So, you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom with the new shower bases and pans. That’s great! Have you thought about what base you want? We can help. Bathrooms are our thing. We want you to have the best, so we looked at all of the hundreds of bases out there and started weeding out the bad ones.
We were left with the shower pans. But that’s not good enough for us. We want to offer you the shower pans for your consideration. So we went further and scrutinized the materials, warranties, available sizes, colors, designs, safety, and prices, to name a few things. Now we present to you the shower bases on the market today.
Check out our reviews of the shower pans we could find. Read about how to install them. Peruse our shopping tips. All the information you need to make a choice you’ll be happy with is here. Are ya ready? So are we. Let’s go!
Let’s start at the beginning and look at our picks.
Best Shower Bases:
1. DreamLine SlimLine 32 in. D x 32 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H Center Drain Single Threshold Shower Base
This pan is made of acrylic with a fiberglass backing. That makes it light, but strong. It’s square with a center drain, so it would be easy to install in new construction as well as a remodel.
There have been a couple of instances of customers receiving their base with small cracks in it. It’s unclear whether the cracks came from the manufacturing process, shipping, or the customers themselves.
But the cracks have been covered by the limited lifetime warranty.
People who have installed this pan like its rigidity. They also love the biscuit color! Those who went with white are impressed with how bright it is.
Acrylic shower base reviews are alight with praise for this pan!
This is a nice, solid square shower pan that’s easy to install. Just be careful to inspect it for damage when you get it. Overall, we think this is the bath shower base for anyone who wants a square unit.
Pros
- Highly rigid and stable
- Textured
- Strong
Cons
- There have been a couple of complaints about receiving pans with small cracks, so you’ll have to do a careful inspection when you buy. But the workmanship is covered by the warranty
2. Tile Redi P3648C-RB36-KIT Shower Pan and Bench
This is a rectangular shower base with a seat. It’s made of thin polyurethane. To install it, you first have to prepare the subfloor and spread mortar as a base.
Then you place the pan. After you set the pan in the mortar, you have to build the seat with the included kit. Finally, you install the flashing and tile the pan and seat. It takes time and some experience. Plan on this being a weekend project. You can’t get it done in one day.
People are generally happy with their purchase, but they often comment that installation was much more work than they thought. On the bright side, they are pleased that this pan is available in several sizes and drain orientations.
It’s easier to create a shower with a seat if you have this base and kit. But be careful. It’s not as easy as installing any of the other pans that we’ve reviewed here. It takes some skill with mortar. If you have the necessary skills, this product should make you happy.
Pros
- Tile adhesive and flashing included
- Ready to tile
- Available in several sizes
Cons
- Installation is difficult
- Expensive
3. Kohler Purist Shower Pan Base
Here’s the most durable shower base. It’s solid cast iron. The enamel may chip one day, but there are repair kits available. It’s easier to fix chipped enamel than it is to replace a chipped tile.
It’s so much easier to keep clean as well. There’s nothing to mildew. A good sponge mop and some bathroom cleaner are all you should ever need for cleaning. This thing weighs 180 pounds, so installation is a two-person job.
Most enamel is slippery, but this base has a special no-slip texture in a unique pattern. A steam generator is available from Kohler and is compatible with this base, as long as it is installed as part of a enclosed shower stall.
Everyone who bought and installed this base is wowed by the sheer weight. People rave about how solid it feels. Those who have had theirs for a while say that it has held up fine, as you would expect from an iron.
This shower base will last forever. It will probably last as long as your house. It’s strong, thick, and heavy. It feels like an old-timey shower under your feet with no bounce at all. If you’ve got nearly a thousand dollars to spend on a great base and want the most durable, this may be for you.
Pros
- Super strong and durable
- Several colors available
Cons
- N/A
4. DreamLine SlimLine 34 in. D x 60 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H Right Drain Single Threshold Shower Base
Here’s another pan from Dreamline, the shower base company, but this one is rectangular. It’s made of the same sturdy reinforced acrylic. It shouldn’t be much trouble to install, as long as you have a bit of experience in remodeling and make careful measurements.
Those who prefer rectangular showers really like this one because it gives them options for left, center, or right drains. That makes this a versatile pan that can go in just about any remodel. It comes in classic white, contemporary black, or Dreamline’s signature hue, biscuit.
You don’t have to worry about orientation too much if you consider this shower pan. It’s available in three drain positions. It’s strong and people are generally happy with it. We like how easy it is to install and how sturdy it feels, even on not-quite-even flooring.
Pros
- Three options for drain placement
- Tough material
- Textured
Cons
- With the increase in size comes an increase in price, but it’s still a good value
5. PROFLO PFSB3232WH PROFLO PFSB3232 Morenci 32″ x 32″ Square Shower Base
This square base’s composite material is resistant to staining. That’s nice because it would be awful to spend money and time on a shower remodel only to have to scrub stains from it. It’s deep. That prevents water from getting out onto the floor if it happens to leak between the base and the shower door or curtain.
