How To Install Shower Wall Panels Over Tile
Updated July five, 2022
Y'all're tired of debating the subject field with your married man Steve. You've argued whether it'south better to use a waterproof, grout-gratuitous shower wall panel system or opt for a completely customizable ceramic tile shower. You want the wall panels (later all Steve's never picked upwards your way-too-used scrub brush) and he thinks the ceramic tile shower is far more stylish.
The question is, how can you end this debate? Exercise you and Steve really know all the points (and counterpoints), the positives and negatives of both choices? How can you wrap your arms around this debate and FINALLY get something done? Yous want to brand a purchase and become on with your bathroom remodel.
In this article my goal is simple. It's to requite you the pros and cons of shower wall panels vs. ceramic tile. Certain, I'll fess upwardly and tell you I do accept my favorite (and volition reveal it at the end). However, in that location are things to similar (and dislike) near each choice. At present, without farther filibuster, permit's take a look at the pros and cons of shower wall panels vs. tile.
The Pros (Advantages) of Shower Wall Panels Over Ceramic Tile
(Reward #1 of wall panels) No grout, no grout…and did I mention no grout?
Most people beloved the look of tile. Most people Detest the maintenance of grout joints. If you've got time on your easily (that's NOBODY these days) and enjoy a good circular of scrubbing grout joints (or think the guy from your local Grout Medic franchise is cute and love to accept him over for a service phone call) then ceramic tiles are for yous.
If non, shower and bathtub wall panels will keep The Grout Physician (and your scrub brush) away.
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(Advantage #two of wall panels) – Far quicker installation
Even if you Dear DIY projects, wouldn't y'all rather be playing golf or lawn tennis or enjoying fourth dimension with your kids or grandkids than working away at a tile setting projection? Tile showers can be a hurting to install. Recollect about the steps involved:
Showtime, with tile you have to put up heavy cement board underlayment (although you can as well apply lighter waterproofing systems similar Wedi and Schluter – merely they aren't cheap). So you have to use sparse set, cut tiles and grout the wall.
In short, this process is a Pain IN THE BUTT, fourth dimension consuming, dirty and expensive!
No matter what wall console system yous cull the process is simpler. With many wall panel systems like acrylic, cultured rock, decorative PVC composite shower panels and high gloss you only practice the post-obit:
1) Put upward wet resistant drywall
2) Utilize adhesives to the wall panels or drywall
iii) Hang the sheets up and seal the joints.
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You can fifty-fifty take a simpler process than this with laminated wall panels where the panels are attached to a low price OSB lath, sealed, trimmed and you're done.
If you want to spend more time remodeling your bathroom, choose tile. If you desire to become in and out, shower wall panels are the choice for you.
(Advantage #iii of wall panels) A cleaner installation
If you're similar me, when you get out to dinner you HATE getting muddy. That'south why – although I love crab legs, I seldom guild them because they're too much work (although I have to admit I think I wait hot in those stylish white and red bibs they requite you. Yes, I'thou lying!).
With all kidding aside – some DIY remodeling installation are messy and dusty. Cutting tiles, working with sparse set and tile grout certainly belongs on the messy list.
Products like the PVC composite wall panels tin be cut with a carpenter's knife.
With the laminate shower wall panels, you tin can use mutual woodworking equipment like a jig saw or circular saw (or track saw if you lot've got it).
Lesser line – if you want less mess stay away from ceramic tile and the grit and cement-similar adhesives which come with information technology.
(Advantage #4 of wall panels) Shower wall panels fit today'due south crazy, busy lifestyle
If you lot're like me (and my wife) you're running like a madman/madwoman. Picking up the kids. Taking care of elderly parents. Trying to keep upward with your 'twenty-four hour period-job' (which stretches into the night and weekends). Trying to squeeze in a piddling time for a quiet dinner alone.
The terminal thing y'all desire to do is spend fourth dimension cleaning your shower each morning. Since shower wall panels – by their nature – are non-porous, they tin can exist simply wiped downward IF you're a fanatic and similar the clean the walls when you're done.
If you're like most people, with shower wall panels you can shower and become the heck out of there to get about your 24-hour interval.
With ceramic tile, if you lot do nothing to make clean the walls, y'all'll eventually see visible soap scum, get dark and moldy joints. It won't have long for things to look YUCKY.
(Advantage #5 of wall panels) Y'all'll (mostly) salvage coin with shower wall panels vs. ceramic tile
If yous've got boat-loads of money and can pay a professional loftier-end contractor to do a custom-tile job (and a grout company to make clean information technology) more ability to you.
