Welcome to a comprehensive comparison of Sentrel and Acrylic showers. You might be planning a bathroom renovation, or just trying to keep up with the latest trends in bathroom fixtures.
Either way, selecting the right shower wall system is crucial. Let’s delve into this head-to-head contest of Sentrel and Acrylic showers, exploring their pros, cons, and key features.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Sentrel | Acrylic |
| Material | PVC backed composite with high-resolution digital image of natural stone | Acrylic and fiberglass resins |
| Appearance | Mimics the appearance of natural stone for a high-end look | Smooth, shiny finish with a variety of colors and styles |
| Durability | Highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling | Resistant to daily wear and tear, but may crack under severe impact and discolor over time |
| Maintenance | Resistant to scratching and staining, easy to clean | Easy to clean, but can be prone to scratches and stains |
| Cost | Higher initial cost, but long-lasting nature can offer good value over time | Lower initial cost, making it a budget-friendly option |
Sentrel Showers: The Upsides
Sentrel is a popular choice for shower wall systems for many homeowners, and rightly so.
What makes it stand out is its ingenious blend of luxury and durability.
Built from a PVC backed composite, it’s topped with a high-resolution digital image of natural stone.
This results in an elegant, high-end appearance similar to natural stone, without the accompanying hefty price tag or maintenance demands. Furthermore, the non-porous surface of Sentrel helps inhibit mold and mildew growth, offering a healthier and cleaner shower environment.
But that’s not all. Sentrel is praised for its resilience. It’s resistant to chipping, cracking, or peeling, and its color remains steadfast, resisting fade. Its longevity is well documented, with many Sentrel showers lasting 15-20 years or more, offering excellent value for money.
- The Flip Side of Sentrel Showers
While Sentrel has many advantages, there are few drawbacks to consider. Its initial cost is generally higher than basic acrylic or fiberglass options.
Additionally, although it’s designed to resemble natural stone, it doesn’t quite match the look or feel of the real thing.
Acrylic Showers: Why Choose Them?
Acrylic showers are another popular choice, known for their affordability and easy installation.
The smooth, non-porous surface makes them resistant to mold and mildew, similar to Sentrel.
Acrylic showers stand up to daily use quite well and are highly resistant to scratches and stains.
If any minor damage does occur, it can often be easily buffed out, unlike other materials.
Plus, they offer a wide array of design options, making it easy to find a style that suits any bathroom decor.
- The Downsides to Acrylic Showers
While affordable and user-friendly, Acrylic showers do have a few drawbacks. For one, they aren’t as robust as Sentrel, and can be prone to cracking under severe impact. They may also start to discolor over time, especially when exposed to harsh cleaning products.
Key Differences between Sentrel and Acrylic Showers
Uncovering the key differences between Sentrel and Acrylic showers can help you make a more informed decision. So, let’s dig in and highlight the distinguishing features of these two popular shower wall systems.
- Material Composition
The first difference lies in the material itself. Sentrel is a PVC backed composite with a high-resolution digital image of natural stone, designed to mimic the beauty of natural stone.
On the other hand, Acrylic showers are made from a large, heated sheet of a material derived from acrylic and fiberglass resins, resulting in a smooth, shiny finish.
- Appearance and Design
Sentrel showers, due to their digital stone print, possess a high-end, luxurious appearance that’s reminiscent of natural stone, making them a stylish choice for those wanting an opulent aesthetic.
Acrylic showers, however, offer a simpler, more straightforward design. They come in various colors and styles, but they typically lack the upscale aesthetic of Sentrel.
- Durability
Both materials are durable, but Sentrel tends to have the upper hand. It’s highly resistant to chipping, cracking, and peeling.
Acrylic, while sturdy and able to resist daily wear and tear, may crack under severe impact and can discolor over time, especially under the harsh effects of some cleaning products.
- Maintenance
Both Sentrel and Acrylic showers have non-porous surfaces that help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. However, due to its higher resistance to scratching and staining, Sentrel is often considered easier to maintain.
- Cost
Acrylic showers generally come at a lower initial cost than Sentrel, making them a budget-friendly option. Sentrel, while pricier upfront, can offer excellent value over time due to its long-lasting nature.
Both Sentrel and Acrylic showers have their unique strengths. Your final choice will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and specific requirements.
Whether you value the high-end, natural look of Sentrel, or the budget-friendly, practical approach of Acrylic, rest assured that both options can serve you well.
So, which shower wall system reigns supreme?
It’s hard to give a one-size-fits-all answer, as it truly depends on your specific needs, budget, and personal taste. If luxury, durability, and long-lasting beauty are high on your list, Sentrel might be your top pick.
However, if budget and easy installation are key, Acrylic showers could be the winner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Sentrel showers are known for their durability, with many lasting for 15-20 years or more, depending on maintenance.
Sentrel is a composite material, consisting of a PVC backed composite overlaid with a high-resolution digital image of natural stone.
The best shower wall system depends on your needs and preferences. Sentrel is an excellent choice for durability and aesthetics, while Acrylic is budget-friendly and easy to install.
Yes, acrylic shower panels are a good option. They offer a smooth, non-porous surface that resists mold and mildew, are affordable, and come in a wide range of designs. However, they may not be as durable as other options, like Sentrel.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, both Sentrel and Acrylic showers offer unique benefits and have their specific drawbacks. Evaluate your personal needs, consult with professionals, and make an informed decision that suits your home, budget, and lifestyle.
Whether it’s the luxe look of Sentrel or the practicality of Acrylic, your new shower can bring a refreshing change to your bathroom.
