Case Study Cast Marble vs Fiberglass Showers

 

Cast marble has emerged as a popular option for shower pans and surrounds among property owners who value luxurious shower solutions. Its superior design and durability make it stand out from other materials, particularly fiberglass which it significantly outperforms in this case study.

Seawin cast marble wall surrounds and pans are constructed using solid cast marble, providing exceptional durability. The combination of ground marble and resin results in a product capable of withstanding heavy usage from guests and tenants. Designed primarily for commercial use, our shower pans weigh approximately 200 lbs, and their 'drop-in' installation is hassle-free. The gel coat surface of the pans is not only durable but also easy to clean. Unlike fiberglass shower units, which have hollow plastic bodies, our wall surrounds and pans are less susceptible to breakage during shipping, installation, and use. Fiberglass shower units are more prone to developing hairline cracks that could result in water leakage. Immediate repairs are crucial, but they can also be costly.

Both Seawin and fiberglass showers are low-maintenance due to their grout less construction, which eliminates the need for regrouting or sealing. Cast marble is compatible with a wide range of cleaning agents, including soapy water and ammonia-based cleaners like Windex™, without damaging the finish. For deep stains, acetone can also be used (refer to care instructions). In contrast, fiberglass has a softer finish that can be easily damaged by harsher cleaners, and repair costs can be substantial.

Cast marble offers a greater range of design possibilities compared to fiberglass, including the creation of geometric patterns, textured surfaces, and tile-like appearances. Fiberglass showers, on the other hand, have more limited design options, usually featuring plain walls or traditional tile patterns. While both materials are grout less, Seawin tile patterns simulate the realistic look and feel of real grout. Fiberglass shower walls, with their plastic appearance, are distinguishable from real tiles, and accessories like soap dishes and shelves are integrated into the mold. In contrast, cast marble shelves and footrests are attached to the shower walls after installation, and our wall surrounds can extend to the ceiling, providing a more authentic appearance.

Cultured marble provides a feature that fiberglass cannot - the ability to create textured surfaces. In a shower stall, guests can closely examine their surroundings, and the realistic look and feel of grout lines in a tile pattern are essential. Seawin offers many patterns where texture is the main attraction, such as glossy tile patterns with a wavy design to simulate hammered tiles (like Herringbone). Other patterns have horizontal and vertical lines that create a highly textured surface (like Vertical Vision). One unique pattern, Theory, stands out for its geometric design and texture.

Cast marble's durability and timeless designs ensure a long lifespan for your shower, making it a superior choice over fiberglass in terms of longevity. Although fiberglass may be less expensive in the short-term, it cannot match the durability and range of design options that cast marble offers.

For commercial projects, cultured marble is the clear choice. It is stronger and more resilient than fiberglass and offers a sought-after material for beautiful shower designs. Additionally, its low-maintenance properties allow hotels and landlords to promote beautiful showers that require minimal time and effort to maintain.

Pros and Cons of Cast Marble Wall Surrounds:

Pros:

  • Durability: Cast marble wall surrounds and pans are known for their durability and resistance to chipping, cracking, and scratching. They can withstand heavy use and abuse, making them a long-lasting investment.
  • Maintenance and Cleanliness: Cast marble wall surrounds and pans do not require regular maintenance because there are no grout lines. Cast marble is highly resistant to mold and mildew.
  • Aesthetics: Cast marble wall surrounds offers a greater range of design possibilities have a luxurious and elegant appearance that can add value and visual appeal to your bathroom.
  • Customizable: Cast marble wall surrounds can be customized to fit any size or shape, making them an ideal choice for bathrooms with non-standard dimensions or configurations.
  • Low Maintenance: Cast marble wall surrounds and pans are easy to clean and maintain, requiring only mild soap and water to keep them looking new.
  • Appearance: Cast marble come in matte or glossy finish.
  • Longevity: Cast marble outperforms fiberglass in terms of longevity and aesthetic appeal due to its durable nature and timeless designs, making it the superior choice for shower materials.

Cons:

  • Weight: Cast marble wall surrounds and pans are heavy than fiberglass showers.

 

Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Showers:

Pros:

  • Maintenance and Cleanliness: Fiberglass showers do not require regular maintenance because there are no grout lines. Fiberglass is highly resistant to mold and mildew.
  • Lightweight: Fiberglass showers are lightweight and easy to install, which can save time and money during installation.

Cons:

  • Durability: Fiberglass showers are less durable than cast marble wall surrounds and pans and can scratch or crack easily.
  • Aesthetics: Fiberglass showers have a less luxurious appearance, are limited on design options compared to cast marble wall surrounds and may not add as much value or visual appeal to your bathroom.
  • Limited Customization: Fiberglass showers are available in standard sizes and shapes, which may not be suitable for all bathroom configurations.
  • Appearance: Fiberglass showers come in glossy finish only.
  • Handling: Generally, fiberglass showers come in one- or 3-piece sets which are very bulky and can be scratched easily.
  • Shower Door limitation: Some heavy glass shower doors cannot be installed due to small or insufficient blocking incorporated inside fiberglass showers.

Cost Comparison:

Name

Material Cost

Installation Cost

Total Cost Per SFT

Fiberglass walls

$6.50

$3.50

$10.00

Cast Marble walls

$3.80

$4.00

$7.80

After considering the pros and cons of each option, cast marble walls and pans are better choice over fiberglass showers. Hotel owners and landlords value the durability and aesthetic appeal of the cast marble and appreciates the ability to customize the size and shape to fit his bathroom's unique dimensions. While the cast marble requires professional installation, most clients feel that the investment is worth it for a long-lasting and high-quality wall surround.