In the market of remodeling today there is a certain paradox relating to the cost of acrylic or tile showers.  I understand that the consumer wants to save on material and labor costs and yet have a nice looking project in the end. He fully expects that ceramic or stone tile will increase the cost of his shower replacement beyond reasonability.

Actually, the increase may be as little as 30-35% overall, depending upon the design, type of tile and the extent of the work. In the business of remodeling, I have noticed that for the cost of shower replacement - foot for foot, the cost between acrylic surround kits and ceramic, porcelain and some stone tile, is very close.  Therefore, if the customer decides to build a tiled shower, the only hidden cost will be in the design and the deco or ledge-work. This means that he'll want to also tile the bathroom floor, over the sink and around the hot tub.  As well, perhaps other walls.  He'll want to accent with a row of deco continuous pattern tile or maybe a repeating pattern of smooth tile bordered with deco. 

Even in the case of let's say, a $5,500.00 (dollar) job - you're saving about $1,500.00 (dollars) by having just the acrylic shower.  For the amount spent, it's not a significant cost difference for the best outcome.  And by the way, five grand is not that much for a good bathroom remodel.  I would even throw in a floor warmer for that price. 

If your not in the market for such aesthetics, you could have the remodeler gut the old shower and install a Schluter (no-tub) shower pan, which can be installed, tiled and ready in about 2.5 days, for about twenty five hundred dollars.  This would be a good option if you already have other fixtures, like a hot tub in about a 120 ( and larger) square foot bathroom.  If the floor space is small, you could add a ceramic floor for a about $300.00 dollars more.  Schluter pans come preformed and tile ready.  The walls can be green sheetrock with a Kerdi membrane (included in kit) connecting the walls to the mud pan in an overlapping fashion as a moisture barrier.  On the first day with this system, the contractor can have the shower gutted and the mud pan and pan tile in before he leaves that day. 

But I have to say that even in small bathrooms, tile or stone always looks elegant if the right shades and deco accents are used.  In ceramic, the dark, marble swirls are very nice.  The contemporary style utilizes conformity in matching the grout shade to the tile color.  And for my own preference. I like using narrow spacing and sand-less grout, even with 12X12 inch tile.

Let's remind ourselves that ceramic and stone maintain their appearance and are much more durable than acrylic panels, which loose their sheen in a few years.  I think if your home means more to you than just an investment, you should be able to enjoy the benefits of it and pass it on to the next buyer.