Tiled showers vs Acrylic showers
Tiled Showers
Price: The simple answer would be to say that it depends, but to be a tad more specific, you can expect to pay anywhere between $7,000 and $12,000. As you can see, there are numerous choices, so these are just general prices.
Options: As tiled showers are typically made to measure, you have the option of building them wall to wall, oversized or even a unique shape to fill dead space. This can make all the difference in a bathroom. Tiles are the finishing touch, so you can ensure they are perfect for the theme of your bathroom.
Installation Process:
Shower Tray: A shower tray is installed or built on site to accommodate the waste. The waste is connected to the plumbing and fitted to the tray or set into the screed.
Shower Walls: The walls are lined with a water-resistant board like Aquamox or an Aqualine Gib.
Tiling: The walls and shower tray are waterproofed with a liquid or sheet membrane and the tiles are cut and laid.
Shower Door: Finally the shower doors are fitted on top of the tiled plinth or directly outside the sloping shower floor.
Cleaning: When it comes to cleaning, you might want to consider larger tiles. Smaller tiles have more grout, which means more cleaning. Also, research coatings for tiles & glass to make this easier.
In Summary: If you want something special, then a tiled shower is for you. It is an investment, but you will get exactly what you want rather than just what is available.
Acrylic Showers
Price: When choosing a shower, acrylic showers can be mistaken as a cheap option. It is true that there are cost-effective alternatives on the market, however acrylic showers today can be considered a desirable, but more expensive, item. Depending on the model, acrylic showers can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $6,000.
Options: With acrylic showers, the main con is that you are limited to the tray size as each shower tray is typically moulded in the thousands and brought in from overseas. Increasingly people are wanting larger showers, so make sure you've found a size that meets your needs before choosing this option.
Installation Process: Your builder or existing dwelling may make a difference in the procedure for installing this shower.
Shower Tray: The shower tray is installed on a flat floor up against a wall. The waste is piped into the tray through the plumbing below.
Shower Walls: Within the framing of the shower wall, plumbing is run for the shower head and mixer. The walls are then plasterboarded or similar, and an acrylic liner is applied over the plasterboard.
Shower Doors: On the acrylic tray and liner, the glass shower door is installed.
Cleaning: Acrylic showers eliminate grout lines that make cleaning easier on the walls and trays and are more convenient once installed and in use. Customers typically worry about how well a shower cleans once it is installed.
In Summary: Acrylic showers are a cost-effective option, but they offer limited options for customising a bathroom. If you would prefer simplicity and cost when you remodel, this is the option for you.