Tile vs. Solid Surface: Which Shower Material is Easier to Maintain?

Tile or solid surface—which one’s the better pick for your shower? If you’re planning a remodel, you’ve probably gone down this rabbit hole already. What’s easier to clean? What lasts longer? And, most importantly, which one won’t have you scrubbing grout at the end of a long day? 

Before you dive headfirst into a decision, it's always best to consult with expert bath and shower installers in Monroe County, PA. They know the ins and outs of shower materials, can help you avoid costly mistakes, and might just save you from a lifetime of grout-related regrets. Now, let’s break down your options so you can make an informed (and hopefully hassle-free) choice.

What is the best surface for a walk in the shower?

Tile showers have been around forever, and for good reason—they’re customizable, stylish, and give your bathroom that upscale, spa-like feel. But let’s not gloss over the main paint point here: grout.

Pros of tile showers

• Tons of design options—colors, shapes, textures, you name it.
• If a tile gets damaged, you can replace just that tile instead of redoing the whole shower (often tricky, but it can be done).
• Enhances home value (buyers like a good tile aesthetic).

Cons of tile showers

• Grout. Grout. Grout. It absorbs moisture, stains, and needs regular scrubbing to prevent mold.
• More seams mean more places for dirt, bacteria and soap scum to hide.
• Installation takes longer (thus is more expensive) and requires a skilled professional.

Maintenance level: High. Unless you enjoy deep cleaning on the weekends, expect to put in some tedious elbow grease to keep a tile shower looking pristine.

Solid surface showers: The low-maintenance alternative

Solid surface showers (like cultured marble, acrylic, or engineered stone) are important components in the bathroom world. They give you a sleek, modern look without the tedious scrubbing.

Pros of solid surface showers

• No grout! One seamless panel = no tiny crevices for mold to colonize.
• Super easy to deal with—just wipe it down with a mild cleaner.
• Resistant to stains, cracks, and moisture damage AND bacteria
• Did we say NO GROUT?!
• Material costs are reasonable, and since there is less labor involved than with tile, the cost is either in line with tile or in some cases lower.

Cons of solid surface showers

• More limited design options versus tile.
• Scratched or minor nicks are easily repaired by buffing them out.  Cracks or major damage are rare since they would mainly be due to heavy impact, but if it did occur, a larger section may need to be replaced.

Maintenance level: Low. If you want a shower that requires minimal upkeep, a solid surface is the way to go.

So, what's the final answer?

Truth be told, there is no definitive answer.  Preferences and reasons for choosing one over the other are individual.  If you love variety and don’t mind a little maintenance, tile is a great option. But if you’d rather spend your time not scrubbing grout, and like a stylish but more simple, clean aesthetic, solid surface showers are a no-brainer.

Let’s put it this way: Do you want a shower that features a highly custom design  but higher maintenance or one that’s low-maintenance and effortlessly clean?

If your dream shower involves bold, intricate patterns, tile is your best bet. If your dream shower involves wiping down a surface in seconds and calling it a day, and a beautiful but less involved design, solid surface wins. Either way, your future self will thank you for choosing wisely.

Looking for expert bath and shower installers in Monroe County, PA? Contact us today!

Still debating whether tile or solid surface is the right call? What about hinged vs. sliding shower doors? And let’s not even start on the clear vs. frosted glass debate. A shower remodel comes with a lot of decisions, but you don’t have to make them alone. As leading bath and shower installers in Monroe County, PA, the Kitchen Magic team can walk you through all your options—helping you choose a design that’s not only stylish but also easy to maintain. No matter if you’re in Stroudsburg or elsewhere in the area, give us a call and go make the best shower decision of your life!