Tile, acrylic, fiberglass and solid-surface showers compared for cost, upkeep, durability, look and installation time.
Choosing a shower starts with choosing what it is made of. Custom tile gives the most design freedom and can be built to any size, but it has grout lines to maintain and takes longer to build. Acrylic is molded into one-piece units or panels with a smooth, glossy surface that is easy to clean and quick to install. Fiberglass is the most affordable and lightest, with a thinner, less durable surface that can dull and crack over time. Solid surface, a dense, non-porous material, gives a seamless, stone-like look with few joints and a premium feel.
No material is best for everyone. A busy family bathroom may do well with acrylic or large-format tile, a guest bath with fiberglass, a primary suite with custom tile or slabs and a rental with solid-surface or acrylic panels that are easy to clean. Installation quality matters as much as the material, because every type depends on a sound base, correct slope and waterproofing. In Nashville, where humidity encourages mildew, fewer grout joints and good ventilation make any material easier to live with.
Most design freedom, with grout to maintain.
Glossy, durable and easy to clean.
Lightest and most affordable, less durable.
Seamless and non-porous, with a premium look.
Tile and solid surface can be custom-sized.
Prefab is days. Custom tile is weeks.
Shower ReplacementTear out a worn, leaking or outdated shower and replace it with a new, watertight shower that fits…Explore 
Custom Tile Shower InstallationFully custom tile showers with your choice of tile, pattern, niche, bench and fixtures, built on a waterproof…Explore 
Acrylic and Fiberglass Shower InstallationPrefabricated acrylic and fiberglass shower stalls, bases and walls: fast to install, easy to clean and budget friendly.Explore 
Bathtub ReplacementRemove an old, cracked, stained or leaking tub and install a new one, with the surround, faucet and…Explore 
Whirlpool and Jetted Tub InstallationJetted tubs with a dedicated circuit, an accessible pump and proper support, installed to code-minded standards.Explore 
Walk-In Tub InstallationWalk-in tubs with a sealed door, built-in seat and safety features, installed on a level floor with the…Explore 
Free Shower EstimateA free, no-pressure on-site estimate for shower replacement, tub conversions, tile, glass and bathroom projects.Explore 
Shower Maintenance and SealingPeriodic care visits for grout sealing, caulk renewal, glass protection and cleaning guidance that keep showers like new.Explore Check problems, pick a door or ballpark a budget.
Shower Problem Checker: What Is Wrong?Pick what you see in a shower, tub or ceiling to get likely causes, what to do first and the service page that fits.Try it 
Shower Door Style PickerAnswer a few questions about your opening, budget and style to see which shower door type usually fits best.Try it 
Shower Remodel Budget PlannerPick a shower, tub or bath job, set the quantity and add extras to see a ballpark planning range for your project.Try it Acrylic and solid surface have few or no joints and wipe clean easily. Large tile with epoxy grout is also easy.
Tile can last decades when installed over a good waterproofing system. Acrylic lasts many years with simple care.
It is a practical, affordable choice for many baths, though it wears faster than acrylic or tile.
Topic guideShower Pan and Base TypesPreformed acrylic bases, foam trays, mortar pans and curbless systems compared for strength, slope, drain options and installation.Learn more 
Topic guideShower Tile MaterialsPorcelain, ceramic, natural stone, glass and large-format slabs compared for grip, upkeep, durability and style.Learn more 
Topic guideShower Waterproofing MethodsSheet membranes, liquid membranes and foam board systems compared for how they work, how they are installed and…Learn more 
Topic guideShower Door TypesFrameless, semi-frameless, framed, sliding, pivot and fixed-panel doors compared for look, cost, fit and water control.Learn more Call us and describe your project. We will measure, inspect and give you a clear written estimate.
