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Vote Shugarman's Bath for San Diego's Best Building Contractor, Kitchen & Bath Remodeler, and Local Construction Company!
April 20th, 2026
3 min read
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If you’re planning a shower remodel, you may like the look of tile but not the upkeep that comes with grout. Many homeowners start out asking for a tile shower, only to realize they really want something that looks like tile without the sealing, scrubbing, and long-term maintenance.
Shugarman’s Bath installs modern shower tile systems that give you the look of tile with less maintenance.
Because we talk with more than 500 homeowners each month about shower remodel options, we’ve found that many people who ask for traditional tile are actually looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance alternative.
In this article, you’ll learn what kind of tile Shugarman’s Bath offers, how it compares to traditional tile, and whether it’s the right fit for your shower remodel.
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Shugarman’s Bath installs modern shower tile wall systems for homeowners who want the look of tile with less long-term upkeep. These wall systems are made from a solid, non-porous BP-Cor2 wall surface with grout line patterns built into the design. You can choose between 500-600 design and color combinations.
Because the wall surface is non-porous, it does not absorb moisture the way grout does. There are no separate joints to reseal.
Many homeowners want traditional tile because it has been used for decades and offers a wider range of colors, patterns, and layouts. Traditional shower tile is made of individual ceramic, porcelain, marble, or stone tiles set with grout lines. Grout and certain types of tile (natural stone and marble) are porous and absorb moisture, dirt, and bacteria. It needs to be resealed annually to prevent staining and moisture problems.
You can choose a modern tile system for a tile look, easier cleaning, and zero grout upkeep. You can clean with simple cleaners like 409, Simple Green, or Fantastik with non-abrasive sponges or microfiber cloths.
Modern shower tile wall systems typically range from $16,000 to $22,000, with an average project size of about $18,500. Larger or more customized remodels can exceed $22,000.
Your final cost is determined by the size of the tub and shower area, materials and fixtures selected, structural changes such as moving plumbing or removing a soffit, and accessories added. Seating, grab bars, shelves, and niches are popular additions that can affect the total.
Some wall designs use simulated tile patterns in layouts like 3-by-6, 4-by-12, and 12-by-12. These patterns have a raised texture that mimics traditional tile and stone.
Another option is the Reveal Series. These walls have laser-etched grout patterns on solid wall panels. You get the intricate look of grout without the cleaning hassle.
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Simulated Tile |
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Reveal Series |
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Reading about modern shower tile is helpful, but most homeowners want to see how these wall systems look in finished bathrooms. Our project gallery lets you browse completed shower remodels by color, pattern, and finish to better understand which modern tile style best fits your home.
The tub and shower area is stripped down to the studs, the walls are prepared, moisture-resistant backer boards and waterproofing layers are installed, and the modern tile wall system is applied as the finished surface.
Shugarman’s Bath does offer modern shower tile for homeowners who like the look of tile without the grout and heavy upkeep. It gives you a tile-style design, but with a solid wall surface that’s easier to clean and maintain.
If you prioritize having the widest possible range of individual tile choices, patterns, and layouts, a traditional tile shower may offer greater design flexibility.
Still weighing the pros and cons of each option? Read our article on traditional vs. modern shower tile to see which is right for your home.
If you know you want a low-maintenance shower with a tile look, schedule a free design consultation with Shugarman’s Bath today!
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
Jerrett Phinney is the Content Manager at Shugarman's Bath, using his three years of content strategy to help homeowners through their remodeling process. With a background in construction and a degree in English from San Diego State University, he specializes in breaking down complex concepts into valuable, informative, and accessible resources for homeowners to make practical decisions. Outside of work, Jerrett is an avid Twitch livestreamer and fiction writer who enjoys fitness, watching anime, and spending quality time with his dog.
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