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Choosing the Right Shower Pan Sizes for the Bathroom Renovation
When you want to install a new shower, you’ll need to think about your shower floor, and this includes your shower pan and base. Choosing the right shower pan sizes for a bathroom renovation is essential. Surprisingly, the shower pan might be the most neglected feature of a home. Most people focus on their tile…
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When it comes to shower pans, we recommend the WOODBRIDGE Tileable Shower Pan because it has different sizes and designs that you can choose from, and it even comes with an install kit.
The pans have a high gloss finish, so if you’re in an environment that needs a better grip on the floor, look for a tile shower pan.
Thinset is a type of mortar specifically modified for adhering tile to walls or shower bases. The mortar contains latex and polymer additives which increase the bonding strength to surfaces. Most power pans adhere to a shower area or bathroom space with thinset. Using thinset will also ensure the edge chain is a proper fit.
You’ll want to make sure you do prepare the subfloor to allow your shower pan to sit on it. Also, check your first floor before you begin.
It’s dependent on if it can be applied to adhesive or needs mounds of mortar.
Check out TileCoach YouTube Channel for a full and detailed DIY tutorial on how to build a shower for concrete floors.
Mortar is recommended for shower pans. Otherwise known as thinset, when applied underneath standard size shower pans it reduces the risk of pan slippage or cracking on an uneven surface.
Shower Pan Vs Shower Base
When you want to install a new shower, you’ll need to think about your shower floor, and this includes your shower pan and base. Choosing the right shower pan sizes for a bathroom renovation is essential. Surprisingly, the shower pan might be the most neglected feature of a home.
If you’re feeling like it’s time for a DIY project, you can follow these easy steps to installing a shower pan.
What Is A Shower Pan?
A shower pan is easier to install and can just take up a small portion of the shower.
What Is A Shower Base?
If you are an experienced DIY’er, this may be a fun project for you to build a shower pan. You’ll need the tools and materials to get started.
Having a liner or sealant put down before the mortar will ensure your subfloor doesn’t get wet. If you’re replacing an old one with a new shower pan that’s standard size, you’ll also need to use liner or sealant.
6 Easy Steps For A New Shower Base
- Tack a waterproof pan liner down: after removing your old pan, make sure there is a clean, make sure the surface is dust-free before you begin.
- Dry fit the new pan so it is level. Place two levelers on both sides of the pan. If one side is lower, add shims until the pan levels out and tack those in place.
- Use Plumber’s putty to secure the drain to the pan.
- Your mixed mortar should be a peanut butter consistency; apply about an inch layer to the liner. Do not get it in the drain hole.
- Place the new pan into the mortar on the shower floor.
- The mortar will expand while it dries. Add temporary strapping to hold it in place.
8 Top Bathroom Shower Pans
PROFLO Shower Pan
The base is tile friendly and comes with epoxy and different materials. It also comes with a wrong dream play made of stainless steel, so it’s durable.
Shower pans are available in six sizes and four different finishes and made with different materials. The pan has a center drain and is a popular choice.
This shower pan by Woodbridge has a solid surface base and it comes with three different drain styles. There are also 6 different sizes to choose from. The model is ideal for a concrete floor design.
Thankfully they come in all different sizes that will fit the perimeter of your shower. They can range from 32 x 32 inches to 60 x 42 inches. The neo-angle ones can range from 36 to 60 inches in diameter.
- Available in standard sizes
- Affordable
- Easy to install
- Shock and heat resistant
- Only comes in one color which is white
- Warranty is short
WOODBRIDGE Tileable Shower Base
Check out HandyDadTV YouTube Channel for full detailed instructions on how to build a shower pan.
While these two terms are interchangeable, it is crucial to know the difference.
- UPC and CSA Certified
- You can use the kit right away
- High-quality drain plate
- 1-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Compact but big enough
- cUPC certified
- Anti-slip
- Available in 6 sizes, including 60 inches and 36 inches
- Shower drain kit included
- 1-year warranty
- Non porous surface
- Easy to install
- Includes drain and flashings
- Doesn’t need tiles
- Low maintenance
- 10-year warranty
- 6 sizes to choose from
- High-quality material prevents mold and mildew
- Low maintenance
- 3 drain locations
- Nonslip design
- Drain and stainless steel cover included
- Low maintenance
- Versatile drain placement
- Base N Bench setup adheres to your bathroom
- Common sizes, colors, and drain locations
- Made out of high-quality polyurethane
- Neo angle corner
- Bench framework not included
- Some quality issues
How to Install a Shower Pan
Pros:
Measure
For those with a small shower space or a corner shower, the Tile Redi USA shower pan offers a variety of sizes, colors, and has more than one drain location.
Subfloor
Cons:
Drain Installation
There’s a drain kit included and you have the option of either plastic or brass. The standard shower pan is designed for a three-wall alcove corner shower.
