Jetcoat & Onyx Bathroom Walls: The Modern, Low-Maintenance Alternative to Tile
If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is what material to use for your shower or tub surround. Traditional tile looks great — but it also comes with high installation costs, long timelines, constant grout cleaning, and ongoing maintenance. That’s why more homeowners in the Rochester area are turning to Jetcoat and Onyx bathroom wall systems for a cleaner, faster, and more durable upgrade.
Both Jetcoat and Onyx offer sleek, modern styles with no grout, no maintenance headaches, and a significantly quicker installation than traditional tile. Whether you’re updating an old tub surround, replacing damaged shower walls, or completing a full remodel through Bathroom Remodeling Services, this guide breaks down everything you need to know.
Why Homeowners Are Moving Away From Tile
Before diving into Jetcoat and Onyx, it helps to understand why tile is becoming less popular.
Tile is beautiful — but it has drawbacks:
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Grout collects mold and stains
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Cracked tiles require repair
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Installation takes days or weeks
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Costs rise quickly with materials + skilled labor
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Mistakes lead to leaks and water damage
Homeowners want something that:
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Looks high-end
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Doesn’t require constant scrubbing
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Installs fast
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Lasts decades
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Is fully waterproof
Jetcoat and Onyx deliver all of that — and more.
Option 1: Jetcoat Shower Wall Systems
Jetcoat walls are one of the most popular choices for Rochester homeowners because they combine speed, affordability, and modern design. Manufactured with premium materials, Jetcoat panels are installed directly over existing surfaces or new backer board for a seamless and durable finish.
Benefits of Jetcoat Walls
1. Fast Installation
Most Jetcoat systems can be installed in a single day. That means:
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No long demo
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No dealing with dust
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No weeks-long tile projects
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No major disruptions to your home
This is perfect if your household only has one main shower.
2. Grout-Free Design
Since Jetcoat panels are solid, continuous surfaces, there are:
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No grout lines to scrub
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No moldy corners
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No need for grout sealing
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No risk of water penetration through seams
This solves the biggest maintenance issue with tile.
3. Stylish, Modern Patterns
Jetcoat systems mimic the look of tile without the hassle. Popular designs include:
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White or gray stone looks
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Horizontal tile patterns
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Subway-style patterns
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Matte or glossy finishes
These styles pair beautifully with tub refinishing through Bathtub Refinishing Services or a full Walk-In Shower Conversions project.
4. Highly Durable & Waterproof
Jetcoat panels are engineered for strength. They resist:
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Water
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Soap scum buildup
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Everyday wear and tear
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Cracking
This makes them a fantastic long-term investment.
5. Budget-Friendly
Jetcoat offers premium style without the high tile price tag. It sits in a very comfortable mid-range cost — more affordable than tile replacement but more premium than refinishing.
Option 2: The Onyx Collection Bathroom Walls
Onyx is known for its luxury feel, long-term durability, and fully customizable options. If you want a spa-like, high-end look with zero maintenance, this is one of the best materials on the market.
Benefits of Onyx Walls
1. Custom Made to Fit Your Space
Every Onyx panel is made-to-order. That means:
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Exact fit
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Clean edges
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Perfect alignment
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Minimal caulking
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A completely tailored look
It’s ideal for older homes in Rochester where walls aren’t perfectly square.
2. Extremely Low Maintenance
Onyx is 100% non-porous, meaning:
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No mold
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No mildew
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No staining
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No discoloration
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No grout
All you need is a mild cleaner — no scrubbing.
3. Premium, High-End Style
Onyx offers a large selection of:
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Colors
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Patterns
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Smooth finishes
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Stone-look designs
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Textured styles
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Glossy or matte options
This allows you to match any aesthetic, from modern minimalist to traditional.
4. Built to Last
Onyx walls are extremely durable. They resist:
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Cracks
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Chips
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Water absorption
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Soap scum buildup
Homeowners often choose Onyx when they want a wall system that will still look beautiful 20+ years later.
