ᐅ Laminated glass instead of tiles in the shower

Instead of tiles (costs: materials, primer, adhesive, installation, grouting), frosted laminated glass could be used, which costs about 35 euros/sq m (3.25 USD/sq ft). This does require edge polishing, but the glass can be directly glued with silicone onto the smoothed drywall (green board).

Does anyone have experience with these types of surfaces or know of other materials that provide water protection behind a shower and/or bathtub and are less expensive than tiles?

In my opinion, you also need a vapor barrier here, since you will have edge joints. As far as I know, boards that are installed overlapping at the corners are additionally glued with corner connectors, and only then are the joints sealed with silicone.

It may be cheaper overall, but is that really what you want? Smooth surfaces tend to feel cooler compared to a nice tile with an appealing texture.

I don’t have a corner—only a wall. And in terms of style, it really depends on personal preference.

I have also considered using glass instead of tiles in the shower. It is certainly possible to use printed glass as well. However, I’m not sure if tiles might be more cost-effective. My main consideration was to avoid grout lines.

I have already seen this in hotels, with tiles about 1.00 x 2.50 meters (3.3 x 8.2 feet) in size. It looks quite neat. However, I’m not sure if you need to follow up more carefully with putty or filler afterwards...