Marcus Location: 1-800-658-5400
Storm Lake Location: 712-732-4343
What can we help you do?
Marcus Location: 1-800-658-5400
Storm Lake Location: 712-732-4343
What can we help you do?
Wednesday, January 29, 2025
When remodeling a bathroom, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the material for your shower walls, base, and niche. Two of the most common choices homeowners compare are Onyx shower systems and traditional tile showers. Both have advantages—and both can create a beautiful, long-lasting bathroom. The best option depends on your priorities: budget, maintenance, aesthetics, and long-term durability.
If you’re currently exploring options, this guide will help you confidently compare the pros and cons of each.
The Onyx Collection manufactures shower walls, shower bases, trims, and accessories made from a durable, solid-surface material containing a high percentage of alumina trihydrate, providing strength, stain resistance, and long-term performance. Unlike tile, Onyx pieces are molded, meaning they come in large panels with no grout lines.
Typical Onyx shower features include:
Custom sizes to fit nearly any layout
Molded shelves, seating, and niches
Dozens of colors and finishes
Lifetime guarantee
With no grout to scrub, Onyx showers are exceptionally easy to clean—simply wipe down with mild cleaner.
Large panels and a molded base reduce joints and seams, minimizing the risk of leaks.
Perfect for non-standard dimensions, remodels of old homes, or replacing one-piece units.
Because the system includes large pre-cut panels, installation is often quicker than tile, reducing labor costs.
Onyx is resistant to chipping, staining, and cracking—and many products include a lifetime warranty.
While finishes are attractive, they don’t provide the same handcrafted texture or visual variation tile can offer.
Though very durable, abrasive cleaners aren’t recommended, as they may dull the finish over time.
While often comparable to tile in price, higher-end customization can increase cost depending on style and accessories.
Tile offers virtually unlimited design possibilities—from large format to handcrafted artisan tile.
Ceramic, porcelain, marble, and natural stone options allow truly personalized aesthetics.
Tile can create a spa-like, magazine-worthy bathroom that feels architectural and luxurious.
Grout requires sealing and ongoing upkeep and can stain or develop mold over time if not correctly cared for.
Tile installations are more labor intensive—especially custom patterns, niches, or natural stone.
The combination of professional installation, possible repairs, and grout upkeep may make tile more expensive across the life of the bathroom.
| Factor | Onyx | Tile |
|---|---|---|
| Material Cost | Moderate | Wide range—from budget to premium |
| Labor Cost | Lower | Typically higher |
| Installation Time | Fast | Slower |
| Long-Term Maintenance | Very low | Moderate to high |
Choose Onyx if you want:
Low maintenance
A clean, modern look
A custom-sized solution
A product with quick installation and a long warranty
Choose Tile if you want:
A highly custom aesthetic
Unique patterns, textures, or materials
A premium, architectural design centerpiece
Both Onyx and tile showers can create a beautiful bathroom that adds value to your home. The right choice comes down to lifestyle, design preferences, maintenance expectations, and budget.
If you want a stylish, durable, low-maintenance solution, Onyx may be the best fit. If design flexibility and craftsmanship are your priority, tile may be worth the extra upkeep.
Our team can walk you through samples, layouts, pricing, and real installation examples so you can make the choice that fits your style—and your life.
