Tile or to acrylic bathroom shower/tub enclosure

Tile or to acrylic bathroom shower/tub enclosure

Member since 2021 · 51 posts · 27 votes

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.

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I​nvestor & Agent · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
3y

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. 

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  • I​nvestor & Agent · Tulsa, OK · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    3y

    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. 

  • Nathan HoltPro Member
    Newark Ohio · Member since 2022 · 63 posts · 51 votes
    3y

    I would probably make a decision on that based on the type of property it is. In a single family flip I'd probably go with the more appealing tile, I haven't done a flip personally, but I think when you sell the flip, the cleaning of the shower not going to be a huge factor as much as the visual appeal. It would also depend on how much value it really adds and if the difference between the two are really worth it.  On a rental that I know I am going to have to go in and clean after every tenant (and want to do it quickly to avoid time on the turnover) I'd go with the easier to clean acrylic.

  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y
    Quote from @James French:

    Unless it's an A-class property, I would go with the surround. Cheaper on installation and maintenance.

    The DIY Landlord Book4.7247 Reviews
  • Member since 2021 · 51 posts · 27 votes
    3y
    Quote from @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. 


  • Member since 2021 · 51 posts · 27 votes
    3y

    You would be extremely surprised by the look. For instance, subway tiles are super popular now. Yes, you can get that in acrylic. There are multiple ways to have the acrylic it can be a precut sheet or you can get large sheets and cut them down to get the size you want. Also, if you want to add niches no problem! 

  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    3y

    If you can get a surround with fewer seams, that is the best.  In one of my properties I have a surround where the seams for the sides are higher up.  Something like this.  It really nice as you don't have many problems with the seam where the tub and surround meet.

  • Melanie ThomasBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · San Antonio · Member since 2022 · 1k+ posts · 490 votes
    3y

    I would go with the less expensive option... Unless as Nathan said above, it is a high end property. Good luck & happy investing!

    RentWerx Property Management4.73308 Reviews
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