5. Pairs Perfectly With Aging-In-Place Upgrades
If you're planning a safe, senior-friendly remodel, Onyx pairs beautifully with:
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Grab bars
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Shower seats
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Walk-in tubs
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Low-threshold showers
For aging-in-place design, many homeowners combine Onyx walls with Walk-In Shower Conversions to maximize safety and comfort.
Jetcoat vs Onyx: Which Should You Choose?
Both systems outperform tile in durability, installation speed, and maintenance — but choosing the right one depends on your budget, design goals, and long-term plans.
Here’s how they compare:
Installation Speed
Jetcoat: Usually 1 day
Onyx: 1–2 days
Tile: 1–2 weeks
If you want the fastest upgrade, Jetcoat wins. Onyx is still fast, just slightly more custom.
Cost
Refinishing: $$ (least expensive)
Jetcoat: $$$
Onyx: $$$$
Tile Replacement: $$$$$ (most expensive)
Jetcoat is more budget-friendly; Onyx is more premium.
Style & Appearance
Jetcoat: Modern and clean
Onyx: High-end and customizable
Onyx wins for luxury looks and customization options.
Durability
Jetcoat: Very durable
Onyx: Exceptionally durable
Tile: Depends heavily on installer skill
Onyx is the most indestructible option long-term.
Maintenance
Jetcoat: Easy
Onyx: Easiest
Tile: Hardest
No grout makes both Jetcoat and Onyx extremely low maintenance.
Best Overall Value
For most homeowners, Jetcoat offers the best mix of cost, speed, and style — while Onyx delivers the highest long-term value and upscale appearance.
When to Choose a Jetcoat System
Jetcoat is best if you want:
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A fast upgrade
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A budget-conscious option
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A modern, grout-free look
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Durable walls without a long remodel timeline
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A major improvement over outdated tile
Many homeowners choose Jetcoat when they’re also refinishing their bathtub using Bathtub Refinishing Services, creating a bright, clean, fully updated bathroom without a full remodel.
When to Choose an Onyx System
Onyx is ideal if you want:
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A premium, custom bathroom design
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Long-term durability
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Low-maintenance surfaces
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High-end materials
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A spa-like appearance
It’s also perfect for homeowners who say, “I only want to remodel once, and I want it to last forever.”
If you're upgrading your entire bathroom, pairing Onyx walls with Bathroom Remodeling Services gives you a luxury result with minimal maintenance.
When Tile Might Still Be the Right Option
While Jetcoat and Onyx outperform tile for most homeowners, there are still times when tile replacement makes sense:
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You want a fully custom design
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You’re doing a full gut remodel
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You want specific tile patterns
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Tile is part of the architectural style
If that’s the case, you may also consider exploring refinishing or hybrid options through Tile Refinishing Rochester NY.
Can Jetcoat or Onyx Be Installed Over Existing Tile?
In many cases, yes — especially Jetcoat.
This reduces:
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Demolition costs
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Mess
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Timeline
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Installation complexity
Onyx usually requires removing the old tile first for the cleanest, most precise installation, but it still moves much faster than tile replacement.
How Long Do Jetcoat & Onyx Wall Systems Last?
Jetcoat: 15–25+ years
Onyx: 20–30+ years
Tile: Depends heavily on installation quality
Both systems provide long-term durability with almost no maintenance.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a beautiful, modern, durable, and grout-free alternative to tile, both Jetcoat and Onyx wall systems are fantastic options. They install quickly, look amazing, and require almost no upkeep — making them perfect for busy families, aging-in-place upgrades, or homeowners who want a high-end look without the high-end hassle.
Whether you choose Jetcoat for its affordability and speed or Onyx for its luxurious, custom style, Bathtub Made New can help you transform your bathroom into a space that feels brand new.
To get started or request your personalized quote, reach out through Contact Bathtub Made New and schedule your consultation today.