A luxury walk-in shower is your personal escape, the perfect place to unwind after a long day or enjoy a slow, pampering weekend. With the right materials, you can turn it into a spa-like escape that reflects your style but is also durable and low-maintenance.
When putting this list together, we considered personal style, maintenance, durability, and availability in Canada. Let’s begin!
6 Best Materials for a Luxury Walk-in Shower:
Natural Stone
Natural stone instantly adds a touch of luxury. It’s a favourite for those who want a spa-like feel with a high-end finish. Marble, granite, travertine, and slate are top choices when making a luxury walk-in shower because they don’t just look good but also are durable and increase your property’s value.
Choose gray, beige, and charcoal stones and pair them with soft, warm lighting to highlight their unique patterns. However, know that they need to be installed and sealed by a professional because they are porous and prone to water damage.
Porcelain Tile
If you love the look of natural stone, but don’t want to commit to regular upkeep, porcelain tile is a great alternative. It’s highly resistant to moisture, stains, and scratches and suits a house with young kids well.
Light gray or white tiles make small spaces feel larger, while dark matte tones add a bold, dramatic touch. Recessed LED lights work best with porcelain tile. However, porcelain can get cold underfoot, so you may want to consider heated flooring.
Glass Tile
While glass itself isn’t a wall material, glass panels paired with a tiled or stone backdrop create a sleek, open feel that makes the shower look bigger and more luxurious. Clear or frosted glass makes the space feel more welcoming but if you want a sophisticated, moody look, tinted or textured glass is the way to go.
Extruded Wall Panels
Made from high-density PVC or composite materials, extruded wall panels are lightweight, waterproof, and designed to resist mold and mildew. Unlike tile, they eliminate grout lines, which makes cleaning and maintenance easier.
Stick to matte white and soft neutral because other finishes won’t look or feel as luxurious. Pair it with soft, diffused LED backlighting to create your desired aesthetic.
Cultured Marble
Made from crushed marble mixed with resin, cultured marble is non-porous, meaning no sealing or constant maintenance. It works perfectly for cultured or traditional designs and warm lights. While they are more affordable than real marble, they scratch and chip over time.
Concrete
Concrete showers bring a raw, industrial aesthetic that blends well with modern and minimalist designs. Unlike traditional tiles, concrete can be custom-poured for a seamless, one-of-a-kind look. You can mold the material to create unique patterns and seal them up properly. Neutral tones like gray, beige, and charcoal are great choices if you want an unfinished look. Concrete pairs well with natural wood and metal accents and can help you create a truly one-of-its-kind walk-in shower.
While some of these materials are inexpensive and easy to install, others offer the most luxurious experience. Always get them installed professionally, so they look neat, last long, and are backed by warranty.
Your Kingston Contractor is here to make it happen! Book your free consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which shower wall materials hold up best in hard water areas in and around Kingston?
Hard water causes mineral buildup and surface wear over time. Porcelain tile and solid wall panels perform best in Kingston homes. These materials resist staining, do not absorb moisture, and handle frequent cleaning well. We can also finish them with a matte polish, which helps hide water spots.
2. Is natural stone worth the upkeep in a walk in shower, or do you recommend any modern alternatives?
Natural stone delivers unmatched character but demands regular sealing and careful upkeep. Many homeowners now choose high quality porcelain slabs that mimic marble or travertine. These alternatives require far less maintenance and have better moisture resistance.
3. What materials are best for preventing mould and moisture issues behind shower walls?
Non porous materials are your best choice here. Porcelain tile, cultured marble, and extruded wall panels prevent water penetration when installed correctly. Fewer seams reduce risk. Proper waterproof membranes behind walls matter just as much as surface materials and should never be skipped.
4. Do these materials require long term maintenance and cleaning routines?
Porcelain and grout free panels clean easily with mild products. Natural stone requires sealing and gentle cleaners. Any material you pick, there’s some level of maintenance and cleaning required.
5. How do grout free shower systems compare to tile in terms of lifespan and appearance?
Grout free systems deliver a clean modern look with minimal maintenance. They reduce cleaning time and resist mould better. Tile offers more design flexibility and long term appeal when installed well. Lifespan depends on installation quality. Both look just as beautiful for luxury walk-in showers.
