What You Need to Know About Onyx Shower Bases

Finding the right shower base takes more thought than most people expect. There are more options than you'd think, and it's not always clear which one fits your bathroom.

Shugarman's Bath has completed more than 6,500 tub and shower remodels. Many of them involved installing onyx bases to walk-in showers. In our experience, homeowners like onyx shower bases because of their look and feel.

This article walks you through what an onyx shower base is, what it costs, how it holds up over time, and whether it is the right fit for your shower remodel.

Table of Contents:

• What Is an Onyx Shower Base?
• What Does an Onyx Shower Base Look and Feel Like?
• How Much Does an Onyx Base Cost?
• How Is an Onyx Shower Base Made?
  
• How Durable Is an Onyx Shower Base?
• How Easy Is It to Clean an Onyx Shower Base?
• Is an Onyx Shower Base Slip-Resistant?
  
• What Should You Know Before Choosing an Onyx Shower Base?

What Is an Onyx Shower Base?

An onyx shower base is a stone-type shower floor made from compressed material that’s manufactured in pre-set molds. The Onyx Collection produces these bases in standard sizes, so most orders are ready to ship without any custom fabrication.

An onyx base is noticeably heavier than other shower floor options. The surface is non-porous, so the material won’t absorb water or bacteria. Onyx stone bases have no grout lines, no seams to seal, and nothing that needs to be treated over time.

What Does an Onyx Shower Base Look Like?

Onyx bases have a glossy, polished look that stands out compared to other shower floor options. It feels solid and dense underfoot and looks more refined than a standard base. The base feels solid and smooth, yet has enough grip that you don’t have to think about your footing while you shower.

Onyx comes in roughly 40 colors or more. Whether someone wants a classic white, a deep charcoal, or something in between, there is likely a color that fits.

If you want to see and feel an onyx base before making a decision, you can view one in person at a Shugarman's Bath showroom in either the San Diego or Anaheim locations.

How Much Does an Onyx Base Cost?

Standard onyx bases start around $3,600 for a 60x30 with a left-hand drain. A 60x32 runs around $3,800, and a 60x36 comes in around $4,100.

If your shower falls outside the standard dimensions produced by the Onyx Collection, the base has to be custom-made. At 20 square feet, a custom onyx base can run as high as $7,600. Also, know that a custom base takes 14 weeks from order to installation.

How Is an Onyx Shower Base Made?

Onyx bases are built using molds. The Onyx Collection manufactures each base to standard dimensions, so the most common shower sizes are already accounted for and ready to produce.

If a shower falls outside those standard dimensions, the base has to be custom-made. Custom orders are cut differently and cost significantly more than a standard size. Onyx can accommodate a left- or right-hand drain even on wider showers over 36 inches.

Onyx bases come in multiple height options, ranging from about 1.25 inches up to 4 inches. Onyx shower bases are a good choice if stepping over a high threshold has been a concern for you or a loved one.

How Durable Is an Onyx Shower Base?

Onyx bases are dense and built to withstand daily use without degrading. You don’t need to worry about a coating that wears off and resealing the surface. Because the surface is non-porous, you don’t need to worry about it absorbing moisture or creating mold.

A standard 60x32 base weighs around 225 lbs, making it incredibly sturdy. Not only is it sturdy, but it’s also flexible. If, for whatever reason, your subfloor shifts, onyx bases are flexible enough to keep from cracking under pressure. The base is repairable if it chips or dents.

How Easy Is It to Clean an Onyx Shower Base?

A regular wipe-down handles most of what a shower floor collects. You don’t have to scrub grout, reapply sealer, or use special products.

Is an Onyx Shower Base Slip-Resistant?

Onyx bases are slip-resistant because they have a non-slip texture built directly into the surface. The texture is engraved into the material during manufacturing, giving the floor a natural degree of grip.

What Should You Know Before Choosing an Onyx Shower Base?

If you’re concerned about costs, an onyx base might not be the right call, especially with the pricing of custom bases.

Onyx comes in roughly 40 colors. This shower base might work for you if you like any of the looks and colors.

An onyx base takes 14 weeks from order to installation. If you need a job done sooner, an onyx shower base might not work for you. Other base options are ready in about 6 weeks.

If you’re looking to have your remodel done in a shorter timeframe, check out the options in our In-Stock Program. Keep in mind that onyx bases are not included in the program.

Still Have Questions About Onyx Shower Bases?

Onyx bases are a wonderful addition to your shower area. The color selection is wider than most, the surface holds up well with minimal upkeep, and the drain flexibility can actually save money on certain jobs.

Now that you know more about onyx shower bases, read our article on shower remodel design choices that can improve the look of your bathroom.

If you still have questions about shower bases or general inquiries, reach out to Shugarman’s Bath today. One of our experts will follow up within one business day.

The opinions expressed in the referenced materials are those of the authors only, not necessarily of Shugarman’s Bath. While these referenced materials are useful in answering generalized questions, each bathroom is unique. For a particular question about your tub or shower remodeling project, contact your Shugarman’s Bath consultant.