These days, homeowners have a lot more options to choose from when it comes to shower walls than they ever had before. That is thanks to improved materials for shower wall panels and shower surrounds that offer superior durability and overall appearance compared to former shower wall options. If you are looking to upgrade the look and function of your bathroom with new shower wall materials, we can help you select the one that is right for your needs.
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5 Shower Wall Options For Your Bathroom Renovation
1. Tile Showers
For years, tiles have been one of the most common options for all types of bathroom showers. They offer a wide range of colour and design options that can fit anyone’s preferences, not to mention the fact that some tiles are far easier to install than other shower wall options. For the most part, you can get shower tiles made from everything including porcelain, marble, ceramic and more. The cost of tiles will entirely depend on both the quantity of material you require, as well as the quality of the tile. While some tiles can be expensive to purchase and install, there are plenty of tile options that are easy to install and relatively cheap to buy. As far as durability is concerned, a properly installed and sealed tile shower wall can last for decades without deteriorating or becoming discoloured. This is assuming that the tile, grout and any waterproofing on the shower surround are regularly cleaned and kept free of mould or mildew. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy to use cleaners such as Tilex available that makes cleaning and maintenance simple for most tile surfaces.
2. Plastic Sheets or Acrylic Walls
When space and budget are a consideration, sometimes it can make sense to pursue the simplest option for your shower walls. Single plastic sheets are usually easy to install, and with proper care they can last as long as any tile wall material. If you are looking for something slightly more substantial and aesthetically pleasing, you may want to upgrade to an acrylic shell for your shower surround. Lots of these acrylic shells come pre-made, so you simply need to assemble the pieces over your existing tub or shower. Many of these shells have built-in shelving for added convenience. As far as cleaning and overall maintenance are concerned, these plastic or acrylic shower walls are among the easiest to look after and keep working for a number of years.
3. Glass
Many people enjoy the long-lasting durability and the pleasing appearance of glass shower walls and doors. This option is ideal for those looking to perform lasting renovations to their bathroom, as installing a glass shower only to replace it a few years later can be an unnecessary expense. Glass will last a long time as long as it is properly cared for with regular cleaning using proper glass cleaners. If you install glass shower walls, be sure to inquire with your contractor or the manufacturer about which cleaner will be best, otherwise, you can leave residues and streaks that cause the glass to get cloudy or discoloured.
4. Stone
If the price is no object than stone shower walls can be one of the nicest looking and longest-lasting options for your new shower walls. The natural look of wet stone offers a really beautiful aesthetic for any bathroom. Maintenance for stone shower walls is very simple, though sometimes you may have to do a little extra scrubbing depending on the texture of the stone. With this option, you can expect a lovely, natural-looking shower that will last as long as you want to keep it.
5. Paints and Sealers
With any of these shower wall options, you will only get the most in terms of lifespan and durability if you surround your shower walls with the proper waterproofing materials. It is important to make sure you get the right paints and sealers for bathrooms and showers, otherwise, you will run into some major issues in the future. The best sealant to use on the shower surround is a silicone caulking. There are a number of colour options to choose from for silicone caulking, but no matter what colour you require, make sure to use waterproof silicone.
You should also make sure to use proper interior bathroom paint. That means the paint should either have at least a semi-gloss sheen so water can’t seep into the walls and cause damage, or you should purchase a specific bathroom paint with mildew resistant additives.
Finding the right materials for your shower walls can be difficult with so many options to choose from. Once you have made your decision, it is vital that you enlist the help of an experienced contractor who can handle the installation. To get started on your next bathroom upgrade or renovation, give the friendly experts at Craftsmen Contracting a call today!
