The Best Shower Wall Materials for Easy Cleaning & Durability

Can you relate to that frustrating moment when you know that the shower needs to be cleaned, but it feels impossible to get rid of the soap scum, mildew, grime, and stained grout lines? If you have an older shower, then it’s likely that you are dealing with high-maintenance cleaning requirements because of the outdated materials.

So, if you are planning to upgrade your shower, then make sure to talk to our team about the best material for shower walls that will be easy to clean in the future. Investing in the right materials will save you time, money, and stress in the future.

Here are a few things that you need to know about how the materials affect the ease of cleaning in your bathroom:

Factors that Separate a Great Shower Wall from an Average Shower

As you are comparing different types of shower wall material options, our team will help you understand the top-notch features that stand out from average materials. Ideally, your shower walls should be built with materials that are not only waterproof but also resistant to mold and mildew.

The right materials are easy to clean, so you can wipe down the surfaces without putting in a lot of “elbow grease” to scrub away the grime. For example, we discourage our clients from using some materials that require more frequent cleaning or are susceptible to staining. One common challenge is tile with grout, because the grout can be a place where mold and buildup start to collect over time.

Additionally, we want to make sure that you have durable materials that are built to last for many years, even in a humid environment (especially here in Florida).

Aesthetics are a priority because you deserve to have a beautiful, relaxing bathroom that you love. Also, we are here to help you navigate cost and budgeting concerns to ensure that you get the best results for the money that you are spending.

What is the Best Material for Shower Walls?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, especially since you have unique preferences for the aesthetics and design. Here’s an overview of some of the best shower wall material options that you might consider, as well as pros and cons that will help as you are making this decision:

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile

Tile looks amazing in a bathroom, and it offers a lot of personalization options. The style possibilities are versatile and endless. Another benefit of tile is that it is easy to find and is a very strong material that will hold up for many years.

One of the biggest drawbacks of choosing tile is that grout maintenance can be quite a hassle. The grout has a high risk of staining, which means that you will need to seal it occasionally to prevent damage.

We recommend ceramic or porcelain tile for homeowners who want a custom look and don’t mind higher-maintenance cleaning requirements.

Natural Stone (Marble, Granite, Travertine, Slate)

If you’re going for a high-end look and want to create a unique design, then natural stone is an excellent choice. It is solid and durable, offering long-lasting results that you will love.

Keep in mind that natural stone usually costs more than other types of shower wall material options… the high-end look comes at a price. The stone needs to be sealed and resealed since it’s porous. Also, you need to be careful about the cleaners that you use so that you don’t damage the stone with chemicals.

Our team might recommend natural stone for your shower if you have a large budget and the overall aesthetics are your priority.

Solid Surface Panels (Acrylic, Fiberglass)

The best material for a walk-in shower is a solid surface panel because you need minimal grout, and it is very easy to maintain. This material is very cost-efficient and lightweight, which is one of the reasons why it’s so popular.

The drawback of solid surface shower panels is that they don’t look quite as nice as some of the more expensive materials. Also, there is a risk of the panels scratching.

We like to use these panels for walk-in showers and with homeowners who want bathroom renovations on a budget.

Engineered Stone & Quartz Panels

The benefit of these engineered stones is that they are non-porous, which makes them stain-resistant. The engineering creates a uniform appearance, which some homeowners want to see in their showers.

These may not be the best material for shower walls if you are on a budget because they are a bit more expensive. Also, there are limited color and design options.

Glass

When you’re going for a modern look, glass is a common choice for shower walls. You can even add an accent or pop of color if you create mosaic features with the glass.

The con is that glass needs to be cleaned more frequently because you can see the water spots on the surface. Also, it requires delicate installation and it can be a hassle to clean because of the grout lines that can start to discolor.

Waterproof Wallboard, PVC Panels, Large Format Panels

These large pieces offer many of the benefits that you get with solid surface panels. They are fast to install, low maintenance, and there aren’t many seams since the panels are so large.

The drawback is that you have fewer design styles to choose from, and the panels don’t feel quite as luxurious as other shower wall material options.

Your Personalized Recommendations for the Best Material for Shower Walls

Since there are so many options, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with our experienced team to discuss your needs and preferences. There are many factors that should be considered when designing your new shower, such as budget, design preferences, and how much effort you want to put into cleaning your shower in the future.

Many homeowners find that solid surface panels or large format panels are the “sweet spot.” If you are looking for a cost-effective solution that is very easy to clean and maintain, then these products are an excellent choice.

If your priority is a shower that is easy to clean and low-maintenance, then you’ll want something that has large panels and non-porous surfaces. Minimizing grout and seams makes it much easier to clean the surfaces because you don’t have to worry about the build-up and mold collecting in the cracks.

Choosing a Trusted Shower Installation Team

One of the most important decisions that you are going to make is choosing an experienced team to help with your shower installation. It’s worth the investment to bring in the professionals because you want to be sure that your new shower is built to last. Quality matters, and you need a bathroom renovation contractor that sources the best materials and uses the right installation techniques to minimize leaking and issues in the future.

At Clearwater Shower and Bath, we offer full-service solutions. Our team has been serving homeowners in the local area for many years, and you’ll see that we have a solid reputation as one of the most trusted providers for bathroom renovations.

Whether you want to just replace the shower or you are ready to invest in a full bathroom renovation, we are here to provide the design and installation services that you need.

Call us right away to book an appointment for a free consultation. We’ll discuss your goals and help you choose the ideal bathroom renovation services for your home: (727) 265-1141.