Secure Shower Pan
Cons:
Gasket and Drain Screen
It really depends on what you want. Shower bases are much easier to clean whereas tile floors you’ll be cleaning often. A shower base works better if your shower is an odd size or making the most of the space.
Leaks
Pros
How To Build A Shower Pan
One of the main features of this shower pan is that it is pre-pitched, and it also has a bench surface to customize the base to the look and feel of your bathroom. This model can fit over natural stone, but wouldn’t look right with cultured marble.
You’ll want to take the necessary measurements to make sure that everything fits. Then you can start preparing everything to install the shower pan. You’ll need a space of at least 32 inches.
There’s also an integrated tile flange that you can merge with your current flooring and makes for easy installation. You can choose from three different drain locations, including an edge drain on the left or an edge drain on the right of the shower pans.
- Drawing the Floor
- Confirming the layout
- Opening the walls
- Locate wall studs
- Forming the curve
- Putting on the first layer of Mortar
- Laying in the liner
- Folding in the layers
- Making a drain hole
- Attaching the Tile Backer Board
- Adding Metal Lath
- Form the curb
- Covering the lath
- Mortar the curb
- Adjusting the drain hole
Mortar is recommended for shower pans, even if your shower is a glass enclosure. The material reduces the risk of pan slippage and cracking from uneven surfaces. Fiberglass shower pans are more durable and long lasting. than other types of shower pans.
Shower pans are easy to install. They come with installation kits in a variety of sizes. But a shower base will require more time to install versus a shower pan that can easily fit in place.
Shower Pan on Concrete
It is a rectangular shape and made from non-porous solid surface material with a smooth surface. That means it won’t attract mold or mildew and there will be no grout to clean. There’s also a slip-resistant design so that you don’t have to worry about falling in and out of the shower.
- Build the Shower Pan
- Prepare the floor
- Laying the shower liner
- Waterproofing
The center drain can fit in a standard shower and is located in the center like the other shower bases. A two-inch PVC drain in a stainless-steel drain plate with a nickel finish is also available.
Pros:
Home Improvement Shower Pans
The drain isn’t included, but the base is made to accommodate 2-inch drains.
Tiled Shower Pan
If you have a corner shower, you’ll like this neo-angle base by DreamLine. This is a popular choice and the smallest shower pan size available.
It’s made of acrylic reinforced with fiberglass fibers, so you know it’s durable. There’s also an anti-slip surface to prevent slipping and other accidents.
A shower pan, also known as a shower bed, is a separate area in a walk-in shower for example, that directs and maintains water flow to the drain. The pans come with a drain hole and a slow floor that helps guide water in the direction it’s meant to travel on your shower floor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What’s the difference between a shower base and a shower pan?
Your bathroom space is a high-traffic area. It should be durable and equipped to last long. If you want to replace your tub with a shower or install a new shower pan and base, give yourself two days to complete the project. If this sounds like a labor-intensive home improvement project, don’t worry, it’s not.
Installing shower pans is exciting. It means less cleaning; it looks better and more efficient. Standard shower pan sizes are created equal but come in many designs and sizes.
Do you need a shower pan for a tile shower?
It’s only available in white. A drain is included and comes with a stainless steel cover. The shower pan also has a non-slip design, so you don’t have to worry about falling.
What sizes do shower pans come in?
A shower base is more customized, so it’s harder to install. They’re typically underneath the shower floor, usually made out of cement or mortar.
Is a shower base better than tiles?
Cons:
Final Thoughts
This shower pan by Westbrass has a solid acrylic base and comes in standard sizes and is easy to clean. It is also made of reinforced fiberglass and resin backend.
To learn more, you’ll want to keep reading as we dive into the basics of shower pans and shower bases. We’ll also show you 8 of the best shower pan and shower base options on the market today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
What Are The Standard Shower Pan Sizes?
Those who often have visitors know that guest bath functionality is a priority. You don’t want to deal with re-grouting the custom tile walls of your walk-in shower more than you would want to reinstall an uneven shower pan.
What Do You Put Under A Shower Pan?
This is straightforward as you’ll place the rubber gasket over the drainpipe. Then you’ll put the drain screen on top of that.
Can You Use A Thinset For A Shower Base?
It’s made of high-quality composite material with additional reinforcement. The non porous substance is stain resistant and shocks so you can have a hot or cold shower without any issues.
Do You Need Mortar Under A Fiberglass Shower Pan?
This design allows a door opening of 32 x 32 inches which should be plenty of room and it’s installed with glass doors.
Pros:
Can You Add Custom Tile Over A Shower Pan Liner?
Here are the steps to build shower pans:
Shower Pans Conclusion
It also has an integral three-sided tiling/water retention flange that helps with the easy installation.
If you have found that this guide on shower pans has been useful, please let us know if you have other questions or would like to drop us a message in the comments space.
Installing custom tile on your shower’s floor gives it a cohesive look than having tiled walls and a rubber shower pan. Custom tile is easier to clean and not prone to staining like rubber. You’ll need to use the correct shower pan material when replacing an old one with a new one.
