Choosing between acrylic and tile for your shower remodel is a significant decision that impacts both aesthetics and functionality. The bathroom renovation market offers these two popular options with distinct differences in appearance, durability, maintenance, and cost. Acrylic showers typically cost $700-$1,600 for materials while tile showers range from $1,000-$3,500 depending on tile quality. Installation costs also vary considerably, with acrylic installation being faster and generally less expensive than the labor-intensive tile installation process. This guide compares these shower options across all critical factors to help you make an informed decision for your bathroom upgrade.
Acrylic showers are prefabricated shower units made from sheets of acrylic that have been heated, molded, and reinforced with fiberglass. These showers come as one-piece units or multi-piece kits that can include walls, bases, doors, and sometimes built-in features like shelves or seating. The material is a thermoplastic that creates a non-porous, waterproof surface ideal for wet environments.
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Modern acrylic showers offer a range of designs, from basic white surrounds to units mimicking natural stone or tile patterns. They’re available in standard sizes for direct replacements or custom dimensions for unique spaces. Most acrylic showers feature reinforced bases designed to prevent flexing and provide stability when in use, addressing concerns about the material’s otherwise relatively flexible nature.
Understanding Tile Showers
Tile showers represent a more traditional approach to shower construction, consisting of individual tiles adhered to a properly waterproofed substrate. Unlike prefabricated units, tile showers are built on-site, offering unlimited customization in terms of size, layout, and design possibilities. This construction method allows for complete personalization of the shower space.
Common tile materials for showers include ceramic, porcelain, natural stone (marble, granite, travertine), glass, and increasingly popular large-format tiles. Each material offers different aesthetic qualities, durability characteristics, and price points. The foundation of a tile shower typically includes a mortar bed or a prefabricated shower pan, waterproofing membrane, cement backer board, and finally the tile surface with grout joints.
Cost Comparison: Acrylic vs. Tile Showers
Acrylic shower materials typically cost between $700 and $1,600 for standard units, while custom sizes or premium features can push costs toward $4,000. This price usually includes the shower base, walls, and sometimes doors. Budget options exist around $400-600, though quality may be compromised at this price point.
For tile showers, material costs vary significantly based on tile selection. Ceramic tiles might cost $2-$5 per square foot, while premium natural stone can exceed $20 per square foot. For an average shower, tile materials alone (including waterproofing, backer board, tile, grout, and sealant) typically range from $1,000 to $3,500. Custom shower pans add $300-$500 to this total.
Installation costs reveal an even greater difference. Acrylic shower installation typically ranges from $700-$1,600, with professional installation of a standard unit often completed within a day. Tile shower installation is considerably more labor-intensive, usually costing $2,000-$5,000 and requiring 3-7 days to complete properly, depending on design complexity and tile type.
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| Aspect | Acrylic Shower | Tile Shower |
|---|---|---|
| Materials Cost | $700-$1,600 | $1,000-$3,500+ |
| Installation Cost | $700-$1,600 | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Total Average Cost | $1,400-$3,200 | $3,000-$8,500+ |
Installation Process Comparison
Acrylic shower installation is relatively straightforward, making it appealing for both professional contractors and ambitious DIYers. Most units can be installed in 4-8 hours by professionals, with the process involving positioning the base, securing the walls, sealing joints, and connecting plumbing fixtures. Multi-piece kits facilitate easier transport into bathrooms through standard doorways.
Tile shower installation is significantly more complex and time-consuming. The process includes creating a properly sloped shower pan (either custom-built or prefabricated), installing waterproofing membranes, mounting cement backer board, laying out and cutting tiles, adhering tiles with thinset mortar, grouting, and finally sealing. A professional tile installation typically takes 3-7 days to complete properly, with additional drying time required between stages.
Top Brands for Acrylic Showers
Premium Brands
Kohler offers high-end acrylic showers with prices ranging from $1,200-$3,000, featuring innovative designs like digital controls and steam options. Their LuxStone line combines acrylic with crushed stone for enhanced durability. American Standard ($800-$2,000) provides reliable mid-to-high-end options with antimicrobial protection and quality construction.
Mid-Range Brands
Delta Shower Systems ($600-$1,500) delivers good value with customizable options and easy-installation features. Sterling by Kohler ($500-$1,200) offers durability with reinforced acrylic and practical designs. Aquatic Bath ($700-$1,800) specializes in accessible shower solutions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Budget-Friendly Options
ASB ($400-$900) and Mustee ($350-$800) provide basic but functional acrylic shower units at lower price points, making them popular choices for rental properties and budget renovations.
Best Tile Options and Manufacturers
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Daltile leads the market with extensive porcelain and ceramic collections priced from $2-$15 per square foot, offering excellent durability and water resistance. American Olean ($3-$10/sq.ft) provides designer-oriented options with coordinating trim pieces. Florida Tile ($3-$12/sq.ft) specializes in porcelain tiles that realistically mimic natural materials.
Natural Stone Tile
MSI ($8-$25/sq.ft) offers premium marble, granite, and travertine tiles with consistent quality. Arizona Tile ($10-$30/sq.ft) specializes in luxury stone options with unique patterns. Walker Zanger ($15-$40/sq.ft) provides high-end stone tiles favored by designers for exclusive bathroom projects.
Glass and Specialty Tile
Oceanside Glass ($20-$50/sq.ft) creates handcrafted glass tiles in vibrant colors. Crossville ($8-$20/sq.ft) offers large-format porcelain panels that minimize grout lines. Ann Sacks ($20-$60/sq.ft) specializes in artisanal and custom tile solutions for luxury bathrooms.
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Pros and Cons of Acrylic Showers
Advantages
- Cost-effective with lower material and installation costs
- Quick installation usually completed within a day
- Low maintenance with non-porous surfaces that resist mold and mildew
- Warm to the touch and maintains water temperature better than tile
- Seamless construction minimizes leakage risks
- Lightweight and easier to transport/install
Disadvantages
- Limited customization compared to tile
- Can scratch or crack under harsh impacts or cleaning products
- Lower perceived value may not enhance home resale value as much as tile
- Fewer design options and aesthetic limitations
- Difficult to repair if damaged (often requires complete replacement)
Pros and Cons of Tile Showers
Advantages
- Unlimited design flexibility with countless patterns, colors, and layouts
- High-end appearance that typically increases home value
- Durability with proper installation (can last decades)
- Individual tiles can be replaced if damaged
- Heat resistant and works well with heated floor systems
- Can be extended seamlessly into other bathroom areas
Disadvantages
- Significantly higher cost for both materials and installation
- Labor-intensive installation requiring specialized skills
- Grout lines require regular cleaning and periodic resealing
- Higher potential for leakage if waterproofing is improperly installed
- Cold surface temperature unless heated
- Installation errors can lead to expensive problems
Which is Right for You?
Acrylic showers are ideal for homeowners with limited budgets, tight timelines, or those seeking low-maintenance solutions. They’re practical for rental properties, secondary bathrooms, or situations where quick installation is prioritized over customization. Their warm surface and easy cleaning make them suitable for households with young children or elderly users.
Tile showers better serve homeowners focused on customization, luxury aesthetics, or increasing property value. They’re the preferred choice for master bathrooms, custom home builds, and upscale renovations. If your renovation budget allows for professional installation and you value design flexibility, tile provides superior aesthetic options and potential return on investment.
The ultimate decision depends on balancing your budget constraints, timeline requirements, maintenance preferences, and design priorities. Many homeowners successfully incorporate both options in different bathrooms throughout their homes, using tile for primary bathrooms and acrylic for guest or children’s bathrooms.