What are the Pros and Cons of Acrylic Shower Enclosures?

Acrylic shower enclosures can be easily installed in a bathroom. Their main disadvantage is that their style and appeal may be limited. Advantages are that they are durable and require little maintenance. They are also lightweight and are more affordable than other shower options. Additional cons are that installation may need to be done by a professional and that any mistakes can lead to big problems in the future.

These enclosures are cheaper and easier to install than tile shower enclosures. They can be a good way to upgrade a shower during a bathroom remodel project without having to incur the time or expense of installing tile. Once installed, acrylic shower enclosures are easy to keep clean and are quite durable. They are more resistant to cracks and dents than fiberglass enclosures and can be cleaned using soap and water, making cleaning simpler than with tile where there may be stained grout or a metal enclosure that can fall prey to areas of rust.

Shower enclosures made of glass or metal tend to be more expensive and are also much heavier. This can mean that they are more difficult to install and may require additional work. Acrylic shower enclosures are comparatively light, especially considering durability. They are resistant to dents and cracks as well as mold and mildew. They are also available in a variety of styles that can range from simple and traditional to modern and extravagant.

The disadvantages of acrylic shower enclosures are that they may not be as desirable to some consumers as an all tile shower enclosure. This may become even more of an issue during resale of a home, as it may not appeal to potential buyers as much a tile shower. Also, while there are many styles available, they are more limited than the options available with tile where almost any design is possible.

Installation of acrylic shower enclosures may need to be handled by professionals. Improper installation can lead to water leaks in the seams and edges of the shower might turn into major problems later. If there is a water leak, it is often not noticed until the damage behind the shower is significant because it is concealed behind the solid panels of the enclosure. Also, any cracks or dents that do occur despite the acrylic's durability may be difficult to repair because the shower is made up of large panels as opposed to smaller pieces of tile.