Withal, for most people in the 'existent world,' finding cost-effective products matters. This is where shower wall panels come in. They're oft cheaper than tile.
Get Gratis Samples!
Click here to request gratuitous samples of our Laminated Waterproof Shower Wall Panels.
Now, I will tell y'all the prices of shower wall panels vary greatly. At the bottom – if you desire cheap prices – y'all'll find fiberglass and acrylic panels. Sure, they look plasticky (IMHO), but if you want a quick-fix, or accept a property you're looking to flip in a low-rent neighborhood, they're perfect for y'all.
If you desire mid-priced wall panels (which will exist slightly less plush than tile – depending on what tile yous selection), decorative PVC wall panels, solid surface panels and laminate wall panels are audio choices. To become more input on sharp-looking shower wall panels in this mid-priced range read (or the click the image below) for thefive Best DIY Shower Wall Panels Y'all Can Buy Under $ane,750.
Lastly, if yous're looking for an uber-sleek all drinking glass look y'all tin't get with tile but will give you the modernistic motif, then fork out the bucks for high gloss wall panels. They may be more expensive than the initial purchase price of tile (depending on what tile you lot choose), but they look waaaay absurd, and y'all'll salvage maintenance costs down the road.
(Advantage #6 of wall panels) Shower wall panels can 'travel' well
Perchance you're looking for a low maintenance wall surface for a tiny home. Or you want a lighter, simple to install shower surround for your houseboat or RV which won't autumn off when your home is moving. In these instances, there's no dubiousness shower wall panels volition kick the pants off ceramic tile.
For these projects smart choices include the (low cost) acrylic or fiberglass. If you want more way and a realistic look the decorative PVC wall panels or laminate wall panels makes sense.
(Advantage #7 of wall panels) With shower wall panels you don't take to sweat 'springing a leak'
Grout joints in ceramic tiles absorbs wet. I know what I just said isn't rocket science. Y'all know this if yous've lived through wet, spongy, moldy tile or shower walls y'all had to take down (or acquired a leak onto your kitchen floor or expensive dining room table beneath).
Since shower wall panels are not-porous you tin sleep well without worrying most leaking and spending money for a VERY expensive redo which not just includes ripping out and replacing the shower, merely also your ceiling, subfloor and piece of furniture below.
The Pros (Advantages) of Ceramic Tile over Shower Wall Panels
(Advantage #1 of ceramic tile) Some shower wall panels with 'simulated grout joints' look every bit simulated every bit the mold they were cutting out of
When you encounter a plasticky acrylic wall console which is 'supposed' to look like real subway tile, are y'all fooled?
When you see a cultured stone shower panel which is 'supposed' to look similar real stone, exercise y'all say, 'this stuff looks better than the existent thing" and brag to your friends about information technology?
I bet non. Molded shower wall panels with 'tile and stone' looks don't fool many people.
Ceramic tile is ceramic tile. Information technology's the existent thing.
Bathroom Remodeling Ultimate Guide
Making the Most of Your Bathroom Makeover!
Nevertheless, at that place is one shower wall panel – which in my stance – gives yous the realistic tile or rock wait. It's laminate shower panels (also called 'The No Tile, Tile Shower'). These units have realistically indented grout joints – which have different colored faux grout joints than the 'tile surface.'
Of course, you know if you want an bodily tile joint, you'll have to go with ceramic tile and manage the maintenance which comes with information technology.
(Advantage #two of ceramic tile) With ceramic tile shower you can always get what you want
If y'all're looking for a one-of-a-kind blueprint – which is as distinctive every bit y'all, you tin can't beat ceramic tile. You can mingle infinite tile patterns together. You can put in-lays to capture a specific design menstruation. You tin can add together borders.
Ceramic tile is fully customizable. It can be cutting and installed to your eye'due south want.
Sure, y'all'll pay for this customization, just why are you hording your money anyhow? Alive a little. Savour your bathroom. Why leave all your money behind for your heirs? Go a little 'Burger King' and accept it your way!
(Advantage #3 of ceramic tile) Some wall panels are heavy and a hurting in the rear to become into the room
If you lot've ever lifted a 130 pound, 60" ten 96" cultured rock shower wall panel, brought it up 2 flights of stairs, and tried to install it onto the back wall of a tiny v' 10 3' shower surround with a window, you know certain types of wall panels can exist a hurting to install.
When you've got tight spaces, information technology'due south elementary to bring upwards boxes of tiles and cut them to fit. Sure, large shower panels are nice when they aren't too heavy (note laminate or PVC wall panels are simpler – and lighter- to install than cultured stone). Nevertheless, if y'all're using solid surface walls or cultured stone, be prepared to consume your Wheaties.
