Q&A: A Smarter Alternative to Tile and Fiberglass

You know the hassles of tile and fiberglass - slow tile installs, lots of maintenance and restoration, and cheap plastic designs. Mincey’s cast marble is a durable, easy-to-install alternative with high-end design that holds up over time. It’s been trusted in hotels for decades, so it’s more than tough enough for multifamily use.

Here are some of the questions we get when people check out Mincey for the first time.

Q: Is this all one unit or three separate panels?
A: It’s a three-panel system - left, right, and back wall - designed for easier installation.

Q: How do you seam the corners? What about waterproofing?
A: Mincey panels are dot-mount glued to water-resistant drywall (no waterproofing membrane needed). They’re then seamed in the corners with 100% silicone caulk for a clean finish. Unlike other shower systems that require bulky curved corner covers or look like plastic, our panels deliver a sophisticated, realistic tile appearance.

Q: How does the price compare to the tile I’m currently using with fiberglass pans?
A: Generally, Mincey is more expensive than fiberglass but less expensive than tile, especially when you consider labor. But Mincey saves significantly on labor time and offers long-term durability that tile and fiberglass simply can’t match.

Q: Wow, the pan is 200 lbs?! Does it need a mud bed?
A: Nope. Our shower pans require a simple ‘drop-in’ installation. They’re heavy, because they’re made from solid cast marble and built to last, much like a foundation for a house. Think of them as a one-time investment - you won’t even need to tear them out if you decide to change the shower walls in the future.

Q: How is it made?
A: All Mincey products are manufactured to order in the USA and sold factory direct. Our panels and pans are made from locally-ground stone and polyester resin. We cast this mixture into molds that have been sprayed with gel coat (similar to what is used on boats). The result - intricate designs and texture with no grout to fail, discolor, or clean.

Q: What are your lead times?
A: Our typical lead time is 4–6 weeks. Because we don’t stock product and manufacture to order in truckload quantities, we’re best suited for new construction projects, not renovations. Everything arrives on site ready for installation.

Q: Are all your panel patterns different prices?
A: No, every panel design we offer is priced the same per square foot. That means you can choose a high-end pattern like Herringbone or Stars without paying a premium. When using tile, those styles would come with significant labor and material markups. Mincey gives you that elevated look at no added cost.

Q: What makes Mincey better than fiberglass or tile?
A: Here’s the bottom line:

• One-time investment: No operational or replacement costs down the line.
• Durable and long-lasting: Our pans don’t need to be replaced, unlike fiberglass.
• Faster install than tile: Mincey eliminates days of grouting, tiling, curing, and sealing.
• Low maintenance: Easy cleaning between tenants, with no grout to scrub or reseal.
• Elevated aesthetics: Realistic tile look that avoids the “cheap” feel of plastic or fiberglass alternatives.
• Flexible design: All patterns cost the same, so you don’t have to compromise on style.

If you're tired of balancing price, labor, durability, and design - Mincey brings it all together.