If you have been looking into HDB interior design, you’ll have no doubt heard that a good shower screen is a must for any bathroom. Shower curtains are being phased out to become a thing of the past, replaced by modern, cleaner and low-maintenance shower screens. However, shower screens also come in different shapes and sizes, which may be confusing to new homeowners. In this article, we’ll focus on the two most popular types of shower screens – glass and acrylic – and what makes them different.
Durability
When it comes to durability, glass has the upper hand. Glass is a long-lasting material, able to withstand heat from hot water. While there are many different grades of glass shower screens, glass is generally more scratch-resistant than its acrylic counterpart. Of course, the more durable the glass, the more expensive the shower screen will be, but the best option for glass shower screens still surpasses that of acrylic screens. You can expect to use a high-quality glass shower screen for years down the road, whereas an acrylic shower screen may require a replacement after heavy use.
Maintenance
Once again, glass is known for being a low-maintenance material and can be easily cleaned with a wiper or a cloth after your shower. With the right cleaning solution, you can remove most water and soap marks from a smooth glass surface.
Acrylic shower screens tend to require slightly more maintenance. Since they can be scratched easily or damaged by harsh solutions, HDB interior designers often advise you to use a microfiber cloth and diluted cleaning solution to clean your acrylic shower screens. Over time, acrylic shower screens may turn yellow and need to be replaced.
Safety
Both glass and acrylic shower screens can do just as well in keeping water out of the rest of your bathroom – the only difference lies in how well they are installed. A good installation should leave no gaps or leaks between the shower area and the remaining floor area, whereas a poor installation may result in water seeping through and flooding your bathroom, running the risk of a fall especially for elderly users.
However, even if properly installed, glass shower screens also have one more potential hazard. Glass shower screens may potentially shatter or chip off if they sustain enough damage, creating jagged edges that can cut the user. If you plan on installing a glass shower screen, we recommend looking for high-quality tempered glass with safety seals, which will be less prone to breaking.
Alternatively, you can go for acrylic shower screens if safety is your utmost concern. Unlike glass, acrylic shower screens will only bend or dent at worst instead of completely shattering. Acrylic may be a better choice to avoid the hazard of shattered glass. Besides, acrylic shower screens are typically less expensive to replace than glass shower screens if they do get damaged.
Aesthetics
The look and feel of a shower screen is an important aspect in HDB interior design. A crips, clean shower screen can give your bathroom a contemporary, modern look. Additionally, it can also increase the resale value of your home.
To decide the best material for aesthetics, you may need to personally take a look at different shower screens on the market and see which one best fits your home’s design. The common frameless shower screens are typically made of glass, although they may be simplistic and lacking in design if you are looking for something more showy.
Acrylic shower screens usually offer more options in terms of design. You can find acrylic screens with surface patterns, colours, and a variety of frames. Since acrylic is easier to trim and modify, it is the more popular choice for those looking to fully customise their home.
Cost
On average, an acrylic shower screen tends to be less expensive than a glass shower screen. Expect to pay upwards of S$450 for an acrylic shower screen, with the more complex designs and styles being more expensive. If you are purchasing an acrylic shower screen for the long run, you may also want to consider the cost of a possible replacement down the road.
Glass shower screens can go at upwards of S$800. They come in varying thickness, quality and styles, with the more durable glass panels and more complex styles being more expensive. However, investing in a good glass shower screen can help you save on repair costs and mishaps in the future.
Before purchasing your shower screen, you may also want to check whether the company offers installation services for your shower screen, and whether they are complimentary or may incur you additional costs. Although it isn’t too difficult to install a shower screen by yourself, we highly recommend that you only attempt this if you are absolutely sure of what you are doing. New homeowners are advised to get a professional installation, which can help to prevent installation mistakes.
