Let’s be real—remodeling a bathroom is all fun and games until you get to the part where you have to choose a shower material. Suddenly, you're drowning in choices. Do you go for sleek tiles? A low-maintenance acrylic setup? Maybe something fancy like natural stone? And let’s not even start on the shower floor!
The ideal shower material really comes down to your style, budget, and let’s be honest—how much time you’re willing to spend scrubbing grout (probably not much). But picking the right material is just half the battle. A solid installation makes all the difference in how long your shower stays looking great. That’s why it’s worth reaching out to a trusted shower installation company in Monroe County, PA; they’ll help you make an informed decision and ensure your new shower is built to last.
What's the best material to use in a shower?
Short answer: It depends. Long answer: Let’s explore your options.
1. Ceramic or porcelain tile – The classic & customizable choice
Pros: Affordable, water-resistant, and available in virtually any color, shape, or pattern.
Cons: Grout maintenance. Nobody enjoys scrubbing mildew out of tiny grout lines.
Ceramic and porcelain tile can be customized to match your style preferences and has long been the timeless go-to. Just be prepared to reseal the grout as needed (larger tiles with thinner grout lines can help in this regard) and clean the grout as part of your regular cleaning routine, well, forever.
However, read on to learn how, with today’s alternative solutions engineered to be grout-free, you do not need to trade beauty for low maintenance.
2. Natural stone – Luxurious but high-maintenance
Pros: Gorgeous, unique, and adds resale value to your home.
Cons: High maintenance, expensive and and often porous ( it loves water a little too much).
Marble, travertine, and slate bring a spa-like feel to your shower, but they also require regular sealing to prevent moisture damage. If you're okay with a higher cost and future upkeep in exchange for a spa-like vibe, natural stone can work. It is not, however, the most practical for often used shower / wet areas.
3. Acrylic or fiberglass – The low-maintenance option
Pros: Easy to clean, budget-friendly, and quick to install.
Cons: Can look basic and ‘plastic’ and may not be as long lasting as other solutions.
If your dream shower is one that requires little-to-no effort to keep spotless, acrylic and fiberglass fit the bill. They come in solid, one-piece units or panels that make installation a breeze—perfect for anyone who wants to get in, get out, and never think about tile or grout again.
4. Solid surface – Sleek and seamless
Pros: Non-porous, mold-resistant, low maintenance and easy to clean.
Cons: Comparably priced to the molded acrylic solution, but with a richer look and feel and inconspicuous seams.
Made of polymers and resin-based materials, engineered solid surface showers are an elegant choice that minimizes seams and grout lines (goodbye, mildew). They mimic natural stone without the maintenance, making them an excellent pick for a modern, fuss-free shower.
What is the best material for a bathroom shower floor?
Your shower floor experiences a lot of wear and tear—water, soap scum, the occasional dropped shampoo bottle—so durability and slip resistance should be top priorities.
Here are some options you may want to consider:
- Tile: Strong, water-resistant, and naturally slip-resistant thanks to grout lines providing extra grip. A stylish and safe choice, however one that comes with the above mentioned maintenance of grout, with the added challenge that the floor dries a bit more slowly than the walls.
- Pebble flooring: If you want a spa-like experience, pebbles add texture and give you a gentle foot massage every time you shower. Just be ready for a little extra scrubbing to keep them and the grout clean.
- Textured solid surface or acrylic one piece base: No grout, no hassle, just a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. Great for accessibility and minimal maintenance.
What's one of the best shower installation companies in Monroe County, PA?
Trying to decide between hinged or sliding doors? Not sure if clear or frosted glass is the way to go? The truth is, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle. After all, a great shower isn’t just about the material—it’s about how good it feels stepping into it every morning.
But if you're not quite sure what you want or how to bring it all together, that’s where Kitchen Magic comes in! We are best known for expert kitchen remodels, but are also a trusted name when it comes to bathroom upgrades in Monroe County. No matter if you’re in East Stroudsburg or elsewhere in the area, feel free to give us a call so we can discuss your ideas!
