When you’re planning a bathroom remodel, one of the biggest decisions is: what material should I choose for my shower walls?
Most homeowners in Central New York narrow it down to three options: acrylic panels, tile, or solid surface panels like The Onyx Collection. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, and the right choice depends on what you value most—budget, customization, or long-term durability.
Here’s an honest, side-by-side breakdown.
What Is Acrylic?
Acrylic is a type of plastic formed into thin wall panels, generally about ¼” thick. It’s lightweight, flexible, and easy to cut, which makes it popular with “one-day bath” companies. They can order it in bulk, keep installation crews small, and complete jobs quickly.
But there are trade-offs:
- Scratches easily. Over time, acrylic can cloud, dull, and show wear—just like an old acrylic window.
- Moves under pressure. Because it’s thin and often installed over greenboard (drywall), it can flex when you press on it.
- Costs aren’t as low anymore. With tariffs, shipping hikes, and service calls, acrylic isn’t always the bargain it once was.
At Bath Pros, we started out installing acrylic systems years ago. We still offer them in certain budget-conscious projects, but over time we’ve moved away from acrylic as our primary product because it simply doesn’t hold up as well as other options.
What Is Cultured Stone?
Cultured stone is a solid-surface composite that blends mineral fillers (like aluminum trihydrate) with durable resins. The Onyx Collection, made in Kansas, is one of the most respected brands in the industry.
Why homeowners choose it:
- Rock-solid strength. Panels are ⅜” thick, rigid, and don’t flex under pressure. They feel substantial because they are.
- Easy to maintain. No grout lines. No sealing. No scrubbing tiles. Just a simple wipe-down and you’re done
- Forever Guarantee. Onyx backs their products for life. If a panel ever fails, they’ll repair or replace it.
- Customizable. Dozens of colors, textures, and finishes let you personalize your bathroom.
- Repairable. Unlike acrylic, Onyx panels can be sanded and buffed smooth if they ever get scratched or damaged, restoring them to like-new condition.
In short: cultured stone is a long-term investment. It’s not the cheapest upfront, but it’s designed to be the last shower system you’ll ever need.
What About Tile?
Tile is the classic choice, and the one most of us grew up with. When it’s done well, it’s gorgeous. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer almost unlimited creative freedom: colors, shapes, patterns, mosaics, accent bands, niche trims… if you can dream it, tile can usually make it happen.
There’s a reason tile has been around for centuries — it’s timeless, customizable, and can elevate a bathroom into something truly special.
But tile comes with a few important considerations homeowners should be aware of:
- Grout maintenance. Grout doesn’t maintain itself. It needs to be sealed regularly to protect against staining, mildew, and water intrusion. Skip the upkeep, and the system becomes vulnerable over time. We tear out three or four showers in poor condition like this every week.
- Waterproofing is critical. A proper tile job requires Kerdiboard, cement board, RedGard, or a similar waterproofing layer behind the tile. If it’s done right, the system is durable—but corners cut here can lead to leaks. Unfortunately, good craftsmen are hard to find.
- Time and cost. Tile projects take longer (often 1–2 weeks vs. a few days for panel systems) and usually cost more, especially for higher-end patterns and custom layouts.
Tile has its place for homeowners who want maximum design flexibility and don’t mind the upkeep, but most of our customers prefer a grout-free option for peace of mind.
It’s easy to be confused when shopping for a new shower. Some ‘1-day’ bath companies in Upstate NY market acrylic using terms like ‘solid surface,’ which can make it hard for homeowners to understand what they’re actually getting. As of late 2025, Bath Pros is exclusively installing cultured stone from the Onyx Collection. This includes the shower floor itself, walls, and any accessories like corner shelves or recessed niches. If you are in the process of comparing a bid from Bath Pros with one from another company operating in the area, it’s crucial you understand the difference between acrylic and cultured stone.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Here’s how the three main options stack up:
| Feature | Acrylic Panels (Competition) | Tile (Independent Contractor) | Cultured Stone (Bath Pros) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thickness / Feel | Generally thin (~¼”), flexible, may move under pressure | Solid, but relies on grout joints | Thick (~⅜”), rigid, no flex |
| Durability | Scratches, can dull over time | Long-lasting, but grout can crack | Extremely durable; can be sanded & buffed if scratched |
| Maintenance | Easy to clean but prone to scratching | Grout must be resealed yearly to avoid staining/failure | Virtually no maintenance, wipe clean |
| Customization | Limited colors/patterns | Unlimited design options, patterns, mosaics | Dozens of colors/textures, sleek seamless look |
| Waterproofing | Relies on caulk & drywall behind panels | Requires Kerdiboard, cement board, RedGard, etc. | Fully non-porous, waterproof by design |
| Warranty | Up to lifetime (varies by brand) | Limited; grout not covered | “Forever Guarantee” – lifetime coverage |
| Installation Speed | 1–2 days | 1–2 weeks | 2–3 days |
| Cost | Mid-range, though rising | Higher upfront, especially with custom work | Premium upfront, strong long-term value |
The Bottom Line
- Acrylic works for quick, lower-cost installs, but scratches and flex make it less appealing for long-term homeowners.
- Tile offers unmatched customization but requires grout maintenance and costs more in labor and time.
- Cultured stone (Onyx) hits the sweet spot: strong, beautiful, customizable, grout-free, and backed by a forever guarantee.
At Bath Pros, we believe an educated homeowner makes the best decisions. That’s why we’re transparent about the pros and cons of every system. For most of our customers who want a low-maintenance, high-quality shower that will last a lifetime, cultured stone is the choice that makes the most sense.
Want to explore the options in person? Contact Bath Pros today at (315) 217-1151 to see Onyx samples, compare them side by side with tile, and decide what’s best for your bathroom.