Can Formica Be Used for Shower Stalls?

Basics

• Formica, also known as plastic laminate, is a strong, durable option for shower walls and will last for years. To fit your shower, Formica panels can be custom ordered by size and shape and are pre-molded at the factory to meet individual specifications. Though multiple Formica panels can be used to create a shower, a single large sheet will last longer, according to Sound Home Resource Center. A single sheet also lacks hard-to-clean crevices that may fill with water.

Cleaning

• Formica showers are quick and easy to clean with basic household supplies. Avoid scratching or damaging Formica by washing it with a non-abrasive cotton rag and mild detergent or bathroom cleaning products. Do not wash Formica with bleach, tile cleaner, toilet products or anything containing sodium hypochlorite. If the shower is built from several sheets of Formica, avoid letting water seep into the seams when cleaning, as it may be absorbed by the substrate beneath, causing it to swell.

Design Benefits

• The wide variety of colors and styles of Formica available for use in showers is a decorator's dream. Formica panels and prefabricated shower stalls can be ordered in a shade that will match your overall bathroom decor, allowing for a custom, stylish look. In addition to solid-colored, patterned Formica is also available and resembles natural stone and wood. Various neutral shades of Formica, like "brite white" and "sail white," also make matching shower panels to the sink or toilet easy.

Stains and Damage

• Though regular cleaning goes a long way in maintaining Formica, accidents still happen. If using wood stain in the bathroom, cover a Formica shower in a drop cloth, as the stain may permanently discolor or mar Formica, as will hair dye, pens and markers. If a chemical or other agent stains a Formica shower, the Formica Group recommends treating the area with lemon oil, which also minimizes the appearance of scratches.