On the other paw, when you're working in minor spaces with lots of angles and cuts – tile (while time-consuming to install) will get the job done, quite nicely.
(Advantage #iv of ceramic tile) Some shower wall console systems play 'difficult to get' with consumers
Let's say you've decided in social club to save money, yous'd similar to use the acrylic wall panels. So you lot Try to source these bad-boys. You'll find it's like negotiating with a monopoly. Local contracting companies and franchises who control these lines volition refuse to sell them direct to you. They'll insist on scheduling a costless in-dwelling house judge. Their high-force per unit area Tin-Men-Esque salesman volition brow-crush you to Buy TODAY an installed project earlier the sale is gone!
You only wanted to DIY your shower and save a few bucks.
With the ceramic tiles I swear you lot can literally go anywhere and find them (OK – the gas stations haven't started carrying ceramic tiles yet. However, yous may see some boxes in the hereafter adjacent to their prepackaged sushi!).
You should note, not all wall panels play hard-to-get with consumers who want to DIY. Cultured stone panels are sold at home centers. Laminated wall panels can be purchased through authorized distributors who will ship them directly to your home.
(Advantage #five of ceramic tile) Some shower wall console systems expect 'erstwhile school.' New tile patterns are coming out continuously
You lot want the latest Mediterranean mosaic tile design. You desire super-big format tiles. Y'all want a fish calibration design. Yous want a vertically laid aqua-colored drinking glass tile.
Since tile is such a HUGE market, and can be produced in pocket-sized lot quantities, your want for a niche mode (no matter how weird it is) is out there for purchase.
Ceramic tiles can be as distinctive equally y'all.
Now – don't completely discount shower wall panels as 'behind-the-times.' In the laminate line you can get Modern Farmhouse shower wall panels (or Transitionalist or Minimalist) which will get the Joanna Gaines seal of blessing for their actuality.
(Advantage #6 of ceramic tile) It's easier to work effectually a curved wall
While at that place aren't a lot of curved walls in showers, when there are (like in the case of a snail-shaped shower) they tin exist a dramatic. Mosaic tiles tin easily exist positioned to work around the curvature.
The but wall panel which has the ability to piece of work around a curve are decorative PVC walls. While the curvature of these panels has its limitations, they can also add together style without the maintenance of tile grout joints.
(Advantage #7 of ceramic tile) It'southward eco-friendlier than many of the shower wall panels
You're doing your all-time to make smart decisions for the planet. Natural building materials (like glass and ceramics) are a good identify to start. Ceramic tiles and glass walls are smart choices for their durability and organic roots.
Wall console products like 1-day-acrylic shower walls and one-piece fiberglass surrounds aren't exactly the most green-friendly options for our planet.
Conclusion
Now that you've sifted through the pros and the cons, and advantages and disadvantages of shower wall panels vs. ceramic tile is there 1 lucent winner to you lot?
I told you at the beginning I'd share my favorite. Since I'm a 'bit' (I'thou being generous hither) on the lazy side when information technology comes to my desire (or lack thereof) to practise home maintenance projects, I'd become for the shower wall panels. I'll too acknowledge my favorite shower wall panels are the laminate and PVC ones because they await cool and are uncomplicated to install. Acrylic and fiberglass are at the bottom of my list. They're as well cheap and plasticky for my married woman Rose and I to want to employ them in our domicile.
Whatsoever you choose, it's always all-time to know the pros and cons of your possible options.
If you lot need help deciding between shower wall panels and ceramic tile, nosotros'd love to assist. Call the numbers or click the links below.
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For Nationwide (or local) supply of shower wall panels, shower enclosures and shower bases call Innovate Building Solutions at 877-668-5888 or The Bathroom Doctor at 614-252-7294 in Columbus. For a remodeling project (using either tile or shower panels) contact Cleveland Pattern and Remodeling at 216-658-1270.
If you're a remodeler or builder and desire applied advice on remodeling products, industry trends, marketing and sales tips to abound your business organisation (and cut day to twenty-four hours hassles), start reading my newest blog – Innovate Builders Web log. It's packed with ideas you tin use now. Click here to Sign Up for the Introduce Builders Blog.
If you're in the edifice business, click here if you lot'd like to larn how to become a shower wall panel dealer or call and ask for Mike at 877-668-5888.
If you want more communication (or similar wacky humour) follow me on LinkedIn @MikeFotiLinkedIn or on Twitter @Mike_Foti or my companies @InnovateBuild or @InnovateHomeOrg.
Source: https://blog.innovatebuildingsolutions.com/2019/04/22/pros-cons-shower-wall-panels-vs-ceramic-tile/
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