Are you trying to choose the right wall system for your new shower or tub? Should you go with Acrylic panels or upgrade to SignatureStone bath systems (our engineered stone look composite walls)? Pick the wrong material and you could end up with higher upkeep, a look you don’t love, or costs you didn’t plan for.
At Joyce, we’ve spent over 70 years helping homeowners with home improvements. We can guide you in finding the right bath solution with confidence. Our team brings real samples to review colors and textures, walks you through safety options (grab bars, seats, slip-resistant bases), and clearly explains the features and benefits of SignatureStone. We make it easy to choose what fits your style, budget, and daily routine.
This guide breaks down the pros, cons, costs, and care of each option, along with a quick comparison table so that you can choose with confidence.
Quick Bath Product Comparison Table
|
Category |
Acrylic Shower/Tub Walls |
SignatureStone |
|
Look & Texture |
Smooth, contemporary; printed patterns; can appear more “uniform.” |
Rich, stone-like look with deeper textures and veining; more “natural.” |
|
Thickness & Feel |
Lightweight; can feel thinner/hollower; flexible. |
Thicker panels; “solid” feel. Twice as thick as acrylic. |
|
Durability |
Non-porous and stain-resistant; may scratch if abrasive cleaners/tools are used; good impact resistance. |
Non-porous, highly scratch- and impact-resistant; excellent long-term durability. |
|
Maintenance |
Very low maintenance; soap-and-water or non-abrasive cleaner; avoid scouring pads. |
Very low maintenance; resists staining and hard-water spots; simple wipe-downs. |
|
Mold & Mildew |
No grout to maintain; sealed seams reduce water intrusion. |
No grout to maintain; heavier, rigid panels and sealed seams keep moisture out. |
|
Customization |
Many sizes and patterns; trims, shelves, and accessories available. |
Broad palette of stone-inspired colors, veining, finishes, and integrated accessories. |
|
Cost |
Perceived economic value choice, but can fall short on performance. |
Premium investment; higher material cost, often higher perceived value. |
|
Heat & Chemical Resistance |
Good for residential use; avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat. |
Excellent heat/chemical resistance for everyday bath use. |
|
Accessibility Upgrades |
Compatible with low-threshold bases, seats, grab bars. |
Same compatibility; solid feel often preferred for safety upgrades. |
|
Best Fit |
Value-driven refreshes, rentals, quick updates, and a clean, modern look. |
Long-term baths; homeowners seeking a stone look/feel. Higher ROI. |
Acrylic Bath: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
Acrylic Pros
- Sometimes a budget-friendly transformation: Delivers a clean, updated bath look, often at a lower price point, although some companies will charge more than composite.
- Speedy installation: Ideal for tight timelines or single-bath households.
- Easy to clean: Non-porous surface; no grout to scrub.
- Versatile styles: Multiple colors/patterns; pairs well with shelves, seats, and doors.
Acrylic Cons
- Surface care matters: Can scratch if cleaned with abrasives or metal tools.
- Perceived “lighter” feel: Some homeowners prefer a thicker, more solid panel.
- Visual depth: Printed patterns can look more uniform versus natural stone veining.
Best For
- Value-focused remodels, rentals, or guest baths where speed, simplicity, and price win.
SignatureStone Bath Systems: Pros, Cons, and Best Uses
SignatureStone (stone-look composite) Pros
- Stone-like beauty: Deeper textures and veining for a premium, “custom” look.
- Solid and sturdy: Thicker, rigid panels feel substantial and quiet. Two times thicker than acrylic.
- Highly durable: Excellent scratch/impact resistance; still grout-free and non-porous.
- Elevated options: Wide palette of sophisticated colors and finishes.
SignatureStone Cons
- Higher investment: Premium, thicker material.
- Heavier panels: Often require precise measuring and professional installation.
Best For
- Primary baths and “forever home” projects where look, feel, and longevity matter most.
Installation, Timeline, and What to Expect
- Acrylic often enables one-day projects with minimal disruption, which is great if you need your bath back fast.
- SignatureStone installs quickly, too, but our process takes two days for a superior installation that allows for proper sealing and setting.
Cleaning & Care: Keep It Simple
Both materials are grout-free and non-porous, so day-to-day care is easy:
- Use a mild, non-abrasive cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge.
- Rinse after use to reduce soap residue and hard-water spotting.
- Avoid scouring pads or harsh solvents (unnecessary and may dull acrylic).
Cost & Value Snapshot
- Acrylic sometimes offers the lowest upfront cost and the fastest refresh.
- SignatureStone offers a higher upfront cost but a premium, high-value finish with a more substantial feel often favored in owner-occupied, long-term homes.
Which Bath System Should You Choose?
- Choose Acrylic if you want a clean, simple upgrade on a budget, completed quickly, with minimal maintenance.
- Choose SignatureStone if you want a stone-inspired, premium feel with extra rigidity and long-term durability.
Acrylic vs. SignatureStone: Choose Your Best Fit
Both Acrylic and SignatureStone are grout-free, low-maintenance, and built for everyday life. The choice comes down to look, feel, and priorities: choose Acrylic for speed and value; choose SignatureStone for a richer, stone-inspired aesthetic and a more substantial feel.
Not sure which fits your home? Schedule your free in-home consultation. We’ll bring real samples, walk you through safety options and finishes, and provide a down-to-the-penny quote, no pressure. With 70+ years of guiding homeowners through the buying process, we’ll help you pick the material that matches your style, timeline, and budget.
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