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Health & Fitness

In the Shower: Solid Surface vs. Tile

Is solid surface or traditional tile best for your bathroom walls? It'll depend on you.

There are pros and cons to everything. When it comes to bathroom walls, there are many options in both solid surface walls and traditional tile. From the shape, size, and dimension of a tile to the vast colors and textures available in solid surfaces, making a decision between the two usually comes down to design and personal taste.

Solid surface materials offer many benefits over traditional tile. To name a couple, they are a grout-free, worry-free surface. That means no more issues with grouting or loose tiles. In addition, they are solid all the way through and provide a lifetime of use that will never wear out. Because they are non-porous and unaffected by humidity, bacteria and mold will not grow, and they are easy to clean. In addition, there are around a dozen manufacturers of solid surface materials with over 100 colors and textures to select from. While they sound perfect, just like anything, if they are not installed correctly by a professional, these walls can experience similar issues like grout at caulking lines, or even leak.

Certain customers, however, prefer traditional tile over solid surface walls, even with the known issues to tile and grout. Some people just don’t like the way solid surface walls look. While solid surface comes in a wide variety of colors and textures, you cannot create the mosaics some customers like and want, or are used to. Therefore, many customers will say that solid surface walls are only for use in new or more contemporary homes.

The fact is, we design and install both styles in all types of homes. It comes down to more personal taste than anything, as cost can vary. While solid surface materials often cost more up front, you save on the labor costs required to install traditional tile and grout installations.

Even though it would appear that solid surface walls may be less expensive to clean, you’re probably not going to find much of a difference in cleaning either types of these walls, as they both will depend on frequency of use (read: amount of soap scum) and your own specific water conditions. Regardless, the best way to preserve your investment will be frequent cleanings.

Once you know difference, you can then decide based on benefits, looks, and budget according to your design.

 --Jeff Billstrom, Callen Construction

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