Tile showers can look amazing — when they’re installed perfectly and maintained regularly.

But there’s a reason more remodelers (and homeowners) are switching to shower wall panels instead of ceramic tile: tile can be a slow, messy install, high-maintenance, and it often requires a true specialist — a tile setter.

Today’s bathrooms are trending toward smarter shower systems that look clean, go in faster, and are easier to live with in the long-term.

Tile Has a Look… But It Also Has Problems People Don’t Expect

Most people think tile is just “tile + grout.”

Tile showers have a lot going on behind the scenes: prep, waterproofing, careful layout, grout work, curing time — and if any step is off, you can end up with issues later.

Common tile problems in real bathrooms:

• Grout gets stained and can grow mildew/mold (especially in corners)
• Cracked grout happens from normal movement over time – It doesn’t age well
• Loose tiles can happen if prep wasn’t perfect
• You may be scrubbing grout constantly just to keep it looking clean – it needs “babysitting.”
• One bad scam can lead to years of water damage

Tile isn’t “bad.” It’s just less forgiving and often more work than people expect.

The Labor Reality: Tile Takes a Specialist (and Scheduling Can Be Hard)

Tile is a skilled trade — the people who do it well are often booked out. That’s why remodels can run late.

And if you’re mid-project and your tile installer is delayed, tile isn’t easy to “just DIY” if you’re not experienced.

This is one reason remodelers are looking at shower wall panels: they’re more predictable for scheduling and easier for confident DIYers.

(And yes — there have been times where finding the right tile labor is tough, which pushes people toward systems that don’t depend on a tile setter.)

Questions? Call Our Experts! (800)-635-1226

Why Shower Wall Panels Are Becoming the “Smarter System”

Shower wall panels are exactly what they sound like: large panels that cover the shower walls to create a finished surface — without real grout lines. They are available with “faux grout joints” that are routed into the panels.

People like them because they usually mean:

• No grout (so less scrubbing and less staining)
• Faster installation than setting tile piece-by-piece
• A cleaner, more modern look
• Easier long-term upkeep

Where Fibo Fits in

At Choice Building Products, one of the top waterproof shower wall panel options we supply is Fibo laminate shower wall panels — a grout-free look that’s designed for bathrooms (both in the shower and outside the shower if desired).

In plain terms, Fibo is popular because:

• It gives you a clean, grout-free shower
• It comes in lots of styles (including looks inspired by tile/stone)
• It’s DIY-friendly for many homeowners (and contractor-friendly too)
• It comes with a Lifetime Residential Warranty

(So instead of tiny tiles + lots of grout lines… you get a smoother wall system that’s easier to keep looking nice.)

Don’t Forget the Shower Base (it matters more than people think)

Walls are important — but the shower base / shower pan is what your feet stand on every day.

A good base should feel solid, drain properly, and match your project needs (threshold height, drain location, sizing).

Once again, if you use ceramic tiles for your shower base, you are subject to all the problems with tile cited above.

Choice supplies custom and standard shower pans & shower bases, which is helpful if you’re trying to keep your remodel simple and coordinated. We carry many sizes right in stock for quick shipment.

Cost & Timeline: Why “All-In” Can Be Lower Than Tile

Tile can be affordable per square foot — but the big cost is usually labor and time. Many tile remodels go over budget, over schedule, and under expectations.

With ceramic tile you may be paying for:

• More labor hours (prep + waterproofing + setting + grouting)
• More days without a working shower
• More risk if something must be redone

With shower wall panels, many people find the total project is simpler to manage — and in many cases, the all-in cost can be lower than tile because installation tends to be faster.

Which Should YOU Choose?

Tile might be right for you if:

• You want a very specific custom pattern (mosaic, intricate layout)
• You already have a trusted tile setter lined up
• You don’t mind ongoing grout cleaning/maintenance

Shower wall panels might be right for you if:

• You want a clean, modern look without grout
• You want a faster project timeline
• You want something more DIY-friendly
• You want easier cleaning long-term

FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION

Choice Building Products is a nationwide supplier of shower remodeling products — including shower wall panels, shower pans/bases, glass shower doors/enclosures, and complete shower kits.

If you’re planning a remodel and want help picking the right system, we offer design help, samples, and estimates/consultations. We have product experts on the phone who know these systems inside and out. Whether you are figuring out drain placement, measuring, or selecting patterns, we’ll walk you through it.

 If you wish to inquire our shower wall panels, call us anytime at (800)-635-1226 or email: egbman@easternglassblock.com