Do you want durable and gorgeous shower walls that won’t break the bank?

Shower Walls

can be durable, long-lasting, easy to clean, waterproof, affordable, and make your bathroom look fantastic. Which product offers it all?

  • Tile is a popular choice for shower walls due to its versatility and aesthetic appeal. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing for customization to suit any design style.

    Pros: aesthetic appeal, durability, versatility

    Cons: cost, grout maintenance, install time, susceptibility to cracks and chips, slippery surface, maintenance intensity

  • Fiberglass shower walls are another affordable and low-maintenance option. Like acrylic, fiberglass walls are lightweight and easy to clean. They are typically available in prefabricated panels that can be installed quickly and easily.

    Pros: cost, low maintenance, install time

    Cons: durability, limited aesthetic options, staining, discoloration, water damage, lifespan, difficult to repair

  • Acrylic shower walls are made from sheets of acrylic that are molded to fit the dimensions of the shower enclosure. They are lightweight, durable, and easy to clean, making them a low-maintenance option.

    Pros: durability, low maintenance, install time

    Cons: heat resistance, discoloration, limited repair options, prone to cracking

  • Sentrel is durable and non-porous, making it resistant to mold and mildew. Made from virgin PVC, Sentrel is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and can be customized to fit any size or shape of shower enclosure.

    Pros: waterproof, low maintenance, easy to clean, durable, versatile design options, affordability

    Cons: chemical sensitivity

  • Natural stone shower walls offer a luxurious and elegant option for bathroom renovations. They are aesthetically pleasing, durable, and come in a variety of finishes.

    Pros: aesthetic appeal, durability, customization, heat retention

    Cons: cost, periodical sealing

Tile

Upgrade your shower with tile showers—they're not just stunning, they're built to last. But here's the thing: keeping them looking flawless means dealing with the occasional re-grouting hassle. Skip the DIY headache and let the pros handle it. They'll hook you up with the right gear to fend off mold and water damage, saving your backer board and stud framing.

And hey, the design options? Endless. From classic to cutting-edge, there's something for every style and budget. Sure, it takes a bit of TLC, but with proper maintenance, tile showers promise timeless elegance that's worth the extra effort


Fiberglass

Considering a budget-friendly option for your shower walls? Fiberglass walls offer a versatile, easy-to-clean solution that mimics the look of etched tiles or plain white walls. However, they come with risks. Seams can allow water to seep through, potentially damaging your shower system, and fiberglass is prone to cracks and chips over time. While DIY kits are available, professional installation may be wise to ensure proper sealing and longevity. Keep in mind, though, that fiberglass walls often lack a lifetime warranty due to their vulnerabilities. The price of a more substantial product is worth the investment.


Acrylic

Many bathroom remodelers are offering acrylic shower wall systems these days. They're a step up from fiberglass and comparative in price, but they're not bulletproof. When paired with OSB or Greenboard backer board, the integrity of your shower is at risk.

You can choose from a few different patterns to give your shower a bit of style, and acrylic is a breeze to keep clean. It's a solid mid-range option, but it's important to know that it usually doesn't come with a true lifetime warranty. While many come with a manufacturer’s warranty, it's worth checking the fine print—some bathroom companies might not give you the full story.


Sentrel/ Virgin PVC

When it comes to shower walls, nothing beats the elegance of real marble slabs. They exude timeless sophistication and offer unmatched durability, designed to withstand water exposure. However, the main drawback is the price tag, often triple the cost of a standard shower remodel.

While marble requires some upkeep to ensure its longevity, many companies include a lifetime warranty with installation due to its premium price. It's worth considering whether the company offers maintenance services to protect your investment. The beauty and durability of marble make it a worthwhile investment for those willing to splurge.


Natural Stone

Composite shower walls have become a popular choice for durable shower installations. One standout composite material, Virgin PVC, also known as Sentrel, offers a lifetime warranty and exceptional longevity. When paired with ShowerShield (Cement Board) as a backer board, it provides robust protection against water damage, mildew, mold, and buildup.

Easy to clean and comparable in cost to fiberglass and acrylic, Sentrel eliminates the need for replacement until you're ready for a change. Designed to resemble real natural stone, it ticks all the boxes for a practical shower wall solution.

Which shower walls are the smart choice for you?