Different types of bathroom tiles can affect how much maintenance your shower needs and how well the enclosure holds up over time. Before choosing a finish for a wet space, it helps to understand the tradeoffs between tile, acrylic, onyx, and fiberglass.
Material choice matters just as much as appearance in shower enclosures. We focus on durability, waterproof performance, and cleaning needs so you can choose a system that fits your bathroom and long-term maintenance expectations.
Types of Bathroom Tiles for Wet Spaces
Larger Format Types of Bathroom Tiles Reduce Grout Lines
For enclosure spaces, we see 12×24 tile and larger format tile work best when a client chooses tile. Larger format tiles give you more surface area with less grout.
That matters because grout is where many maintenance problems start. Less grout usually means fewer grout lines to clean and manage over time.
Tile Pros for Bathroom Enclosures
Tile can still be a popular choice for bathroom design. It offers a finished look and many size options, especially when using larger format pieces.
Tile may be a fit when:
- You prefer a tile appearance.
- You understand the upkeep involved.
- You are prepared to maintain grout regularly.
Key Takeaway: If you choose tile in a wet space, larger-format tile can help reduce grout line maintenance, but it does not remove the need for ongoing care.
Tile Cons: Waterproofing, Grout, and Maintenance
Tile is Not Truly Waterproof in a Wet Space
One of the biggest issues with tile is that tile itself is not a fully waterproof solution in a shower enclosure. Waterproofing can fail, and grout can become a problem if it is not sealed and maintained.
This is one reason we often recommend other wet space materials first. In a shower, long-term water exposure makes performance a major concern.
Grout Maintenance Adds Ongoing Work
Tile and grout require regular maintenance. Grout lines can mildew, discolor, and lose water resistance if they are not sealed.
To maintain the tile properly, grout may need to be sealed multiple times so water and dirt do not get into the surface and cause discoloration.
Common tile maintenance concerns include:
- Grout mildew
- Grout discoloration
- Repeated sealing
- Ongoing cleaning time
Pro Tip: Before selecting tile, make sure you are comfortable with the long-term grout cleaning and sealing schedule.
Need expert help with types of bathroom tiles? Contact The Shower Company for a free consultation.
Best Wet Space Materials Compared to Tile
Acrylic vs Tile Durability and Waterproof Performance
For wet space enclosures, we primarily recommend acrylic because it is waterproof and built for this environment. Acrylic is also described as a lifetime waterproof solution.
In durability terms, acrylic generally holds up longer than tile. Tile can crack or break, while acrylic is more likely to dent instead of cracking.
Onyx and Acrylic as Top Wet Space Options
Our top recommendations for wet space enclosures are acrylic and onyx. Both are strong options when the goal is a cleaner, durable, and attractive shower enclosure.
These materials are recommended because they are:
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Visually appealing
They also help reduce the grout-related maintenance issues that come with tile installations in wet spaces.
Materials to Avoid in Wet Space Enclosures
Why Fiberglass is Often a Poor Choice
Fiberglass is one of the main materials we recommend avoiding in wet spaces. It can crack easily, fade, discolor, and become unattractive faster than better enclosure materials.
Fiberglass is also described as a builder-grade material. It is porous, which contributes to discoloration and long-term appearance issues.
How Fiberglass Can Reduce Shower Space
Fiberglass enclosures can also reduce usable space. They often add about one to two inches on both sides, which can shrink the enclosure by roughly two to four inches total.
What To Choose For More Space And Less Maintenance
If you want to maximize shower space, acrylic or onyx can be a better fit because they use thinner waterproof panels bonded directly to the wall. If you want a durable, easier-to-clean shower enclosure with fewer maintenance issues, contact The Shower Company today for expert guidance on types of bathroom tiles.
