If you’re considering remodeling your bathroom, you’ve got a lot of decisions to make. From the contractor to the colors to the materials, your choices can result in an impressive result — or not.
Often, homeowners who want an upgrade to their bathroom immediately presume that they should build a tile shower. While that may make sense for certain situations, there are many reasons to consider before choosing a tile shower. Here are four solid reasons why maybe it isn’t such a good idea.
1. Tile Can Mean Mold
The last thing any homeowner wants is mold growing in their bathroom. It may be part of why you’re considering a shower remodel in the first place! But when you add tile to your bathroom, you must add grout joints. Grout, which is cement, is porous and traps water behind your bathroom walls.
It’s possible to install waterproof or even partially waterproof backboards. You can even sub out the grout for epoxy or urethane. But that might not be enough. Installing nonporous acrylicwall panels for your bath or shower is the only way to avoid this breeding ground for mold.
Many people opt for tile showers because they like the look, but what many people don’t know is that acrylic wall panels may also have the option for the “tile” look without the unpleasant grout. So, if you are considering tile and grout for appearance, keep in mind that it isn’t your only option.
2. It’s Hard to Find Good Tile Laborers
How many people do you know who have tried to embark on a much-needed bath remodel project, only to be frustrated with laborers who disappear after receiving the first payment? Even when there’s no fraud involved, it’s extremely common for contractors to overbook themselves. If they don’t have a history of success, stay away.
Tile work takes a lot of experience and skills, and that’s not necessarily something many construction professionals have these days. Acrylic shower wall installation is more accessible, but it’s still crucial that you work with professionals who care about their work.
3. Tile Work is Expensive
Whether you plan to install the tile as part of a do-it-yourself project or hire someone, it will likely be more expensive than you may initially realize. The materials — including the tiles themselves and the grout — are pricey, no matter who does the work. If you decide to hire a contractor, you’ll discover that much of the time involves prepping and cutting the tiles. Of course, you’ll be billed!
If you decide to save on labor costs by doing it yourself, you’ll discover that tile work requires a lot of specialized tools and equipment. You’ll have to buy a wet saw, a mallet, a tile nibbler, trowels, and even special sponges.
4. Tile Showers Are Hard to Clean
We have already covered the potential of mold, which is unsightly and tough to clean on its own. Add crusty blobs of shampoo and old bits of soap scum stuck in the cracks between the tile, and you’ve got an enormous cleaning project. Tile showers take extra time to clean because the texture is so inconsistent.
If you don’t keep it clean, you’ll find that the grout will end up losing its bright white color. A great alternative to tile and grout is acrylic wall panels, which won’t lose their color. Also, the acrylic’s nonporous and antimicrobial properties make it easy to clean without any harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing that you would need to clean grout.
Do Your Research Before a Tile Shower Remodel
There’s plenty to consider before deciding on how to proceed with a shower remodel. Why not talk with a professional with years in the industry? Since 2002, Spicer Bros. Construction has had a history of successful exterior and interior home renovation projects on the Eastern Shore. If your home is located in Delmarva, contact the experts to learn more about Baths by Spicer Bros.