Glass/Acrylic VS Tiled Shower Partition: Which to Choose?

Splashes sorted, style secured.

Unless you’ve got the skills of a ninja or are perfectly fine with other areas of the bathroom getting wet every time you take a shower, a shower partition is essential in containing splashes. And here in Singapore, glass/acrylic and tiled partitions are by far the most common options.

In this article, we take a look at different criteria to consider when choosing between the two, so that you can make the right decision for your bathroom — whether you’re thinking of having a fully enclosed area or a walk-in shower.

1. Aesthetics: It depends on the look you’re going for

All materials have their pros and cons. In the looks department, glass and acrylic are often thought of as being visually light (and therefore better for tight spaces), while tiled partitions add an architectural element to your bathroom. One question to ask yourself, therefore, is which do you value more?

For the best of both worlds, some homeowners go with a half-tiled wall with a glass partition at the top.

You should also consider the overall interior style you’re after, as well as the types of tiles you’re planning to use. For example, an earthy wabi sabi theme may do better with a non-glossy tiled partition. Meanwhile, both glass and marble tiled partitions are capable of lending a modern luxe, hotel-like look.

2. Practicality and flexibility: Glass/acrylic partitions

But what good is an aesthetic partition if it isn’t suited to your daily lifestyle needs?

Compared to tiled partitions that can’t be moved, glass/acrylic partitions can come in the form of swing or sliding doors. So, if you’ve got a small bathroom and need to shower your kids/pets often, the latter is a more flexible option in giving you room to move around while minimising splashes at other times.

In the long term, it’s also easier to replace glass/acrylic panels than it is to hack a built wall, should you choose to do so.

3. Maintenance: It depends on your cleaning habits

Most people think that glass/acrylic partitions require more cleaning than tiled partitions, but that’s not entirely true.

Yes, water marks and soap scum are more visible on glass/acrylic, necessitating a daily wipedown with a squeegee if you can’t stand the sight of them. But because these materials are non-porous, they don’t actually require deep cleaning. (Caveat: mould can still grow on scum accumulation if you leave it there for prolonged periods!)

Tiled partitions, on the other hand, don’t need daily cleaning. Instead, they require grout scrubbing (ideally once a week) since grout is porous and a hotbed for mould growth.

So, it ultimately boils down to whether you’re able to stand the sight of water marks, and choosing between the lesser of two evils: frequent light cleaning VS less frequent deep cleaning.

Secondary considerations include:

• Scratch-resistance
• Discolouration (acrylic turns yellow over time)
• Frames, hinges, and silicone seals for glass/acrylic doors being prone to mould growth, even though the panels themselves are not

4. Cost: Acrylic partitions

If budget is top of mind, acrylic partitions are generally the cheapest stand-alone option, ranging from a few hundred to a thousand dollars depending on size and design. The downside, though, is that acrylic partitions can feel (relatively) flimsy because of their light weight.

Tempered glass, particularly frameless ones that require thicker panels, feels sturdier and more premium. But that added quality typically means that prices start from $1,000 and go up from there.

Tiles are the cheapest where material cost is concerned. But the catch is in the labour. Once labour costs for installation, waterproofing, and finishings are included, building one can cost even more than a glass partition.

5. Safety: Tiled partitions

Tempered glass shower partitions are generally considered to be safe when installed properly with good hardware, but can still crack or shatter as a result of strong impact like slamming. Meanwhile, acrylic is less likely to shatter, making it safer for households with kids or elderly where there is good lighting to prevent accidental collisions.

In the same vein, tiled partitions are the safest in the sense that they eliminate shatter risk entirely, and have lower collision risk in reduced light because of their opacity.

Still undecided?

As you’d probably have guessed by now, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer as to which shower partition is “better”. Plus, other factors like your bathroom’s layout and ventilation (which affects the likelihood of mould growth) come into the mix and further complicate matters.

For advice pertaining to your specific preferences and lifestyle needs, it’s best to speak with an interior designer who will be able to give you suggestions based on your context. They are, after all, the experts. Click on the button below to get started!