Highlights
Solid surface showers are easy to clean and resistant to mold and bacteria
It comes in large sheets, so it’s generally easier to install than tile or stone
It’s customizable and comes in a wide variety of colors and designs
Have you ever been envious of those countertops that look like granite but are super easy to clean and far less expensive? They’re made with solid surface, a man-made material consisting mostly of resin that can be cast into sinks, countertops, showers, and bathtubs. Here are some of the benefits of using solid surface material in your bathroom.
1. Relatively Low Cost
According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of a solid surface countertop ranges from $500 to $1,200, depending on the exact materials and how much labor runs in your area. Sheets of solid surface countertop run $20 to $50 per square foot, and contractors charge between $50 and $120 per square foot for installation.
Solid surface shower wall panels for a 70-square-foot shower usually run between $3,500 and $8,400, depending on the blend of materials and cost of labor. In comparison, a shower remodel costs between $200 and $15,000 on average. So if you’re looking for a new vibe for your bathroom without the price tag of a full remodel, redoing your shower or sink with solid surface is a good option.
2. Antimicrobial
Mildew, mold, bacteria, and other nasties pop up in bathrooms due to the extra moisture and humidity. Solid surface materials have a high resin content, so they are non-porous even though they can be styled to have the look of natural stone. Because they’re non-porous, they can resist mildew, mold, and bacteria growth when subjected to a high-moisture area like a shower.
3. Easy to Clean
The low porosity of solid surface doesn’t just mean solid surface is antimicrobial—it’s also easier to clean than natural stone or tile. With tile, you have to worry about gritting your teeth to get into the nooks and crannies of the grout seams. With solid surface, you can simply wipe it down with a cloth or sponge, and it stays looking shiny and clean.
4. No Need to Waterproof
Solid surface generally performs better than tile because it comes in one large piece, as opposed to lots of small pieces that are held together by grout. Your contractor won’t need to waterproof underneath solid surface, which they usually have to do with tile because of the potential for water leakage between the pieces.
5. Shapable
Solid surface materials are thermoformable, meaning that they can be heated up and molded into different shapes like a bathtub. So if you’re dreaming of bathroom counters that match your shower and tub, then solid surface counters could be the answer. You can get counters cut and a tub molded out of the same material so they match perfectly.
6. Customizable
Solid surface counters, tubs, and showers come in a large range of patterns and colors, including solids and stripes, making it a versatile option for different shower designs. Solid surface can be styled to look like a natural material without the higher price tag of natural stone.
7. Seamless
Unlike tile, which has to be put together piece by piece, solid surface panels can be put together in large pieces to create a seamless look.
8. You Can Refinish It
Just like furniture, fixtures in your shower can get scratched or dinged over the years. With solid surface, you can sand and refinish the surface of your tub, sink, or shower to look as good as new. Replacing counters, tubs, and shower walls can be a costly task, so having a material you can restore to its original perfect sheen is a money saver.
9. You Can Add Texture for Safety
Although solid surface material is usually very shiny and looks slippery, you can opt to get it lightly textured, making it safer for people with mobility issues.
10. Easy to Install
Solid surface usually comes in large pieces, so the installation takes less time than laying tile. A bathroom remodeler near you should be able to do the job, so you can get back to designing your dream bathroom.
