Not Tile, Not Stone: The Grout-Free Bathroom Finish That Looks Good

Wall and flooring materials need to meet a lot of criteria to fit perfectly and practicably into a bathroom design. Finishes for this room need to be low maintenance, easy to clean, and moisture resistant, which is why most folks opt for tile or stone. However, these options also require the use of a product that is neither wipeable nor waterproof: grout. Anyone with grout lines anywhere in their home knows how much time and energy it takes to clean. Additionally, if it's not well-maintained, grout can crack, losing its sealing power, letting in moisture, and growing mold. To avoid these problems and create a luxurious bathroom, switch to solid surface walls and floors — particularly in your shower stall — and countertops. They're a sleek, grout-free alternative.

Lots of homeowners already believe solid surface countertops are better than quartz in the kitchen, so it's not a stretch to consider using the material in your bathroom. You can think of solid surface as being a bit like a super sturdy wallpaper. Solid surface is typically made from a mix of nearly nonporous acrylic or polyester binders and minerals in various imitation natural stone and solid color finishes. It comes in large sheets that you — or, more likely, your contractor — install on any large, flat surface in your bathroom using a silicone-based product (contact cement won't work). Each sheet sits flush with the next, creating a completely smooth finish with no gaps or joins. With no cracks or crevices from grout lines or tile texture, moisture and debris don't have anywhere to hide, making solid surface walls and floors much easier to clean.

Everything from bathroom vanities to walk-in showers are getting a deluxe upgrade with solid surface, and it's popular for more than just its ease of care. Since the material isn't natural, solid surface is available in a huge range of colors and styles. As mentioned, some products boast finishes that emulate natural stone — think marble, granite, travertine, and quartz. Others resemble tile — minus that pesky grout, of course. Unlike natural materials, you can also choose your finish: matte to hide scratches, semi-gloss for easy upkeep, or high-gloss for glass-like luxury.

Since solid surface comes in so many styles, it will work in basically any bathroom aesthetic. For example, if you have a modern, practical personal style, go with faux marble solid surface panels in shades of white with subtle marbling. Sheets of terra cotta-colored solid surface will make your shower stall — and your entire bathroom — feel more rustic. For something dramatic and original, there's even a fairly wide selection of terrazzo solid surface options.

Regardless of the color or finish you choose, a solid surface-covered wall or floor is extremely durable. The material is the perfect choice for heavily used rooms like bathrooms. It can scuff or scratch, but these marks are usually easy to buff out. While solid surface is typically more expensive to install than tile (it's not an easy DIY job), it has a long lifespan with little care. In short, it just might be the trendy bathroom feature you'll want for an easy-to-clean, low-maintenance home.