Glass vs. Acrylic Shower Screens: Which One is Better for You?

Glass vs acrylic shower screens is an interesting debate for homeowners. Choose the right shower screen and improve the functionality of your bathroom. Two popular options available in the market are glass and acrylic shower screens. Each type has its distinct features and pros and cons. This article explains the comparison of the two shower screens along with their uses and pros and cons.

Difference Between Glass vs Acrylic Shower Screens

A stylish shower screen improves the aesthetics of your bathroom and provides practical benefits. Glass or acrylic shower screens prevent water from splashing outside the shower area. Glass and acrylic are the most common materials available in the market. Knowing their advantages and disadvantages and uses will use the selection. 

LS Shower Screen Singapore provides a comprehensive comparison of glass vs Acrylic shower screens. They are a well-known brand and provide services related to frameless shower screens, L-shaped shower screens, HDB shower screens, and black frame shower screens

Characteristics of Glass Shower Screens

Glass shower screens are made from toughened glass, which is highly durable. This type of glass can withstand impacts, and if it does break, it breaks into small and blunt pieces. This reduces the risk of injuries. Glass shower screens are transparent and allow the light to pass through easily. This helps you create a bright feel in your bathroom. Moreover, this transparency gives a feel of spaciousness; hence, even small bathrooms look bigger.

Glass shower screens have a modern look that can complement any bathroom design. They are available in various styles, and you can choose the one that best suits your bathroom’s decor. Glass shower screens are easy to clean and maintain. They are usually cleaned with regular glass cleaners to remove water spots. However, they require frequent cleaning to maintain their refreshing appearance.

glass vs acrylic shower screens singapore

Advantages of Glass Shower Screens:

  1. Longevity: Glass shower screens are famous for their longer lifespans. However, the lifestyle of any product largely depends on the nature of use and the care with which they are used and looked after. If you keep them clean and maintain their shape, they can last for years without a tired look. 
  2. Elegance: The clear and polished appearance of glass gives bathrooms a high-end, luxurious feel. This can enhance the overall value of your home.
  3. Increased property Value: The glass shower screen can improve the look of your bathroom and, hence, the home.  This increases the property value and attracts potential buyers and renters.
  4. Customization: Glass shower screens can be customized to fit any shower space. They can be cut to specific dimensions and shaped to match unique bathroom layouts.

Disadvantages of Glass Shower Screens

  1. Cost: Glass shower screens are generally more expensive than acrylic options.  The cost contains both material and installation costs. Moreover, you should hire professionals for glass shower screen installation. 
  2. Weight: Glass is heavier, and its installation is challenging. The weight also includes the support structure, which may be required. The support structure can be needed for larger glass shower screens. 
  3. Fragility: Tempered glass is sturdy, but it can shatter under extreme weather conditions. Try to avoid hard objects impacting the glass shower screens. 

Characteristics of Acrylic Shower Screens

Acrylic shower screens are lighter in weight than glass shower screens. Moreover, they are easy to handle and install without professional assistance. Moreover, Acrylic has great strength and endurance that makes it resistant to greater impacts. The less vulnerability makes acrylic a safer option for families with children.

Furthermore, Acrylic is flexible and can moulded into different shapes and sizes. This ensures versatility in designs. Select the best design that matches your bathroom decor.  Additionally, Acrylic shower screens are easy to clean and maintain. You can also use soap and water to clean them properly. They also resist mould and mildew growth in the bathroom. 

Advantages of Acrylic Shower Screens

  1. Cost-Effective: Acrylic shower screens are inexpensive, and this attracts budget-conscious homeowners. 
  2. Safety: The acrylic shower screens do not shatter easily and, therefore, are a safer option for young families and children. 
  3. Ease of Installation: The lightweight nature of acrylic makes it easier to install without needing professional help. This saves you the cost of professional installers. 

glass or acrylic shower screens

Disadvantages of Acrylic Shower Screens

  1. Scratch-Prone: Acrylic is more prone to getting scratches and stains than glass. Over time, these scratches can become prominent. These scratches or stains can affect the screen’s appearance.
  2. Discoloration: Acrylic can change its colour and become yellowish with exposure to sunlight. This can reduce the screen’s beauty over time.
  3. Less Transparency: Acrylic screens are less transparent and, therefore, can result in a slightly less bright bathroom environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the glass vs acrylic shower screens debate is never-ending as both the materials have their advantages and disadvantages. Glass shower screens are durable, glamorous, and transparent but are costly. On the other end, acrylic shower screens are lightweight, safe, and cost-effective but are susceptible to discoloration. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Like glass shower screens, acrylic also has its advantages and disadvantages. Acrylic is a durable material and easy to install. Moreover, it is inexpensive compared to glass shower screens.
Acrylic showers are easy to clean and maintain. Therefore, they are a suitable choice for shower screens.
Glass shower screens are elegant and transparent to provide a more open and spacious look.