Can You Get the Look of a Tile Shower Without Grout?

You might like the look of a tile shower, but don’t want the maintenance hassle that comes with it. Getting on your knees to scrub grout isn’t anyone’s idea of a good weekend. Watching problems come back after cleaning is frustrating, too.

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels. Many of our installations use products that look like tile, but without the maintenance hassle.

This article shows you how to get the look of tile without the hassle of grout, what it costs, and when traditional tile might be a better fit.

Table of Contents:

• How Do You Get the Look of Tile Without Grout?
• How Much Does a Grout-Free Tile Look Cost?
• Does a Grout-Free Tile Look Work for Every Bathroom?

How Do You Get the Look of Tile Without Grout?

Some shower wall materials allow grout lines to be laser-etched into them. Shugarman’s Bath installs a material called BP-Cor2, an acrylic copolymer shower wall that allows laser-etched, grout-like lines.

BP-Cor2 is nonporous. The laser-etched grout lines are also nonporous, which means you don’t have to deal with the maintenance hassle of actual grout. There are no porous areas for water or dirt to soak in.

With 500 to 600 design combinations of patterns, colors, and finishes, you have plenty to choose from. Options include simulated tile layouts with a raised texture that mimics real tile and stone. The Reveal Series uses laser-etched grout lines.

To see more tile options for your tub and shower area, visit our project gallery to inspire your look.

How Much Does a Grout-Free Tile Look Cost?

A modern shower wall system with a tile look typically costs between $16,000 and $22,000. Larger showers or more customized designs can push the price past $22,000.

You're paying for down-to-the-studs demolition, fixing underlying issues in the tub and shower area (like mold, wood rot, water damage, or other hidden issues), plumbing updates, backer boards, proper waterproofing, and installation labor.

Does a Grout-Free Tile Look Work for Every Bathroom?

While many people enjoy the look of laser-etched tile, modern shower wall systems offer fewer design and color combinations than traditional tile. If you have a specific tile design in mind, down to the exact size, shape, or material, traditional tile might work better for you.

Modern shower wall systems work best for homeowners who want a tile appearance without the hassle of cleaning and resealing grout.

What's the Right Shower Wall Material for You?

You can get the look of tile without needing consistent maintenance. Cleaning grout can be a pain, and it needs resealing every six months. A grout-free tile look gives you something that looks good without the high maintenance.

Now that you know you can get the look of a tile shower without grout, read our article on how tile compares to composite shower walls.

If you have any questions about our grout-free shower installations, contact Shugarman’s Bath today to speak with one of our experts.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.