What Are Fiberglass Shower Walls? (And Why We Trust Onyx Instead)

When planning a bathroom remodel, one of the biggest choices you’ll make is what material to use for your shower walls. Fiberglass is one of the most common options you’ll see in stores and new homes—it’s lightweight, affordable, and quick to install. But not all shower wall materials are created equal.

At JSB Home Solutions, we’ve been remodeling Central Ohio bathrooms for nearly 50 years, and we’ve worked with just about every product on the market. We’ve seen what holds up over time—and what doesn’t. That’s why we trust Onyx shower wall panels, a smarter, stronger alternative that delivers lasting beauty, durability, and easy maintenance without the issues that often come with fiberglass.

In this blog, we’ll break down what fiberglass shower walls are, why many homeowners outgrow them, and you’ll learn how the Onyx panels we use at JSB Home Solutions offer the superior look, strength, and longevity your bathroom deserves.

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What Are Fiberglass Shower Walls?

Fiberglass shower walls are made by layering thin fibers of glass with plastic resin to form a lightweight, waterproof panel. They’re often installed in prefabricated or builder-grade bathrooms because they’re inexpensive and easy to work with.

While fiberglass can look clean and simple at first, its drawbacks show up over time. The surface is thin and porous, making it prone to scratches, cracks, and discoloration. Once that protective layer wears down, moisture can seep in—leading to staining, mildew, or even soft spots that require replacement.

The Pros and Cons of Fiberglass Shower Walls

Why JSB Chooses Onyx Shower Wall Panels

Unlike fiberglass, Onyx shower walls are engineered for long-term performance. They’re not made of thin, layered plastic—instead, they’re crafted from a durable blend of 63% alumina trihydrate (Al₂O₃·3H₂O) and 37% specially developed polyester resin.

The alumina trihydrate, a mineral derived from natural bauxite, is also a key ingredient in premium “solid surface” materials like Corian. It’s known for its exceptional strength, flame resistance, and long-term stability, which makes it ideal for a humid environment like your bathroom.

The polyester resin that binds it all together was custom-developed by Onyx over the last 30 years to balance flexibility and durability—giving each panel a solid, stone-like feel without the risk of cracking or chipping. Unlike other materials, Onyx’s resin contains no urea formaldehyde, making it a safer, higher-quality choice for your home.

Each panel is cast using a cultured marble mold and finished with an ISO-NPG polymer gelcoat, a tightly bonded surface layer that’s highly resistant to water penetration. This gelcoat not only protects against moisture but also gives Onyx its signature deep, translucent beauty—a finish that looks high-end, but cleans up with just soap and water.

The Benefits of Onyx Shower Wall Panels

✅ Durability that lasts for decades – No cracking, warping, or peeling, even with daily use.

✅ Custom-fit design – Every panel is measured and cut specifically for your space.

✅ Low maintenance – No grout lines, no harsh chemicals—just a quick wipe-down keeps it spotless.

✅ Endless style options – Choose from a variety of colors, edge profiles, and finishes to match your home.

✅ Lifetime manufacturer warranty – Giving you peace of mind that your investment will last.

At JSB, we’ve installed hundreds of Onyx systems and seen how well they perform year after year. Homeowners love that they look like stone but don’t require sealing or scrubbing.

Onyx vs. Fiberglass: The Long-Term Difference in Shower Wall Material

The JSB Difference When Choosing Shower Wall Material

When you remodel with JSB Home Solutions, you get more than a new shower—you get a partner who understands how every product performs in real homes. We’ve chosen to work with Onyx because we believe your bathroom should be both beautiful AND built to last.

Our team handles everything—from measuring and ordering your custom panels to professional installation—so your new shower fits perfectly and looks stunning from day one.

Ready to Upgrade Your Shower Wall Panels?

If you’re tired of scrubbing grout lines or worrying about cracks in your fiberglass shower, it’s time for an upgrade. With Onyx shower wall panels, you can have the look of natural stone, the strength of solid surface, and the peace of mind that comes from a product designed for decades of use.

Not sure where to start? Our JSB design team can come right to your home to take a look at your current shower space and walk you through a custom design plan. There’s no cost and no pressure—just a chance to see what’s possible for your bathroom. We’ll help you explore colors, styles, and layout options, so you can see how a shower wall upgrade could completely change the way your space looks and functions.

We’ll help you Dream Big and Remodel Smart—with Onyx walls that turn your daily shower into a long-lasting luxury.