The Complete Lowdown on Quartz Shower Wall Pros & Cons
With sleek good looks and practical perks, it's no wonder that quartz is a popular choice for shower walls in modern bathroom designs. But before committing to quartz over traditional tile or other materials, it's important to weigh all the pros and cons to decide if it's the right fit for your space and lifestyle.
We'll take an in-depth look at the standout benefits like aesthetics and longevity, along with limitations like higher costs and sourcing considerations. We'll also provide recommendations so you can determine if quartz ultimately lives up to its growing reputation.
Pros of Quartz Shower Walls
From on-trend appearances to durability, quartz offers several convincing reasons to consider it over standard shower wall tiles.
Aesthetics
One of the main appeals of quartz walls is the modern, high-end look it lends to showers and bathrooms. With its sleek appearance and ability to be fabricated in oversize panels or large format tiles, quartz can achieve a seamless, sophisticated look that standard ceramic simply can't match.
Quartz manufacturers offer a diverse array of colors, patterns, finishes, and textures too. Matte options provide an understated concrete vibe, while polished quartz delivers serious sparkle and luxury. There are graphic quartzes with bold, artistic patterns along with convincing stone and marble looks. The versatility allows for customization and on-trend styling.
Durability & Longevity
Quartz is arguably one of the most durable materials you can choose for shower walls as it stands up extremely well to daily wear and tear. Made from roughly 90% ground quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments, it creates an incredibly hard, non-porous surface.
This durability means quartz walls won't scratch, stain, or show signs of damage even with regular use. The dense material also resists impacts, so accidental bumps with bottles or elbows won't leave behind chips or cracks like tile. As a non-porous surface, the color and pattern will stay vibrant without fading over time too.
With proper installation, most manufacturers claim quartz walls can potentially last a lifetime, or a minimum of 20-30 years, without needing replacement. This longevity saves the expense and headache later on of gutting shower walls for an update after just a decade or two.
Easy Maintenance
Traditional tile shower walls often require frequent sealing to prevent staining and damage from water exposure. Grout also needs regular cleaning and eventual replacement as it becomes grimy and worn. With quartz however, this type of maintenance is essentially unnecessary thanks to its durable, non-porous composition.
Quartz won't absorb water or elements that can lead to staining, discoloration or damage. It also won't absorb dirt into porous grout lines. This means cleanup is as simple as wiping down the walls with a mild soap and water - no intensive scrubbing or regular applications of sealant required.
The resistance of quartz to moisture also deters mold, mildew and bacteria growth, keeping walls cleaner between wipe downs. Overall, quartz provides a low maintenance, easy-care option compared to traditional tile and natural stone.
Customization Options
One appeal of quartz over standard tile is the larger format panels it can be fabricated in, which lend a sleek, contemporary look. The oversize pieces mean fewer seams on walls compared to small, traditional tiles.
Quartz can also be cut to size for total customization. This allows panels to be trimmed for perfectly flush installations around niches, shelves, plumbing fixtures, or unique decorative accents within the shower. There are also options for different edge profiles and finishes.
With a diverse array of colors and patterns available, quartz enables great flexibility when designing your dream shower walls. Even within the same family, shades can range from crisp whites to warm creams with faint gray veining. This amount of choice lets you find the perfect option for your vision.
Moisture & Water Resistance
Quartz makes an ideal choice for shower and tub surrounds as the non-porous material simply does not absorb water. It repels rather than retains moisture. This means walls won't suffer swelling, warping, or cracking issues from steam or direct water exposure during showering.
Quartz also dries quickly, eliminating concerns about pooled moisture leading to potential mold or mildew growth in hidden crevices. By preventing absorption and wicking water away rapidly, quartz maintains its pristine appearance and limits problems stemming from moisture.
Cons of Quartz Shower Walls
For all its perks, quartz does come with some downsides to factor into your decision making. Consider the following limitations before committing.
Higher Upfront Cost
Arguably the biggest drawback of quartz is its pricing, which can be a tough initial pill to swallow. In general, expect quartz shower walls to cost roughly 40-50% more than typical ceramic tile. Of course budgets and specific product selections will shift costs in either direction.
It's important to remember though that quartz should deliver big savings down the road. Avoiding regular sealing, long term grout repair, and eventual wall replacement are all money-saving bonuses. Still, the initial install is undoubtedly pricier so adequate budget is key.
Limits on Cutting and Alterations
While custom fabrication and trim work are certainly possible with quartz, the dense slabs do require specialty tools and processes for adjustments. Improper cutting risks permanent damage, cracks, or weak spots on panels. This generally means alterations are best left to experienced professionals.
Quartz is also heavy, fragile, and challenging to manipulate, creating additional install complexities. This further emphasizes the importance of having skilled contractors handle any necessary cutting or adjustments during installation. DIY jobs often wind up with less than ideal results.
Appearance Limitations
The sleek, modern uniformity of quartz lends well to contemporary designs but may not suit more ornate, Old World showers. And unlike intricate ceramic tile mosaics that can feature vibrant colors, metallic accents, and complex patterns, quartz options are more restricted.
There are still plenty of eye-catching quartz choices available. However, the number of unique styles can't compare to the vast diversity of ceramic and glass mosaic tiles. So for ultra-custom, decorative designs, quartz forces some aesthetic compromises.
Heavy & Difficult Installation
In addition to specialized cutting, quartz's hefty weight further complicates installation. Large format panels often require two installers to maneuver into place safely. Factor this into project costs if your contractor charges by the hour.
The rigid boards also demand precise installation techniques to create perfect seams and prevent sagging. Working around plumbing and niche boxes adds complexity too. This all emphasizes the value of hiring highly skilled professionals rather than trying DIY projects.
Sourcing Considerations
With most quartz being imported from overseas factories, sourcing is another factor to weigh. Brand reputation and vetting manufacturing processes are key when choosing a supplier. Some companies are embracing greener production methods, while others lag behind.
It's also possible to source quartz shower walls domestically. While pricier, local suppliers with full control over materials and ethical business practices do exist. Taking time to research companies can ensure you pick products aligned with your priorities around sustainability and ethics.
Long Term Performance Unknowns
While quartz manufacturers promise decades of beauty and durability from shower walls, the material is still relatively new compared to classic tiles and other options. This means concrete data around long term performance can be lacking.
Most quartz warranties cover 10-15 years. And though assertions are made about life spans reaching or exceeding 30 years, actual testing results to back this have yet to materialize. If pushing limits on longevity without replacements are vital, quartz still carries some uncertainty.
At the end of the day, quartz shower walls provide an upscale, low maintenance bathroom solution. But that luxury and convenience comes at a cost. Ultimately quartz makes the most sense for newer construction or full remodel projects rather than simple upgrades.
If affordability is a concern but quartz still appeals for its looks and durability, applying it on a single focal wall can provide visual impact while minimizing overall budget strain. Combining quartz with more budget-friendly wall materials is another compromise worth considering.
No matter what you decide, be sure to carefully vet any potential quartz brand and manufacturer before purchase. While many options exist industry-wide, reputation and quality can still vary quite a bit depending on the specific company and supply chain.
With smart prep work and reasonable expectations, the shower walls can deliver on both function and form.