Acrylic vs. Fiberglass Shower Walls: What’s the Difference & Which Is Best for Your Bathroom?

If your shower walls are yellowing, cracking, leaking, or impossible to keep clean, replacing them is one of the best ways to refresh your bathroom. But when homeowners start looking at materials, they quickly realize the options aren’t always clear. Acrylic… fiberglass… solid surface… shower wall systems all look similar at first glance, but they perform very differently once installed. And choosing the wrong material can lead to staining, warping, or constant maintenance headaches down the road.

Here at JSB Home Solutions, we’ve been remodeling bathrooms across Central Ohio for almost 50 years and we’ve seen the full range of shower wall materials—what holds up, what fails early, and what gives homeowners the biggest long-term value. Acrylic and fiberglass are two of the most common (and most misunderstood) wall systems. They’re not built the same, they don’t wear the same, and they definitely don’t clean the same. And if you’ve heard of Onyx, you may be wondering: “Is it just fiberglass in disguise—or is it something better?”

In this guide, we’ll break down the real differences between acrylic and fiberglass shower walls, explain where Onyx Shower Wall Systems fit in, and help you choose the material that matches your budget, your lifestyle, and the level of durability you want in your remodeled bathroom. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what you’re investing in, and which system will serve your family best for years to come.

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What’s the Difference Between Acrylic and Fiberglass Shower Walls?

Before comparing acrylic and fiberglass head-to-head, it’s important to understand what they’re actually made of. Even though the two materials can look similar on the surface—especially when they’re brand new—their construction is completely different. And those differences show up in how easily the walls scratch, how well they resist staining and moisture, how long they maintain their shine, and how durable they are over time.

Many homeowners don’t notice these performance differences until years after installation, when the material either holds up beautifully… or starts showing wear far sooner than expected. That’s why understanding how each material is manufactured gives you the clearest picture of what you’re really investing in and what kind of long-term results you can expect.

How Fiberglass Shower Walls Are Manufactured (And Why It Matters)

Fiberglass shower walls might look sleek and simple when they’re new, but their manufacturing process plays a major role in how they hold up over time. Understanding how fiberglass is made helps homeowners see why it tends to be the most affordable option—and why it often shows wear much sooner than acrylic or solid-surface systems like Onyx.

Step One:  Fiberglass Shower Walls Start With Resin and Glass Fibers

Fiberglass shower walls begin with a blend of fine glass fibers and polyester resin. These materials are sprayed or brushed into a mold in thin layers. The mixture bonds together to form a lightweight shell. Because the layers are thin and not fully solid throughout, fiberglass has less structural strength than acrylic or solid-surface materials.

Beware:  Lower-quality fiberglass panels often use fewer layers or cheaper resins, which makes them more prone to cracking or flexing.

Step Two: A Gelcoat Layer Is Applied to Create the Surface of Your Shower Wall

After the resin and fibers are built up, manufacturers apply a thin gelcoat layer to create the glossy surface you see in new fiberglass showers. This gelcoat gives fiberglass its shine—but it is also its biggest weakness.

Because the gelcoat is thin and porous, it is also prone to scratches and dulling or yellowing with age.  It can also become harder to clean when the surface is worn out because of its likeliness to stain . Unlike acrylic, the gelcoat is not a thick protective layer, which is why fiberglass tends to age faster.

Step Three: The Shell Is Cured and Reinforced (Lightly)

Once the shape is formed, the fiberglass panel is allowed to cure and harden. While some fiberglass systems receive minimal reinforcement, such as a light resin backing and a thin support layer, most do not receive the extensive backing that acrylic or Onyx systems do. The reinforcement or support system on a fiberglass panel is typically not thick enough to prevent flexing, this is why fiberglass walls can feel hollow or “spongy,” especially in larger panels. The lack of strong backing also increases the risk of cracks forming over time.

Step Four: Shower Wall Panels Are Trimmed, Finished, and Polished

Once cured, fiberglass panels are trimmed to size and lightly polished to smooth the surface.  Then they are thoroughly inspected for any imperfections and prepared for shipping.  Because fiberglass is mass-produced, it often lacks the detailed finishing steps seen in higher-end materials. Most panels come in standard sizes with limited customization.

Step Five: Fiberglass Shower Walls Are Installed in Standard Sizes

Unlike acrylic or Onyx, fiberglass walls are rarely custom-cut for your specific bathroom. They are made in preset dimensions designed to fit the most common sized shower openings. This makes installation fast—but it also means the fit may not be as tight or seamless. That, combined with the limited customization options, results in more visible seams or gaps in your shower walls that will require more caulking and a less polished look overall.

