Onyx shower walls are a popular, low-maintenance alternative to tile — a seamless, custom-made surface with no grout lines to scrub. If you’re weighing an onyx shower for your bathroom remodel, here’s what it costs, the colors and finishes available, and how it stacks up against tile.
The short answer
A full onyx shower system typically runs about $1,000 to $3,000+ installed, depending on the size of the shower, the panel configuration, and the finish you choose. Onyx shower bases alone often start around $600. Because every piece is made to order, your exact price comes down to your specific project — which is what a free design consultation is for.
What is an onyx shower?
An onyx shower is a complete bathing system built from solid-surface panels rather than individual tiles. The Onyx Collection manufactures the components that make up the system:
- Shower bases
- Wall panels
- Trim pieces
- Coordinating accessories
Each piece ships pre-formed and seamless, which eliminates the grout lines that trap grime in a traditional tile shower. For Bismarck and Fargo homeowners comparing remodel materials, that seamless, grout-free construction is often the deciding factor over tile.
How much does an onyx shower cost?
Price depends on base size, panel configuration, and finish, but real-world quotes give you a starting point:
- Full onyx shower system: roughly $1,000–$3,000+ installed
- Onyx base alone: often around $600
- Comparable tiled shower floor: frequently $600–$800 more than an onyx base
Because Onyx is custom made-to-order, the best way to get an exact number is a free design consultation, where the size, layout, and finish are priced to your bathroom.
What makes onyx shower walls so durable?
The strength comes from the material itself. Onyx panels are a solid-surface compound with a high percentage of alumina trihydrate — a mineral filler that resists staining and holds up under daily use. That composition gives the panels their rigidity and helps them resist cracking, chipping, and fading, unlike grout-dependent tile that can chip and stain over time.
Every purchase is also backed by The Onyx Collection’s “Yes, Guaranteed Forever” lifetime warranty — a strong signal of how the material holds up.
What colors and finishes can you choose?
Onyx offers a broad palette — from soft neutrals like white, beige, and gray to bold, dramatic tones and black veining patterns. Finishes can mimic natural-stone veining or offer a cleaner, more uniform look, so the surface can complement almost any bathroom style.
Since a shower gets used every day, it’s worth taking the time to choose a color and finish you’ll genuinely love long-term — and a remodel is a natural moment to rethink the whole room, not just swap materials.
Onyx vs. tile: benefits and drawbacks
The advantages: durability and easy upkeep. A seamless onyx surround resists cracking, chipping, and fading, holding its polished look through years of daily use — and, as a premium finish, it can add to a home’s resale appeal.
The trade-off: onyx typically costs more than a basic acrylic surround, and the look is a matter of personal taste versus classic tile.
Is onyx easier to clean than tile? Yes. Tile-and-grout demands ongoing scrubbing to fight staining and mildew, and different materials (fiberglass, acrylic, ceramic) each want their own cleaners. Onyx’s single, seamless surface simplifies cleaning to one easy routine.
Quick comparison for Bismarck- and Fargo-area homeowners:
- Maintenance: one seamless surface vs. grout lines that trap grime
- Appearance: sleek, custom-colored panels vs. classic tile patterns
- Longevity: crack- and fade-resistant material vs. tile that can chip over time
Frequently asked questions
How much do onyx shower bases cost? Onyx shower bases often start around $600, custom-made in your choice of color — typically $600–$800 less than a comparable tiled shower floor.
What makes onyx shower walls more durable than tile? Onyx panels contain a high percentage of alumina trihydrate, a mineral filler that resists staining and daily wear. The grout-free, non-porous surface resists cracks, chips, stains, and mold better than tile.
What colors and finishes are available for onyx showers? Options range from soft neutrals to bold, dramatic tones, with patterns that mimic natural-stone veining or offer a cleaner, uniform look — so onyx can match nearly any bathroom’s style.
Is onyx a good choice for a busy household? Yes — its durability and one-surface cleaning make it well suited to bathrooms used multiple times a day.
Ready to see onyx in your bathroom?
The best way to choose the right base, panels, and color — and get an exact price — is a free design consultation. The Bathroom Store designs and installs custom onyx shower systems for Bismarck- and Fargo-area homeowners. Book your free consultation and we’ll help you plan a shower that’s beautiful, durable, and easy to live with.
Prices reflect general market ranges and are for budgeting only; your quote depends on size, configuration, and finish. Confirm current pricing during your consultation.

Andrew Sletten | Co-Owner, Fargo Division
Andrew Sletten serves as Co-Owner of the Fargo divisions for both The Bathroom Store and The Window & Door Store. With a comprehensive background in home performance and aesthetics, Andrew is a driving force behind our commitment to quality in the Red River Valley. He focuses on streamlining the remodeling process, ensuring that every project—from a custom bath oasis to high-efficiency window replacements—is executed with precision and a “customer-first” mentality.


