If you’ve been living with an outdated shower or bathtub surround, you may have been surprised to find out just how many types of shower walls are available on the market today. To help you choose a suitable shower wall installation—one that fits your budget, aesthetic, and maintenance preferences—check out our quick list of elegant shower wall options for any Albuquerque home.
1. Tile Shower Walls
Ceramic and porcelain tile have been a popular bath wall choice for decades, and they can be arranged in virtually any size and pattern you could imagine.
- Advantages: Whether around a replacement bathtub or shower, tiles are durable, attractive, and relatively easy to fix if a single tile breaks or falls loose.
- Disadvantages: To end up with a neat installation, you really need to pay attention to the quality of the installers. Grout between tiles can also attract mold and mildew, so you’ll have to be fairly vigilant about cleaning.
2. Acrylic shower Surround Panels
Acrylic shower walls are ideal for homeowners looking to balance budgetary constraints with style and durability concerns.
- Advantages: These shower surround panels are typically pre-fabricated to fit your space, and they’re often installed without grout. They’re also among the most affordable of all shower wall options.
- Disadvantages: Depending on the specific type of acrylic (or fiberglass) that you choose, your shower walls may be prone to yellowing or cracking. Mold and mildew can also grow along the joints of acrylic shower wall panels if not properly installed.
3.Glass Walls and Tiles
As a bathroom material, glass is extremely versatile; you can choose from solid glass walls (like those common in replacement shower enclosures), clear or colored glass blocks, or even back-painted glass tiles.
- Advantages: Glass can be used in virtually any part of a shower or tub, from the walls to the door to the floor. Clear glass often makes small spaces feel larger, while finished glass can provide a touch of privacy and style.
- Disadvantages: Glass tiles are usually more challenging to install, and their slippery finish may not be the best choice for families who need more accessible bathing.
4. Stone Shower Walls
Stone comes in many different shades, textures, and looks from white cultured marble to speckled granite to dark gray slate.
- Advantages: Many Albuquerque homeowners love the natural sophistication of stone for a luxury replacement shower. Depending on the market conditions, stone shower walls may also add resale value to your home.
- Disadvantages: Stone is not only more costly, but it is typically more difficult to maintain. You’ll need to wipe down stone walls with a squeegee, microfiber cloth, and steam cleaner rather than typical bathroom chemicals.
Find the Perfect Shower Wall Options With Full Measure Kitchen & Bath!
Like any type of bathroom remodeling, the bottom line is that there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer as to which shower surround panels are best for you. The easiest way to choose the right shower or bath walls is to work with professional remodelers like Full Measure Kitchen & Bath.
Ready to move forward with your custom bath walls? Just give us a call or fill out our online form, and we’ll schedule a free consultation to review your many shower wall options! We’re even offering $1,000 off your bathtub surround replacement—so get started by contacting us today.
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