Comparing Tile, Acrylic, and Natural Stone
When upgrading your bathroom, choosing the right walk-in shower materials is key to achieving a stylish, long-lasting result. The best shower walls are waterproof, durable, and easy to maintain—qualities that ensure your remodel looks beautiful for years to come. Let’s compare popular shower wall options and highlight two standout solutions we proudly offer at Nu-Face Home Improvements: BCI Acrylic and The Onyx Collection.
Tile, Acrylic, or Stone? Comparing Shower Materials
When planning a walk-in shower remodel, many homeowners first think of tile or natural stone. While both are beautiful, they come with significant drawbacks:
- Tile – requires grout, which means constant cleaning and sealing to prevent mold and mildew. Over time, grout can discolor, crack, and become a maintenance headache.
- Natural Stone – looks luxurious but it is porous, and high-maintenance. To keep it waterproof and stain-free, it must be sealed regularly. It’s also heavy, expensive, and prone to damage if not maintained properly.
Because of these issues, we don’t recommend (or install) traditional tile or natural stone shower walls. Instead, we specialize in materials that provide the same stunning look but with superior performance, easy maintenance, and long-lasting durability.
| Material | Water Resistance | Durability & Lifespan | Maintenance | Appearance Options |
| BCI Acrylic | 100% waterproof, non-porous surface. | 30+ years; highly resistant to cracking, chipping, or staining. | Virtually maintenance-free; just wipe clean, no grout. | Modern, sleek panels in a variety of colors and patterns. |
| Onyx Collection | Waterproof, engineered for strength and longevity. | 30+ years; durable alternative to stone without high maintenance. | Easy to clean; non-porous surface resists mold and mildew. | Wide range of stone-like finishes, colors, and patterns. |
Cost Considerations for Shower Materials
We understand that budget plays a huge role in choosing the right shower walls, which is why we only offer materials that are durable, long-lasting, and backed by strong warranties. Here’s how these options compare:
BCI Acrylic – A cost-effective choice that delivers excellent value. It’s durable, stylish, and one of the most affordable shower wall systems on the market.
Onyx Collection – A mid-range investment that provides the look of stone without the price tag of natural stone. It offers luxury and long-term durability at a fair cost.
Bottom line: With either option, you’re getting a long-lasting, waterproof shower material that saves you money in maintenance compared to tile or stone. And when you choose a company like Nu-Face Home Improvements—offering lifetime warranties—you’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is protected for years to come.
Design Flexibility: Customizing Your Walk-In Shower
One of the biggest advantages of choosing BCI Acrylic or The Onyx Collection is the design flexibility they provide. Unlike tile or stone, which can limit your options based on size and grout layout, these materials are available in large, seamless panels that can be customized to your taste and space.
Colors & Finishes – BCI Acrylic comes in a wide variety of modern shades, from crisp white and warm neutrals to bold, contemporary tones. The Onyx Collection takes it further with stone-like finishes that mimic granite, marble, or quartz—without the high cost or upkeep.
Patterns & Textures – Both product lines offer smooth, sleek panels as well as simulated tile designs for those who love the classic look of tile but want to skip the grout maintenance.
Custom Fit – Every system is measured and fabricated to fit your exact shower dimensions, ensuring a perfect, seamless installation that looks like it was built specifically for your home.
Matching Accessories – From shower bases and trim to shelving and seating, both materials integrate beautifully with custom accessories, so your shower not only looks stunning but also functions exactly the way you need it to.
With this level of flexibility, you can design a shower that matches your style, lifestyle, and budget—whether you love a bold, dramatic look, prefer the elegance of stone-inspired finishes, or lean toward a timeless all-white bathroom. And don’t worry—we’ve got those classic details covered too. From brass hardware to sleek silver finishes, our team has an eye for design that ensures your shower feels anything but ordinary.
Find the Best Shower Material for Your Home
The right shower walls can completely transform your bathroom into a space that’s both beautiful and practical. When you partner with Nu-Face Home Improvements, you’ll find:
- Full-size Onyx Collection displays so you can see the rich finishes in person.
- BCI Acrylic samples to feel the sleek, durable surface firsthand.
- Expert guidance to help you choose the best walk-in shower materials for your budget, style, and lifestyle.
Ready to upgrade your bathroom? Visit our showroom today and explore why BCI Acrylic and The Onyx Collection are the top choices for stunning, long-lasting walk-in showers.
