Acrylic vs. Tile

100% Cast Acrylic is one of the most durable bath and shower materials on the market. Acrylic bathware is thermoformed from a single sheet of colour-through acrylic and then sprayed on the back with a mixture of polyester resin and chopped fiberglass giving the product rigidity and strength.

Acrylic Shower Tiled Shower
Typically can be installed at a lower cost compared to a tiled shower* Typically two to three times the cost of installing an acrylic shower*
DIY installation (Professional plumber installation recommended) Expert installation required by General Contractor, Professional Plumber, and Tile Installer Tradesman
Easily installs the same day Multiple steps over multiple days
Slides into studded wall, no additional backing required Requires proper wall material/membrane (waterproof backing)
Grout free Grout required
Silicone free Silicone required
Reinforced kiln-dried lumber base will not crack under load; shower is reinforced with a mixture of fiberglass and resin Possibility of grout, joints, or tile cracking which can lead to leaks & water damage
Durable & stain resistant Durable, but tile and grout may not resist staining (porous)
Colourfast – the acrylic color goes through the whole sheet Depending on tile chosen, the color does not go through the core of the tile
Integral LED light available at an additional cost Additional cost for lighting
Integral soap dish, seating & grab bars Additional cost for optional soap dish, seating & grab bars
Variety of sizes available Custom sizes available
Minor scratches can be easily buffed and removed Hard to repair or replace damaged tile or grout
Maintenance-Free – simply Clean with mild soap, no scrubbing with harsh cleaning chemicals required Requires periodic maintenance, Grout scrubbing, Tile sealing, Re-caulking of joints
Manufactured in Canada May be assembled with a variety of materials from different countries
Lifetime Warranty Variable warranty – dependent on contractor or plumber installing the components