Acrylic is crack-resistant and highly durable, making it one of the most popular options for shower surrounds.
3. Stone
Stone is a good choice for adding texture to your shower, but it is a porous material. This means it will absorb water and even soap or shampoos.
Compared to tile, natural stone has a lower cost, but installing natural stone in your shower may cost more for installation.
Marble and granite are visually pleasing and make your bathroom look more luxurious. Any natural stone must be sealed before using the shower, so the water does not absorb into the stone. Resealing is something that must be down periodically as well.
Stone may also be slightly harder to clean compared to acrylic, glass, or fiberglass.
Overall, using natural stone in your bathroom shower surround my help boost the value of your home.
4. Solid Surface
Solid surface shower surrounds are designed to resemble natural stone. They look similar to stone but have less maintenance. This is a thick and durable material that comes in many styles and designs.
This is the most expensive shower surround material, due to how it is created. Solid surface is made from composites mixed with natural materials. Most often small chips of quartz, granite, and marble are encased in resin. This material looks good, is highly durable, and is non-porous.
5. Glass
Glass is a popular choice for clean, modern shower design. The shower base, or shower pan must be made from another material, but the shower walls can be made entirely from glass where it is practical to do so.
One advantage of glass is the shower surround is very easy to clean. Glass shower walls come in many different types, including clear, frosted, and patterned. Glass shower surrounds also make the bathroom look more spacious and open.
6. Tile
Tile is one of the most used shower surround materials. It is durable and waterproof, and comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and patterns. Better yet, there is also a wide array of price points. You are sure to find a pattern that fits your vision for shower remodeling.
The options run from the very basic to the highly luxurious and expensive, so be sure to look around for a style that fits your aesthetic.
Tile can be painstakingly labor intensive to install, especially with the grout, which should be sealed. Grout is naturally porous, so it must be resealed regularly to avoid mildew and mold.
Bathroom Remodeling in the Sacramento and Roseville Area
Do you need help with bathroom remodeling or another home renovation project? Sacramento Remodeling Group can help you with a shower surround or any other bathroom project you have on your agenda. Give us a call at (916) 862-1444 or fill out the contact form on this page to get started with a free no-obligation consultation.