The built-in strainer is a nice touch too. It can’t get lost as drop-in strainers can.
People say that it’s a bit difficult to install the drain pipe due to the built-in strainer. But they love the strainer! That’s a big plus! Everyone seems very happy with their purchase.
There are not many reports of buyers having to make a warranty claim, but ProFlo has a great customer service reputation.
This is a nice affordable square shower pan. It’s great for anyone who wants a cheap, but high-quality, base. Too bad it only comes in white.
Pros
- Textured
- Stain resistant
- Good price
Cons
- Only comes in white
- Strainer makes installation a little more difficult
6. Swanstone R-3454-018 Veritek Center Drain Shower Base
This square base’s composite material is resistant to staining. That’s nice because it would be awful to spend money and time on a shower remodel only to have to scrub stains from it. It’s deep. That prevents water from getting out onto the floor if it happens to leak between the base and the shower door or curtain.
The built-in strainer is a nice touch too. It can’t get lost as drop-in strainers can.
Buyers are impressed with the veritek material. They also feel like the molded drain will never leak. Shower pan reviews by those who’ve had one for a while confirm this base’s mildew resistance.
This high-end shower pan will last for years without mildewing, peeling, or leaking. It’s well-made and designed to last for a lifetime.
Pros
- Molded drain
- Mildew resistant
- No coating to deteriorate
Cons
- High priced
7. Woodbridge Tileable Shower Base
This black stainless steel base is ready to be tiled. The flashing and tile adhesive are even included with the purchase. We like the steel-brushed Nickle finish of the square drain plate.
It goes well with any color or style of tile you may choose. You won’t have to do any extensive floor prep. It installs just like any other shower base, except you’ll have to install the aluminum flashing to prevent leaks.
It’s truly the shower base for tile, especially if you’re going to do the tile work yourself.
Buyers like being able to save up to $900 on the professional installation of their tiled shower. They’re impressed with the quality as well. Most pans are made of acrylic, fiberglass, or composite, but this one is steel. People love that!
Gone are the days when having a tiled shower floor meant paying a professional almost $1000. This base takes a lot of the work out of doing it yourself by removing the floor preparation aspect of the job.
Pros
- Steel construction
- Includes the adhesive and flashing you need
- Lets you save a lot of money on installation
Cons
- Must be tiled – can’t be used as a finished base
8. Bestbath 30×30 Shower Pan
This is the shower base for tile walls. There’s a flange going around the entire top edge of the pan to accept the tile. This makes installing the tile easy. It also means that you’ll use less caulk and grout.
The gel-coated fiberglass construction is very strong and stands up to abuse. It would take a lot to crack or chip it. It’s also easy to clean.
DIYers love how this base is made to make installation with tiles easy. Everyone else is happy that it’s designed to prevent water from building up and sitting where the tile meets the pan.
If you plan on putting tile up on your shower walls, the aggravation you’ll be spared during the tile installation will more than make up for the bit of extra money you’ll spend on this base.
Pros
- Built specifically for tile walls
- Very durable
- Resists mildew
Cons
- A bit pricey for a square pan
9. Swanstone FF03232MD.010 Veritek Center Drain Shower Base
We’re glad that Swanstone makes this square pan just as it does the rectangular ones. This one’s just as strong and has the same mildew resistance.
Everyone who owns one of Swanstone’s Veritek bases is happy with it years after installation. People are pleased that they’re available as square pans!
This square pan has the quality you’d expect from Swanstone. It also has the price you would expect. But it’s a very high-quality pan that will last for many years without discoloring or peeling.
Pros
- Made of the same Veritek material as the rectangular base
- Will not mildew
- Tight tolerances
Cons
- Expensive
Tips on Choosing
Keep these tips in mind when deciding on which base to choose. After choosing, you may need quality shower curtain rods.
Look for a Warranty
Even if you pick a tough base from a reputable manufacturer, you may notice a flaw or even a defect when you install it or shortly thereafter.
This is why you should get a pan with at least a material and workmanship warranty. You don’t need a very long one. 30 days is good, but a year is excellent.
Check the Exchange Policy
What if you finally get your new shower base, but you decide you don’t like it when you finally see it in your bathroom?
It’s best to get a pan from a seller that allows you to exchange the product if you change your mind.
Be Careful of the Drain Position
Some drains are in the center of the base. Others are off to the side. If the drain hole and the drainpipe don’t show up when you go to install the base, you’re in for some extra plumbing work!
You may be OK with this. But if you want to avoid extra work, be sure that the drain placement jives with your plumbing situation.
Think About Depth Beforehand
This is something that many people never think about until it’s too late. Shower bases come in several depths. Some even double as bathtubs. You can get any depth you like.
This factor doesn’t affect installation all that much. But you should know what depth you want before deciding on everything else.
