When planning a bathroom remodel, choosing the right shower wall system can make all the difference in your project’s success. Two of today’s most popular options—Jetcoat and Onyx shower walls—offer stylish, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional tile. But how do they compare in terms of cost, durability, design, and installation?
At Bathtub Made New, we install both systems for homeowners throughout Rochester, NY, and the surrounding areas. We’ve seen firsthand how each performs over time—and in this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about which one best suits your home.
Understanding Each System
What Are Jetcoat Shower Walls?
Jetcoat shower wall systems are made from high-density, waterproof panels with a textured tile-like finish. Designed for quick installation, they can often be installed in a single day without the need for grout, curing, or special tools. Jetcoat walls come in various color and pattern options, mimicking the appearance of ceramic tile or stone without the hassle of maintenance.
Key Benefits of Jetcoat Walls:
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Fast, easy installation—often completed in one day
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No grout lines, making cleaning simple
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Durable, waterproof, and mold-resistant
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Affordable compared to stone or tile
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Compatible with many bathtub and shower bases
Jetcoat is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a modern, cost-effective update with minimal downtime.
What Are Onyx Shower Walls?
The Onyx Collection is known for its premium solid-surface materials, combining beauty, customization, and durability. Each panel is made from a proprietary blend of resin and natural minerals, resulting in a non-porous, seamless surface that resists mold, mildew, and stains. Onyx walls can be customized to fit nearly any shower layout, offering hundreds of color and pattern options.
Key Benefits of Onyx Walls:
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Custom-made to your exact shower size and shape
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Extremely durable and long-lasting
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Easy to clean with mild household cleaners
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Seamless, grout-free finish
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Elegant, high-end appearance
Onyx panels are ideal for homeowners looking for a luxurious, custom shower system that combines form and function.
Jetcoat vs Onyx Shower Walls: A Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Jetcoat Shower Walls | Onyx Shower Walls |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Waterproof composite panels | Solid-surface resin blend |
| Customization | Limited sizing options | Fully custom-made to fit your space |
| Appearance | Simulated tile, stone, or marble | Seamless solid colors, granite, or matte finishes |
| Installation Time | 1–2 days | 3–5 days (custom fabrication required) |
| Durability | Highly durable but slightly thinner | Extremely durable and thicker material |
| Maintenance | Easy—no grout lines | Easy—non-porous surface |
| Cost Range | More budget-friendly | Higher-end investment |
| Best For | Quick remodels or rental updates | Long-term remodels and custom bathrooms |
Durability and Longevity
When comparing Jetcoat vs Onyx shower walls, both perform exceptionally well in moisture-heavy environments. However, there are subtle differences worth noting.
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Jetcoat Panels: Built for strength, Jetcoat walls resist warping and cracking under normal conditions. However, because they’re thinner and lighter, they may show wear sooner in high-traffic bathrooms over many years.
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Onyx Panels: Onyx systems are thicker and denser, offering unmatched long-term durability. With proper care, they can easily last 20 years or more, maintaining their luster without discoloration or delamination.
If your priority is lifespan and long-term quality, Onyx has the edge.
Aesthetic and Design Options
Both Jetcoat and Onyx offer beautiful design possibilities—but their looks and customization differ dramatically.
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Jetcoat gives you realistic tile and stone textures, perfect for homeowners who want the look of tile without the grout. Styles like Subway Tile White, Slate Gray, and Carrara White Marble bring timeless appeal at an affordable price.
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Onyx provides an upscale aesthetic with hundreds of color options, matte or gloss finishes, and a seamless look. You can match panels with Onyx vanity tops, bases, and accessories for a completely coordinated bathroom design.
If your remodel vision includes a sleek, spa-like finish with total customization, Onyx stands out. But for a clean, modern look on a budget, Jetcoat is tough to beat.
Installation and Timeframe
One of Jetcoat’s biggest advantages is speed. Most installations can be completed within a single day, which makes it perfect for quick bathroom remodels or for homeowners who can’t afford extended downtime.
Onyx, on the other hand, is custom-fabricated to your exact measurements, meaning there’s typically a short wait between measurement and installation. Once ready, the installation process itself is straightforward and clean—just like Jetcoat—but the lead time makes the total process slightly longer.
Bottom Line:
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Jetcoat = Quick install, minimal disruption
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Onyx = Custom build, more time but higher-end results
Maintenance and Cleaning
Both systems are low maintenance compared to traditional tile, but the materials differ slightly in how they handle long-term upkeep.
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Jetcoat Walls: Their textured surface hides water spots and minor imperfections, requiring only mild soap and water for cleaning. Avoid harsh abrasives that might dull the finish.
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Onyx Walls: Onyx’s non-porous surface is incredibly easy to clean—just wipe it down with a soft cloth and mild cleaner. It won’t support mold or mildew growth, making it ideal for homeowners who want a pristine bathroom with minimal effort.
If maintenance ease is your main concern, both are excellent—but Onyx offers the smoother, more seamless surface.
Cost Comparison
Pricing varies based on your shower size, design, and customization level. In general:
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Jetcoat Shower Walls: A more budget-friendly option, perfect for homeowners wanting a stylish upgrade without the premium price tag.
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Onyx Shower Walls: Considered a luxury product, with a higher initial cost that reflects its quality, customization, and longevity.
At Bathtub Made New, we help homeowners evaluate both options based on budget, design goals, and long-term plans. While Jetcoat provides great value, many customers see Onyx as a smart investment that adds lasting beauty and resale appeal to their homes.
Which Should You Choose?
When deciding between Jetcoat vs Onyx shower walls, it really depends on your priorities:
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Choose Jetcoat if you want:
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A fast, affordable shower wall installation
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The look of tile without the maintenance
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A durable and stylish system for rentals or quick remodels
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Choose Onyx if you want:
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A fully customized, high-end shower system
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Long-term durability and premium design
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A seamless, elegant finish that elevates your entire bathroom
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Either way, both systems offer exceptional quality, durability, and ease of maintenance—it simply comes down to your style and budget.
Why Rochester Homeowners Trust Bathtub Made New
At Bathtub Made New, we’ve helped countless Rochester-area homeowners transform their bathrooms using Jetcoat and Onyx shower systems. Our team handles everything—from design consultation to professional installation—so your remodel is stress-free, on time, and built to last.
Whether you’re upgrading for style, function, or resale value, we’ll help you choose the best solution for your home and budget.
Popular Service Areas:
Rochester • Greece • Webster • Henrietta • Irondequoit • Pittsford • Fairport • Brockport • Spencerport
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Jetcoat vs Onyx shower walls, you can’t go wrong—each offers a durable, stylish alternative to tile. Jetcoat excels in speed and affordability, while Onyx leads in luxury, customization, and longevity.
If you’re unsure which is right for your home, the experts at Bathtub Made New can help you make the best choice for your lifestyle and budget.
Call to Action
Ready to upgrade your bathroom?
Contact Bathtub Made New today for a free consultation and discover whether Jetcoat or Onyx shower walls are the perfect fit for your next remodel.
Call 585-349-2359 or visit BathtubMadeNew.com to get started!