In the world of home renovations and bathroom makeovers, choosing the right materials can be a tricky task. Today, we’ll delve into two popular options for shower units: Veritek and Acrylic showers.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Aspects | Veritek Showers | Acrylic Showers |
| Durability | High (Resistant to impacts, chipping, and scratching) | Moderate (Resistant to everyday wear and tear, but can be prone to scratches and chips) |
| Maintenance | Low (No surface coating to wear down or scratch during cleaning) | Moderate (Can resist staining but may require more frequent cleaning to maintain appearance) |
| Design Options | Limited | Wide Range (Various colors, designs, and styles available) |
| Weight | Heavier (due to the solid, non-porous material) | Lightweight |
| Price | Typically higher | Typically more affordable |
Veritek Showers: The Pros and Cons
A high-quality product from the well-respected brand Swanstone, Veritek showers are known for their durability and ease of maintenance. Veritek is a compression-molded material that doesn’t require a surface coating, eliminating the risk of surface cracking or chipping.
Pros of Veritek Showers
- Durability: Veritek showers boast a robust and sturdy construction. It’s resistant to impacts, which makes it less likely to chip or crack compared to other materials.
- Ease of Maintenance: Cleaning a Veritek shower is a breeze. Since there’s no coating, you won’t have to worry about wearing it down or scratching it while cleaning.
- Color Consistency: The color in Veritek showers runs through the entire material. Even if it gets scratched, the color remains consistent, so there’s no drastic change in appearance.
Cons of Veritek Showers
- Limited Design Options: Unlike some other materials, Veritek showers have fewer design and color options. This could be a limitation if you’re looking for a specific aesthetic.
- Price: Veritek showers are typically more expensive than their acrylic counterparts.
Acrylic Showers: The Pros and Cons
Acrylic showers are popular for their glossy finish and wide range of style options. They’re a great choice for those who prioritize aesthetics and budget-friendly options.
Pros of Acrylic Showers
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Acrylic showers come in a myriad of designs, colors, and styles. Their high-gloss finish adds a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
- Lightweight: Acrylic is a lightweight material, making installation easier than many other materials.
- Price: If you’re on a budget, an acrylic shower can be a more affordable choice.
Cons of Acrylic Showers
- Durability Issues: Although they can resist everyday wear and tear, acrylic showers are less resistant to scratches and chips than Veritek showers.
- Maintenance: While it’s not overly difficult to clean an acrylic shower, they are more prone to staining and may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their shiny appearance.
Key Differences Between Veritek And Acrylic Showers
When deciding between Veritek and Acrylic showers, understanding their key differences can help you make an informed choice.
- Material Composition and Durability
Veritek showers are made from a proprietary, compression-molded material that boasts impressive durability.
It’s resistant to impacts, reducing the risk of chips and scratches that can mar the appearance over time.
Also, because the color runs through the material, scratches are less noticeable.
On the other hand, Acrylic showers are made from a thermoplastic material that’s lightweight and offers a high-gloss finish.
Although they can withstand everyday wear and tear, they are more prone to scratches and chips compared to Veritek showers.
- Design Flexibility
Veritek, while durable and low-maintenance, offers limited design and color options. This can be restrictive if you’re after a particular aesthetic for your bathroom.
In contrast, Acrylic showers shine in the realm of design flexibility. They are available in a variety of colors, designs, and styles. The high-gloss finish of acrylic showers can also add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.
- Appearance
When it comes to aesthetics, both Veritek and acrylic offer modern, sleek designs perfect for contemporary bathroom styles.
Veritek showers have a smooth, minimalist look. The material has a matte finish that gives it a subtle, understated appearance. Veritek is available in a wide variety of neutral, low-contrast colors like whites, grays, and black. This allows it to blend in seamlessly with almost any bathroom decor. Custom color matches are also available.
Acrylic showers have an unmistakable high-gloss, shiny finish that immediately draws the eye. The reflective surface gives them a bright, luxurious look. Acrylic can be found in nearly any color from basic white to vivid, lively hues like red or green. The glossy finish emphasizes the vibrant tones.
If you prefer a shower with some subtle dazzle, acrylic’s shine probably appeals more. For a muted, neutral look, Veritek’s matte finish fits the bill.
- Maintenance and Cleaning
Veritek showers are easy to clean. There’s no surface coating to wear down or scratch during the cleaning process, making maintenance a breeze.
Acrylic showers, while not overly difficult to clean, are more susceptible to staining. They may require more frequent cleaning to maintain their shiny appearance.
- Customization
An important benefit of Veritek showers is that they can be fully customized. Veritek is formed into precise sizes and shapes during manufacturing. This allows for nearly endless design options. Showers can be tailored to perfectly fit your bathroom layout and style.
Acrylic showers have more limited sizing availability. Standard sizes include 32″, 36″, 42″, 48″ x 32″, 36″ x 36″. Acrylic can be cut onsite to smaller dimensions if needed. But the material cannot be seamlessly formed into larger custom sizes. Complex designs and special shower shapes are not possible.
For a shower that meets your exact specifications, Veritek is the ideal choice.
- Temperature Resistance
The ability to withstand heat is another key performance metric. You want your shower material to hold up to the high temperatures of water and steam.
Veritek is highly heat resistant. It can tolerate extremely hot water temperatures without issue. Veritek maintains its durability and appearance despite prolonged exposure to heat and steam.
Acrylic can become warped, discolored, or cracked when subjected to heat over time. The hot water and humidity in showers can degrade acrylic. Signs of damage include yellowing, bubbling, or bending of sheets. Once affected by heat, acrylic can quickly become unusable.
Veritek’s superior high temperature tolerance makes it the safer option.
- Price and Installation
In terms of cost, Veritek showers are typically more expensive than their Acrylic counterparts. The higher price point is due to the robust construction and superior durability.
Acrylic showers, being more lightweight, are easier to install and generally more affordable. However, this comes at the expense of some durability.
While both Veritek and Acrylic showers have their unique benefits, your choice should be based on your priorities, whether that’s durability, design flexibility, ease of maintenance, or cost.
Between Veritek and Acrylic showers, the choice largely depends on your specific needs and budget. If durability and low maintenance are your top priorities, Veritek showers may be worth the higher price tag.
If aesthetics and price are key factors, an acrylic shower could be your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No, Veritek is not an acrylic. Veritek is a unique, proprietary material developed by Swanstone. It’s compression-molded, and the color runs through the entire material, unlike acrylic which has a surface color layer.
Veritek is a solid, non-porous, compression-molded material that does not require a surface coating. It’s durable, resistant to impacts and scratches, and easy to maintain.
The best material for a shower pan often depends on your specific needs. While both Veritek and Acrylic have their merits, many homeowners prefer Veritek for its superior durability.
While both have their advantages, acrylic often comes out on top due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. However, fiberglass is typically more budget-friendly. When making a choice, consider factors like durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget.
Yes, Veritek is an excellent material for shower walls. It excels in durability, longevity, and ease of maintenance – qualities that are extremely beneficial for showers. Veritek’s resistance to damage, stains, and heat makes it a top choice that will last for years.
The main downsides of acrylic showers are that they scratch easily, require frequent cleaning, can become discolored from heat exposure, have a shorter lifespan, and offer limited sizing options. Acrylic also shows damage and imperfections more readily compared to other shower materials.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, whether you choose a Veritek or Acrylic shower will depend on what matters most to you. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but they both offer fantastic ways to upgrade your bathroom and create a relaxing, refreshing showering experience.
Remember to always weigh your options and make a choice that fits your needs and budget.
