Deciding to undergo a shower remodel in your St. Louis home is an exciting opportunity to transform your bathroom into a personal oasis. At the heart of any bathroom remodel is the shower. Showers are essential and functional parts of bathrooms, but they can also impact overall aesthetics. As beautiful as tiles and sold surfaces are, they also come with their own set of small drawbacks that deserve some consideration. So, how do you choose between solid and tile surfaces for your St. Louis shower remodel? We’ll share the pros and cons of these options so that you can make an informed decision about your bathroom transformation.
A Closer Look at Shower Tiles for Shower Remodels
Shower tiles are a popular choice for bathroom renovations. This option provides a synergistic blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal.
Tiles exude personality, coming in a variety of materials that cater to your unique needs. Here are some of the most popular options.
Ceramic and Porcelain
These two are popular choices for showers due to their durability and water resistance, with porcelain being particularly well-suited for wet environments. These tiles offer a vast array of design options, enabling homeowners to personalize their showers with everything from simple, solid colors to intricate patterns.
Natural Stone
Marble, granite, and slate tiles offer a luxurious and unique aesthetic, enhancing the elegance of any bathroom with their natural beauty. However, these materials typically require more maintenance compared to ceramic or porcelain tiles.
Glass
This option creates a bright, reflective surface that makes a shower feel more spacious. They’re water-resistant and easy to clean but can be slippery when wet, making them more suitable for walls than floors.
Pros of Shower Tiles
- Versatility in design, allowing for customization to fit any style
- Durability, with the ability to withstand daily use for many years
- Easy replacement of individual tiles if damaged
Cons of Shower Tiles
- Grout lines can be difficult to clean and may stain over time
- Regular cleaning and sealing required, often needing professional expertise
- Potentially higher installation costs
- Can be cold under feet (unless heated)
- Higher initial cost compared to prefabricated shower options
Tile showers offer a balance of beauty and functionality but require careful consideration of material choice and maintenance needs to ensure long-term satisfaction with your bathroom renovation.
A Closer Look At Solid Surface Showers
Solid surface showers are modern bathroom fixtures made from a non-porous, man-made material composed of mineral dust (typically alumina trihydrate), resins, and pigments. This versatile material offers a seamless, sleek appearance that has become increasingly popular in contemporary bathroom designs.
Acrylic-Based
Acrylic-based solid surfaces are known for their durability and matte finish. They adhere well to other materials, making them ideal for creating seamless shower enclosures.
Polyester-Based
These solid surfaces are more affordable and offer a glossy finish. They’re UV-resistant, making them great for maintaining vibrant colors.
Hybrid (Acrylic and Polyester)
Some solid surfaces combine both acrylic and polyester resins, offering a balance of durability and affordability.
Pros of Solid Surfaces:
- Non-porous and waterproof, making them highly resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria
- Easy to clean and maintain due to the absence of grout lines
- Quick and simple installation compared to tile showers
- Seamless appearance with fewer joints, reducing the risk of water infiltration
- Customizable with a variety of colors and patterns available
Cons of Solid Surfaces
- Generally, it is more expensive than tile options, though this may be offset by lower installation costs.
- Limited design options compared to the versatility of tile
- More susceptible to scratches and dents than some other materials
- Cannot be easily repaired if damaged; often requires professional intervention
Many people choose solid surface showers for their modern aesthetic, ease of maintenance, and waterproof properties. They’re particularly appealing to those who want a grout-free shower experience and a quick installation process.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Solid Surfaces vs. Tiles
Creating your dream bathroom doesn’t happen out of thin air. It requires careful consideration between homeowners and the professionals they hire. While a professional can help guide you to the right decision, you should have a general idea of certain considerations surrounding this exciting project.
Budget
Budget constraints often guide initial choices, with solid surface options generally carrying a higher upfront cost but potentially lower long-term maintenance expenses.
Tile showers are potentially more affordable initially. However, tiles may incur higher installation and ongoing maintenance costs.
Personal Style and Creative Expression
Personal style preferences also play a crucial role in this decision. You should love your bathroom, especially after all the hard work and expenses that are going into remodeling it.
Solid surface showers offer a sleek, seamless look with a range of color options. They have a higher-end aesthetic that can really transform your bathroom into a personal oasis.
Meanwhile, tile showers provide virtually limitless design possibilities. Their versatility allows for more customization opportunities. Also, they tend to be cheaper than solid surfaces. Therefore, you have more leeway budget-wise to explore your creativity or get higher-quality tile materials.
Maintenance and Upkeep
You’re going to have your new shower for a very long time. Therefore, maintenance requirements are equally important considerations.
Solid surface showers are prized for their easy-to-clean, non-porous surfaces that resist mold and mildew. This makes solid surfaces a low-maintenance option. In contrast, tile showers require more regular upkeep, particularly grout cleaning and occasional resealing.
Installation
Installation complexity also differs significantly between the two options. Solid surface showers typically involve a quicker. They’re larger pieces, making it a more straightforward installation process than tiles.
Tile showers demand more time and expertise to ensure proper alignment and grouting. They can also be easily customized. While that is an excellent perk of tiles, it can also add time to the project. So, be sure to budget those considerations into your timeline!
Tiles vs. Solid Surface Showers: How to Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between solid surface and tiles depends on balancing the factors we’ve discussed with your specific needs and preferences. Consider your long-term goals for the space, daily usage patterns, and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to maintenance.
Both options can result in beautiful, functional showers when properly installed and maintained. So, the decision often comes down to which characteristics align best with your lifestyle and aesthetic vision for your bathroom.
Shower Remodeling in St. Louis
At Mosby Building Arts, we understand that choosing between tile and solid surface showers for your St. Louis home is a big decision. That’s why our team of experienced designers and craftsmen is here to guide you through every step of your shower remodeling journey.
We listen to your vision, preferences, and concerns to discuss your lifestyle needs, aesthetic desires, and budget constraints. We’ll share the pros and cons of both for your unique situation and explore the many ways we can customize this project to make your bathroom dreams come true.
Throughout the process, we’ll provide expert advice on everything from layout and functionality to color schemes and accessories. Our goal is to ensure that your new shower meets your immediate needs and adds lasting value to your home.
Contact us today or call 314.909.1800!