Texturing is a Plus
One common regret after purchasing a shower pan is not getting one that’s textured. Even if you get a pan made of the best shower base material, you should make sure there’s some safety texture on the floor. The texture is what gives your feet traction so you don’t fall.
Sure, you can buy adhesive textured appliques, but they sometimes look out of place. Use them if you prefer, but know what you’re getting when you place your order.
What to Consider When Choosing
Shower bases last for a long time. Therefore, you have to choose carefully. You don’t want to live for years with regret, and you don’t want to start the entire project over again because you changed your mind. Think about the following shower pan features while considering all the options out there.
Shape
Most shower pans come in three shapes: rectangular, square, and pentangle. Let’s look at each one. If you’re just replacing an existing shower base and want it to be a quick and easy job, you’ll naturally go with whatever shape of the pan you’re pulling out.
But if you’re doing a remodel, you have options!
Square pans save space. This can make your bathroom feel roomier and more open. That’s great for a minimalist style. But square ones are smaller and give you less room inside the shower.
That’s bad if you like bigger, full-sized showers. Rectangular bases offer the most space inside, but they take up at least twice as much bathroom space as square pans.
You have to decide what is more important to you. Do you want more room inside the shower, or do you want a roomier bathroom? Pentangle bases are square ones with one corner cut out. They offer all the advantages of a square shape, but they offer a bit more room outside.
The obvious trade-off is slightly less room on the interior.
Material
Stone and marble look and feel great, but it is expensive. Fauxstone is cheaper and easier to work with because it’s lighter, but it doesn’t have the natural feel of real stone. Plastic is cheap and light. It is pretty durable, but it can chip and crack over time.
Fiberglass is tougher than plastic and a little more expensive, but it’s just as easy to work with. Some plastic pans are reinforced with fiberglass or sometimes other types of backings.
These types of pans are a step up from regular plastic in terms of durability, but they are just as easy to work with. They’re a bit higher in price though.
Ceramics is the traditional shower material. It is expensive and heavy. It can also crack or shatter if impacted. But it’s a great choice if you want a compromise between natural material and a traditional look and feel.
Style
This is the fun part. There are countless styles available. Choose a color and texture that matches your bathroom. If you’re redoing your whole bathroom, you can start with a shower pan style you like and model the rest of your bathroom after it!
Are you going to install your new shower base yourself?
You can do it, as long as you have intermediate DIY home improvement skills. You’ll also need some tools and materials. Every installation is a little different. Here’s a set of basic instructions on how to do it, but keep in mind that some skills are required.
It’ll be good to have a friend with some experience to help if you’ve never done anything like this before.
Tools
- Tape measure
- Claw hammer
- Drill and a set of bits
- Caulk gun
- Screwdrivers
- Carpenter’s level
Materials
- Pipe putty
- Pipe cement
- Caulk
- Tub spouts
- Backer board
- Shower board
- Shower board adhesive
Remove the Existing Shower Pan
This is unnecessary for new installations. But if you have to remove an existing base, start by prying any nails that hold the base in place away.
Remove the drain and flange.
Then pry the base up. Be sure to scrape away as much of the old adhesive as you can. If you’re replacing the shower board as well, pry it off and scrape the glue off the wall.
Make Sure the Floor is on Level
Use your carpenter’s level. Lay it across the floor where your new pan is going at several angles. If the floor isn’t level, you’ll have to take care of that before installing the shower pan.
Fit the Pan
Use your tape measure to check the dimensions of your space. Then measure the pan to be sure of a correct fit.
Before doing anything else, place the pan into its future home to be sure of a proper fit. It should be very snug, with less than a ¼” gap between each wall.
Test Install Pan and Fittings
Now that you know your base fits, make sure everything else does too. Put the drain flange onto the drain pipe. Place the pan in place so the flange is directly underneath the shower drain. Now place the shower drain through the drain hole and into the drain flange. Everything should fit together well.
If there are any gaps in the plumbing, you may need to install extensions. Now you can reassemble everything using the pipe cement. Be sure the pan is square in place and tighten everything securely. Now be sure that the pan is even in its spot.
All gaps should be equal. Shim the gaps between the pan and the wall and use galvanized nails to secure the pan to the walls through pre-drilled holes in the pan. Now that your pan is installed, it’s time to put up the backer and shower boards!
Now Do it!
You’ve learned how to install a shower pan.
You’ve browsed our tips and studied the reviews, so you know what to look for when shopping for the shower base. There’s only one thing left to do. Make a choice and get on your way to an awesomely upgraded bathroom!
You’re going to be amazed at how something as seemingly simple as a new shower pan can give your bathroom and your home a brand-new, refreshing look and feel.
Just think about how it will boost your home’s value. Not to mention how your family and guests will be impressed. And if you install it yourself, you’ll have some serious new DIY bragging rights! The feeling of satisfaction you’ll have after seeing this project through to its end is almost rewarded enough.
But you can’t finish if you don’t get started.
Don’t procrastinate. Buy your new shower pan today!
