How to Choose the Perfect Acrylic Shower for Your Home
When it comes to upgrading your bathroom, selecting the right shower system is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. An acrylic shower can offer the perfect combination of style, durability, and easy maintenance—making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to enhance their space. At American Bath Enterprises, Inc., we’ve helped countless customers find acrylic shower solutions that meet both their design preferences and practical needs.
Whether you’re starting a complete bathroom remodel or simply updating your current shower, this guide will walk you through the key considerations in choosing the ideal acrylic shower for your home.
Why Choose an Acrylic Shower?
Before diving into the specifics of selection, it’s important to understand why acrylic is such a popular option in today’s bathroom remodels.
Durability: Acrylic is a tough, non-porous material that resists cracking, chipping, and discoloration. It stands up to daily use while retaining its like-new appearance for years.
Low Maintenance: Unlike tile and grout, acrylic shower walls are smooth and seamless, making them incredibly easy to clean. Soap scum and mildew don’t stand a chance.
Affordability: Acrylic showers deliver a high-end look at a more budget-friendly price point compared to natural stone or custom tilework.
Variety of Designs: From clean, minimalist lines to textured finishes and built-in shelving, acrylic showers come in a range of styles that fit both traditional and modern bathroom designs.
With these benefits in mind, let’s break down what you should consider when selecting the right acrylic shower for your space.
Assess Your Bathroom Layout
Your bathroom’s existing layout will play a major role in determining the type of acrylic shower system you can install. Start by considering the following:
- Available Space: Measure the dimensions of your bathroom and take note of any architectural features—such as windows, soffits, or door swings—that might impact installation.
- Tub or Shower Conversion: Are you replacing an old tub with a walk-in shower? Acrylic shower kits are ideal for tub-to-shower conversions, especially when you need a custom fit.
- Drain Placement: The drain location in your current shower or tub should align with the new acrylic shower base to avoid complex plumbing changes.
American Bath offers a variety of sizes and configurations to accommodate everything from compact guest baths to spacious primary suites.
Choose a Shower Configuration That Fits Your Needs
One of the most appealing aspects of acrylic showers is their versatility. Here are the most common configurations to consider:
Alcove Showers
Perfect for standard three-wall enclosures, alcove acrylic showers are a space-saving solution with a clean, built-in look. They’re one of the most popular options for homeowners looking to upgrade a traditional tub/shower combo.
Corner Showers
If you’re working with a smaller bathroom or want to maximize floor space, a corner shower unit can be an efficient and stylish choice.
Neo-Angle Showers
With a sleek, modern appearance, neo-angle acrylic showers fit neatly into a corner and feature a diagonal entry, making them ideal for compact layouts that still demand a designer touch.
Walk-In Showers
Walk-in units are great for aging-in-place remodels or creating a spa-like atmosphere. Look for designs with low or no thresholds to enhance accessibility.
At American Bath, our systems are designed to work with a wide range of bathroom shapes and sizes, offering options that help you make the most of your space without compromising on style.
Decide on Wall Surround Features
The wall surrounds are not just decorative—they’re functional elements that contribute to long-term durability and convenience. Here are a few things to look for:
- Integrated Shelves or Soap Ledges: Built-in storage helps keep bath essentials organized and within easy reach.
- Reinforced Panels: Some acrylic systems include panels reinforced with wood or other materials to provide added strength and support for grab bars or other accessories.
- Textured or Smooth Finishes: Consider whether you prefer a smooth surface for a modern look or a tile-like texture for a more classic feel.
American Bath’s modular acrylic wall surrounds can be customized to your preferences while offering seamless installation and watertight protection.
Select the Right Base and Threshold
Acrylic shower bases are designed for easy installation and long-lasting performance. When choosing a base, keep the following in mind:
- Shape: Match the base shape to your selected configuration—rectangular, square, neo-angle, or custom.
- Height: Low-threshold and barrier-free bases are great for accessibility, while standard thresholds can help contain water in high-traffic bathrooms.
- Slip Resistance: Look for bases with textured surfaces for added safety.
At American Bath, we offer a wide range of pre-leveled bases that are engineered for fast, secure installation and a solid feel underfoot.
Don’t Forget the Doors
Your choice of shower door can greatly impact both function and style. Acrylic showers pair well with several door styles:
- Sliding Doors: A practical and space-saving choice, ideal for tight areas.
- Hinged Doors: Great for wider spaces, offering easy access and a more open feel.
- No Door / Open Entry: For a sleek, walk-in design, an open entry layout creates a spa-like atmosphere.
Our acrylic shower systems are compatible with many door options, so you can find one that suits both your lifestyle and your bathroom layout.
Consider Color and Finish Options
White is the most common acrylic shower color—and for good reason. It provides a clean, timeless look that works with any bathroom style. However, some manufacturers (including American Bath) offer additional finishes and subtle textures to suit your aesthetic preferences.
Choosing a consistent, neutral tone allows you more flexibility with other design elements like paint, flooring, and fixtures.
Installation Considerations
Acrylic showers are popular not just for their appearance but also for their ease of installation. Many systems come in modular sections that can be easily maneuvered into place, even in bathrooms with tight access. While experienced DIYers may consider tackling the project themselves, we recommend professional installation to ensure long-term performance and proper waterproofing.
Our team at American Bath Enterprises provides guidance on product compatibility and installation best practices to help ensure a smooth remodel process from start to finish.
Acrylic Shower Selection
When it comes to remodeling your bathroom, your shower is more than just a place to rinse off—it’s a space for relaxation, convenience, and daily comfort. Choosing an acrylic shower from a trusted manufacturer like American Bath Enterprises means you’re getting reliable quality, smart design, and personalized options that fit your home.
Whether you’re building new or updating an existing bath, we’re here to help guide you through every step of the shower selection process.
Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?
At American Bath Enterprises, Inc., we’ve spent over two decades designing an acrylic shower system that brings beauty and functionality to homes across the country. If you’re planning a remodel or exploring shower upgrades, let us help you find the perfect fit.
Explore our full line of acrylic showers and wall kits today to discover customizable, easy-to-install solutions that bring your vision to life. Contact us to get started with your bathroom remodel.