Custom Tile or Prefab Shower Stall? The Pros and Cons of Each

If you're remodeling your bathroom, you'll have several decisions to make regarding style and materials. One key decision concerns your shower stall. Today, many homeowners are choosing to remove their tub and create a walk-in shower, especially if they're planning on staying in their home as they age. 

You basically have a couple of options when building out your shower surround. You can create a customized ceramic or porcelain tile shower or opt for a prefab shower. Both have pros and cons to consider, and ultimately your choice will hinge on several key factors, including your personal style, available space, and budget.

In this post, we're going to explore the positives and negatives of both choices to help you reach an informed decision as to the best choice to meet your specific needs.

What is a Prefab Shower?

A prefabricated shower is one that has been mass-produced at a factory. Typically, they are made of either plastic, Gelcoat fiberglass, or acrylic. Most prefab showers come as a kit that includes the drain pan and wall panels, and most are either white or off-white and have no texture. However, you can find them in various colors and configurations, with units offering various shelving options, seating, door configurations, and textures, such as a faux tile effect.

They are offered in a multi-piece configuration or single-unit (typically used in new construction). The kit includes a wall surround, shower base, or pan, and they come in standard widths.

The Pros

A prefab shower is chip and crack resistant and watertight. They are affordable, and a dual seat shower can cost under $1000, slightly more if you're adding new fixtures. One of the major advantages of a prefab unit is the ease and speed of installation. It can typically be installed in less than a day by a professional or, if you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer, about a day. Prefab shower kits are durable and watertight and come in many different configurations.

Another big plus is that a prefab shower is much easier to maintain and keep clean. Because there are no grout lines, clean up is a breeze. Many panels are also mold and mildew resistant and because they are non-porous, simply wipe them down, and you're done!

The Cons

There are some disadvantages of installing a prefab shower unit you should be aware of before you start. While it is an affordable option, if you plan to get new fixtures or if you want a luxury upgrade, like a steam shower, your costs can increase rapidly! You can easily spend upwards of $2000 plus plumbing costs for an upgrade. 

If you are looking for a simple shower stall, a prefab unit is an affordable choice, but they look somewhat generic when compared to a custom-tiled shower. You are also somewhat limited in terms of sizes as prefab showers are available in a limited number of standard sizes. 

In terms of repairs, prefab showers are difficult to repair should they ever need it. There is a lack of available parts, and this can be problematic. It's also difficult to remove should you ever choose to change your bathroom design.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Custom Showers

If you're looking for a personalized design, then a custom shower is the way to go. A custom shower offers homeowners beauty, a custom size, custom features like multiple showerheads, built-in seating, a high-end look, and more. You'll also receive a higher return on your investment. According to a recent Remodeling Magazine Cost vs. Value Report, midrange homes with a custom tiled shower remodel have a 65% return on investment.

Today, you have choices in terms of materials when creating a custom shower. Homeowners can choose between solid surfaces like Corian or large format porcelain sheeting; however, most homeowners choose tile. Tile is available in a wide range of materials like natural stone, glass, ceramic, or porcelain. And come in a wide range of colors, styles, sizes, patterns, textures, and shapes, allowing you to create a unique one of a kind shower. 

The Cons

One of the biggest downsides to a custom tile shower is the cost. A custom shower is almost always going to be more expensive than installing a prefab unit. Part of the cost is that a custom build is more labor-intensive. Installing a custom shower pan is a lengthy and labor-intensive project. You also run the risk of a leaking shower pan if it is not perfectly installed and maintained. Wall tiles can also leak if grout lines aren't properly maintained and regularly sealed.

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You will also need to consider the weight load of a ceramic tile shower. A large ceramic tile shower can put many hundreds of pounds on the floor structure. Unless the floor is solid, it can flex and break the grout joints, or if severe, even the tiles themselves.

Finally, while ceramic tile is easy to keep clean, tile showers have grout lines that need to be maintained. Unless regularly sealed, they are prone to mildew, crack and possibly leak.

A Quick Word About "Custom Shower Kits”

Today, homeowners seeking a custom look at a prefab price have a third option. Some manufacturers produce shower kits that marry the idea of a natural stone shower or elegant looking, high-quality glass enclosure at a price point somewhere between a prefab and a custom-tile shower. 

While they offer a more upscale look, with a custom shower kit, you still have the size and creative restraint of a prefab shower, but these are a step up from the others. 

So Which is Right For You?

In the end, it comes down to your personal preference and budget. If you're looking for a high-end look and have the budget, a custom tile shower allows you to design a personalized space that meets your functional and aesthetic needs. If sustainability and resale value are important considerations to you, again, a custom tile shower is a great choice. 

If you're working with a limited budget, a prefab shower unit is affordable and can be installed in a day or less. A prefab shower is lightweight, durable, and watertight. While you are limited in the sizes available, today, you have more choices that mimic the high-end look of tile at a fraction of the price. 

The bottom line, there are durable, attractive prefab shower units available at every price point. If customization is out of your budget, buy the best prefab unit you can afford with a nice looking door, and invest in attractive features that match your overall décor. If you can afford a custom shower, you'll get a better return on your investment when you sell. 

If you live in the greater Madison, Wisconsin area and are considering a new shower, give the award-winning design team at Degnan Design-Build-Remodel a call at (608) 846-5963. We can help you make the best shower choice to meet your needs and fit your budget. Call today for a free no-obligation consultation to discuss your project. 

This article was updated by Abe Degnan on 9/8/2022.