Bathroom refurbish--Onyx Shower and Maybe Counter/sinks

Updated on March 20, 2014
M.H. asks from Saint Paul, MN
7 answers

I am not very good at remodeling and decorating. Our 20-year-old shower in our master bathroom virtually fell apart on Sunday (that's the abridged version). I am thinking of tearing the whole thing out and having an Onyx shower and walls put in. I just learned of this product recently and know only what I learned online so far. I know it's expensive, but I will get a discount from a family member in the home improvement business so my question is not about price. What are people putting in their showers these days when they redo bathrooms? What do you like, not like? Has anyone gotten the Onyx shower (or sinks/countertops) and what do you think of it? I will get more information from the family member in the business, but I wanted to hear from those who had it in their homes or have at least heard of it and/or checked it out.

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So What Happened?

Just for us; no plans to move. And we are all about low maintenance. To clarify, Onyx does not refer to the color. It's a solid surface material, similar to Corian. It comes in matte, glossy or textured and in all types of hues. I am looking at natural tones, off whites and taupes with maybe some gray and/or tan. It requires virtually no maintenance. I just wanted to make sure you knew the product that I am asking about.

The old shower is white tile and the grout and caulking needed replacing. But what happened is that the shower door basically fell off of the tile wall and damaged several tiles beyond repair in the process. I hate cleaning and dealing with grout and caulk. Bigger tiles with less grout or another type of solid surface might be an option. I am just not familiar with what people are putting in their showers currently and the low maintenance of a solid surface appealed to me. It would have a frameless, glass door.

NO! It's not black! See the paragraphs above.

More Answers

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J.C.

answers from New York on

If you like the look and are not planning to sell your house for a while than go for it. I think that tiles will sell better. But if you are in it for the long run than you should do what you want. And get what you will want to clean!! :(

2 moms found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Phoenix on

I looked at the website, and they just look like surrounds or similar to me. I wouldn't do it in my home. Natural stone and/or glass tile is a much more modern look. Surrounds or smooth materials immediately look dated.

2 moms found this helpful

B.C.

answers from Norfolk on

When we bought the house the master bathroom came with tile shower stall and tub deck.
(The sinks/vanity are Corian and I'm very happy with that.)
It looks alright but I hate Hate HATE all that grout.
If/when ever we get around to having it redone I will do something with something solid surface like Corian or Swanstone or Onyx.
I'll check colors and prices and reviews for durability when the time comes.
It's easier to clean/maintain than all the grout.

2 moms found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Denver on

Ooh. I just looked at some Onyx bathrooms and I am NOT a fan. Way too busy and looks kinda 70s to me. But that's just my personal opinion.

The big question is: are you doing this for YOU or for a future buyer? If it's for you and you have no plans to move anytime soon, go for it, if it's something you love. Nevermind what anyone else thinks.

But if you're going to sell within a few years, I'd stick to tile (ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, whatever).

I remodeled my house last year. I love neutrals, anyway, but I chose a wall tile in 24 x 12 (really large, so fewer grout lines) that had subtle horizontal striations in a neutral beige and had them installed horizontally for the shower surround. Shower floor is smooth river rock in blacks, browns, creams, rust, bathroom floor is 24 x 4 porcelain tile that looks like burlap or linen. Cabinetry is medium stain, flat slab doors/drawers. Hardware is chrome. Everything is in neutral/brown shades. Sounds boring, right? Nope. It's freakin' stunning! Beautiful, calm, Zen, it's just perfect. Peoples' jaws drop when I show them my new bathroom. I love it, and because it's very neutral, it will appeal to most buyers if I ever sell this place.

So first decide if it's for YOU or for a future buyer. That should drive your ultimate decision.

2 moms found this helpful

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

grout's hideous, isn't it? i'm not in love with onyx. there are gazillion styles to choose from, of course, so that'll factor in, but i think for the $ i'd go with natural stone.
in your situation, i'd make my decision on what i find the easiest to clean!
khairete
S.

2 moms found this helpful

V.B.

answers from Jacksonville on

Isn't onyx black? Can you say: Waterspots?
No thank you, not for me.

I do really like the natural stone that we used in ours. All shades of neutral creamy cream and mocha. I can throw any color I want in there (towels, rugs, picture frames, flowers, etc)... I go back and forth between lavendar, pale shell pink, tan/brown, and milkglass mint.

X.O.

answers from Chicago on

I'm envisioning my uncle's house with onxy tub, black toilet, chain pendant lights, and shag carpeting in the family room. Nope, not my style--I go for natural, calming hues, like a beachy feel. We re-did our bathrooms last year and for our showers did a nice porcelain in a neutral tone for the walls, and quartz accent tile. I feel so at peace every time I enter my bathroom, even if outside the door the house is raging. ;-)

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