Tile or to acrylic bathroom shower/tub enclosure

[James French]

Hello Bp friends,

What are your thoughts on bathroom remodeling. I have a high-end custom remodeling background and most of my construction career I'm custom to tiling the shower/tub enclosure and walls.  The last few years I have learned a lot about bathroom shower/tub enclosures. I was always under the impression that tile was so far superior and the best product for the enclosure. Yes, the hard stone is extremely durable, but the grout lines are the problem. But the cost to install and Maintenace of the grout lines is what I don't like. 

Now I actually prefer acrylic enclosures. For multiple reasons. First, they are extremely easy to install, and a lot of bathroom companies promote a one-day installation. Second minimal grout lines, usually just at all the corners. The colors and design come in all styles. Yes, still somewhat limited compared to tile but you can still have a bunch of options.

The only problem is getting the material. For some reason the bathroom people have this kind of locked down and can be hard to get if you are not a certified installer. Me personally if I'm going to flip or keep a property and I want to remodel the bathroom the ease and cost-effective way to update a bathroom is Acrylic.

Furthermore, Acrylic is extremely durable and can withstand scratches, scuffs, stains, cracks, dents and chipping. They are quick and easy to clean. Making them ideal for homeowners and renters.

[Nate Sanow]

Yeah I’ve been thinking about the acrylic type stuff a lot. For a rental, yes, it’s fine. For a flip, tile is better. 

Then the catch is, what’s the goal of the rental. For me, I like to brrrr in a way that attracts nice tenants who like a nice look and are willing to pay to stay there and are happy and even thankful. Twice recently I’ve heard “this is one of the nicest places I’ve rented” and it was in part because of tiled showers. 

You’d know better than me with your background but aren’t most of these acrylics made with pre made templates that fit more modern ish builds? Like 1990’s and newer? Most of the acquisitions that make sense for me are 1980’s and older and so often you go further back in time the templates won’t work at all. 

Just my 2cents but if it works for you I do think the esthetic is decent, not horrible, depending again on your other goals.