Not All Fiberglass Shower Walls Are the Same — But Their Limitations Are Similar

Fiberglass shower walls also vary in quality, though even higher-end fiberglass systems share many of the same inherent limitations. When evaluating fiberglass, homeowners should pay close attention to the thickness of the gelcoat, the rigidity of the panels, and whether the walls feel solid or hollow when pressed. Many fiberglass systems come with shorter or more limited warranties, reflecting their shorter expected lifespan. Because fiberglass panels are usually manufactured in standard sizes rather than custom-fit, the final installation often relies more heavily on seams and caulking to compensate for imperfect fit. Over time, thinner gelcoat surfaces are more prone to scratching, staining, and yellowing—issues that can’t be repaired once the surface wears through. While fiberglass can be an affordable upfront option, differences in manufacturing quality can significantly impact how quickly wear becomes visible.

How Acrylic Shower Wall Panels Are Manufactured (And Why It Matters)

Acrylic shower walls may look smooth and simple once installed, but the way they’re manufactured plays a major role in how well they perform over time. Understanding how acrylic panels are made helps homeowners see why they’re more durable than fiberglass, easier to maintain, and a popular mid-range upgrade—while also explaining why not all acrylic systems are created equal.

Step One: Acrylic Shower Walls Start as Solid Sheets of Material

High-quality acrylic shower walls begin as thick, solid sheets of acrylic, not sprayed-on layers. These sheets are manufactured by combining acrylic polymers with color pigments and UV stabilizers. The result is a strong, flexible material with color that runs all the way through the sheet—not just on the surface.

This solid construction gives acrylic greater impact resistance and flexibility than fiberglass, allowing it to withstand daily use without cracking or chipping. Lower-quality acrylic systems may use thinner sheets or blended plastics, which can reduce durability and longevity.

Step Two: Sheets Are Heated and Formed Into Shape

Once the acrylic sheets are produced, they’re heated until pliable and then vacuum-formed or pressure-formed into molds. This process shapes the material into smooth wall panels, integrated bases, or lightly textured designs.

Because acrylic remains non-porous and continuous through this process, it naturally resists staining, mildew, and moisture buildup. Unlike fiberglass, there’s no thin surface coating to wear down over time—what you see on day one is the same material beneath the surface.

Step Three: Reinforcement Is Added to Strengthen the Panels

After forming, acrylic panels receive reinforcement on the back to increase rigidity and prevent flexing. This backing may include fiberglass reinforcement, structural foam, or composite support layers, depending on the manufacturer.

This step is where quality differences really stand out. Higher-end acrylic systems use thicker, evenly applied backing that keeps panels firm and stable once installed. Budget acrylic options may skimp here, which can lead to panels that feel lightweight or hollow over time.

Step Four: Panels Are Cured, Trimmed, and Finished

Once reinforced, acrylic panels are cured and trimmed to precise dimensions. Edges are smoothed, surfaces are inspected for imperfections, and protective film is applied to prevent damage during installation. Some manufacturers also incorporate antimicrobial technologies at this stage to help reduce bacteria and mold growth.

Because acrylic is a finished material all the way through, minor surface scratches can often be buffed or polished—something that simply isn’t possible with fiberglass gelcoat.

Step Five: Acrylic Panels Are Custom-Fit for Your Bathroom

Higher-quality acrylic systems are cut and fabricated to fit your specific shower dimensions, reducing seams and creating a cleaner, more watertight installation. While off-the-shelf acrylic units do exist and are more affordable, custom-fit panels offer better long-term performance, fewer caulk lines, and a more polished finished look.

Not All Acrylic Shower Walls Are the Same — What Homeowners Should Look For

When comparing acrylic shower wall systems, it’s important to remember that not all products are created equal. While many acrylic walls may look similar in a showroom, their long-term performance depends heavily on what’s beneath the surface. Factors like panel thickness, the quality and consistency of the reinforcement backing, and how the color is integrated into the material all play a role in durability. Warranty length and coverage can also be a strong indicator of confidence from the manufacturer. Another key difference is whether the panels are custom-fit to your bathroom or mass-produced in standard sizes—custom fabrication typically results in fewer seams, a tighter fit, and better water protection. Surface texture and finish consistency matter too, as higher-quality acrylic resists scratching, staining, and dulling over time. Two acrylic systems may appear identical at first glance, but once installed and used daily, their performance can be dramatically different.

Acrylic vs. Fiberglass vs. Onyx: A Quick Comparison Guide For Shower Walls

Where Do Onyx Shower Wall Systems Fit In? Is Onyx a Fiberglass System?

