If you’re planning a bathroom remodel in Akron or Northeast Ohio, choosing the right shower surround is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The shower is the focal point of most bathrooms, and the material you choose affects appearance, durability, maintenance, and long-term value.
Many large, national remodeling companies limit homeowners to one or two shower systems. As a locally owned bathroom remodeling company serving Akron and surrounding Northeast Ohio communities, we believe that approach limits design potential and compromises results. Custom homes require custom solutions.
Below are the four most common shower surround options, along with the pros and cons of each, to help local homeowners make an informed decision.
1. Tadelakt Plaster Shower Surrounds (Luxury Custom Option)
Tadelakt plaster is a traditional Moroccan lime plaster that has been used for centuries in wet environments. When properly installed, it creates a seamless, waterproof surface with a soft, organic, stone-like appearance.
Pros of Tadelakt Plaster Showers:
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– Seamless, grout-free finish
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– Naturally water-resistant when installed and sealed correctly
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– Fully customizable in color, texture, and shape
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– Ideal for high-end and spa-style bathroom remodels
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– Can be combined with tile for unique custom shower designs
Cons of Tadelakt Plaster Showers:
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– Requires specialized training and experience
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– More labor-intensive than prefabricated systems
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– Higher upfront investment compared to acrylic showers
Local expertise matters:
Very few bathroom remodeling companies in Akron or Northeast Ohio offer true Tadelakt plaster showers due to the skill required. We are one of the few local companies that properly installs Tadelakt plaster showers, giving homeowners access to a level of customization rarely available in this market.
2. Acrylic Shower Surrounds (Budget-Friendly Option)
Acrylic shower surrounds are prefabricated panels commonly used in cost-conscious bathroom remodels. Many national remodeling brands have transitioned to installing acrylic systems almost exclusively.
Pros of Acrylic Shower Surrounds:
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– Most affordable shower surround option
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– Fast installation timeline
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– Low maintenance and easy to clean
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– Consistent factory-made finish
Cons of Acrylic Shower Surrounds:
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– Limited color and design options
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– Less premium appearance than tile or plaster
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– Limited customization for niches, benches, or unique layouts
Good to know:
Acrylic showers are typically the cheapest option and can work well for straightforward projects. However, they prioritize speed and standardization over design flexibility and customization.
3. Tile Shower Surrounds (Most Popular Custom Choice)
Tile showers are one of the most popular options for custom bathroom remodels in Northeast Ohio. Tile allows for nearly unlimited design possibilities, including large-format porcelain tile, mosaics, and custom patterns.
Pros of Tile Shower Surrounds:
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– Nearly unlimited design and material options
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– Works well in both traditional and modern bathrooms
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– Long lifespan when installed correctly
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– Can be combined with tadelakt plaster for a layered, custom look
Cons of Tile Shower Surrounds:
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– Most prone to installer error
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– Requires proper waterproofing systems
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– Incorrect slope can cause drainage issues
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– Grout requires periodic maintenance
Why installer quality is critical:
Tile showers fail most often due to poor installation—not because of the tile itself. Common issues include improper waterproofing, incorrect floor slope, and “birdbaths” on the shower floor where water puddles instead of draining.
We work with highly skilled tile installers who are experienced in custom shower construction. Our team is meticulous about waterproofing, sloping, and installation methods to prevent these common failures.
4. Solid Surface Shower Surrounds (Modern, Low-Maintenance Option)
Solid surface shower surrounds are engineered materials designed to replicate the look of stone while offering a cleaner, more seamless appearance than traditional tile.
Pros of Solid Surface Showers:
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– Sleek, modern aesthetic
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– Fewer seams than tile
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– Durable and easy to maintain
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– More upscale appearance than acrylic
Cons of Solid Surface Showers:
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– Higher cost than acrylic shower systems
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– Less design flexibility than tile or plaster
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– Limited customization for complex layouts
Industry trend:
Many large remodeling companies now focus only on acrylic and solid surface showers because they are easier to standardize and install at scale.
Why We Offer Custom Shower Remodels in Akron & Northeast Ohio
Unlike many national brands, we don’t believe in forcing homeowners into a one-size-fits-all shower system. As a local bathroom remodeling company serving Akron and Northeast Ohio, we believe customization is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
By offering:
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– Acrylic shower surrounds
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– Solid surface shower systems
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– Custom tile shower surrounds
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– Tadelakt plaster showers (and Tedelakt/Tile Hybrid Systems)
We give our clients more flexibility in both design and performance.
Whether you’re remodeling a bathroom in Akron, Fairlawn, Hudson, Stow, or surrounding Northeast Ohio communities, our goal is to build a shower that fits your home, your budget, and your vision, not a preset package.