This is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners—and it’s an important one to clear up early!

No, Onyx is not fiberglass.
While Onyx shower walls are sometimes grouped with acrylic or fiberglass because they’re smooth and grout-free, the material itself is completely different. The Onyx Collection is a solid-surface shower wall system, manufactured using a proprietary blend of high-quality polymer resins, aluminum trihydrate (ATH), and a durable gel surface. This creates a dense, non-porous material that performs at a much higher level than fiberglass or most acrylic systems.

Because Onyx is solid all the way through—not a thin shell with a surface coating—it doesn’t yellow, crack, bow, absorb water, or break down over time. Even better, the color runs throughout the material, which means minor scratches can be buffed out, something fiberglass simply can’t do. This makes Onyx an excellent choice for homeowners who want long-term durability without the maintenance headaches that come with lower-end materials.

Why We Prefer Onyx Shower Wall Panels at JSB Home Solutions

At JSB Home Solutions, we’re focused on installing products that hold up to real family use—not just what looks good on day one. That’s why we often recommend Onyx for homeowners who want a bathroom that’s built to last. Onyx shower wall systems are incredibly durable, completely grout-free, and exceptionally easy to clean. Each system is custom-fit to your exact shower dimensions, reducing seams and creating a cleaner, more polished finished look.

Onyx also offers industry-leading warranties, a wide range of beautiful colors and patterns, and a noticeably thicker, higher-quality feel than fiberglass or standard acrylic panels. It’s a premium option—but for many homeowners, the long-term performance, low maintenance, and peace of mind make it well worth the investment.

Simply put, Onyx sits at the top of the shower wall category for homeowners who want a reliable, low-maintenance bathroom solution that looks great and performs for decades.

Things to Consider Before Installing a Shower Wall System in Your Bathroom

By now, you’ve seen that not all shower wall systems are created equal, even if they look similar at first glance. Fiberglass, Acrylic, and Onyx shower walls each serve a different purpose—and understanding their pros and cons can help you avoid disappointment down the road. Before choosing a shower wall system, it’s important to look beyond what looks good in a showroom and focus on the details that truly affect durability, maintenance, and long-term performance. Fiberglass, acrylic, and Onyx can appear similar at first glance, but the way each material is made plays a huge role in how it holds up over time. With fiberglass, details like the thickness of the gelcoat, overall rigidity of the panels, and warranty coverage matter greatly—because thinner, lightly reinforced systems are more prone to flexing, staining, and wear. Acrylic generally offers improved durability and easier maintenance than fiberglass, but quality can vary widely depending on panel thickness, reinforcement, and whether the system is custom-fit or off-the-shelf.

For homeowners looking for the most reliable long-term solution, solid-surface systems like Onyx stand apart. Onyx is thicker, non-porous, custom-fit to your space, and backed by industry-leading warranties—eliminating many of the common concerns associated with fiberglass and budget acrylic options. The biggest takeaway? Two shower systems may look identical on day one, but differences in materials, manufacturing, and installation can lead to dramatically different results once they’re in your home. Choosing the right system upfront helps ensure your new shower looks beautiful, performs better, and lasts for years to come.

Which Shower Wall System Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing a shower wall system. Fiberglass, acrylic, and Onyx each serve a purpose, and the right option depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how much maintenance you’re willing to take on, and what you want your bathroom to look and feel like years from now.

Fiberglass may appeal to homeowners looking for the lowest upfront cost, but it often comes with trade-offs in durability, appearance, and lifespan. Acrylic offers an upgrade in performance and longevity, especially when higher-quality systems are used, making it a solid middle-ground option. For homeowners who want the most durable, low-maintenance, and long-lasting solution, Onyx stands out as the premium choice—offering custom fit, superior materials, and performance that holds up beautifully over time.

The most important takeaway is this: the material itself—and how it’s made—matters just as much as how it looks in a showroom. Taking the time to understand these differences now can save you frustration, repairs, and replacement costs down the road.

Find A Team You Trust Before You Commit To A New Shower Wall System In Your Bathroom

If you’re planning a bathroom remodel and want help deciding which shower wall system truly fits your home, your budget, and your long-term goals, having an experienced team walk you through the options can make all the difference. A good consultation isn’t about pressure—it’s about education, transparency, and helping you feel confident in your decision.

At JSB Home Solutions, we take the time to explain the differences, show you real materials, and help you weigh the pros and cons based on how you live in your home. Whether you’re still early in the planning phase or ready to move forward, we’re here to help you make a smart, informed choice.

Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation and let’s talk through your bathroom goals—so you can confidently Dream Big and Remodel Smart.