What Is A Shower Base

Shower base. Shower pans are also sometimes referred to as shower bases. But shower bases most commonly refer to the substructure underneath the shower floor, usually made of cement or mortar, that helps channel water into the drain and protects the surrounding shower alcove.

What is the difference between a shower base and a shower pan?

What Do They Do? While a shower pan and a shower base both channel water into the drain, there’s one key difference: “Shower pan” is the actual shower floor that you step on, whereas “shower base” refers to the structure underneath the shower itself.

Is a shower base necessary?

If you plan to install a tile floor in your shower, a shower pan is crucial because it provides a waterproof surface to lay the tile on. Even if you don’t plan to use tile, a shower pan is important for protecting your floor and subfloor from any leaks that may get through.

What do you put under shower base?

Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.

What is a shower pan base?

A shower base/shower pan is a separate area that can both direct but also retain water in the drain. Both structures consist of a drain hole and have a sloped floor to help them lead water in the right direction, a threshold, and sidewalls.

Is a shower pan liner necessary?

And yes, it is safe to have it. In fact, the absence of a liner can be riskier than having a one under the tiles. Installing a shower pan liner is a must and it can be the difference between an enriching experience every day to a leaky bathroom.

What type of shower base is best?

4 of the Best Shower Base Flooring Options Tile Shower Bases. You may decide that you want to tile the floor of your shower to match the walls or bathroom floor tile. Molded Stone Shower Bases. Molded stone shower pans can offer you another high-end and elegant solution. Acrylic Shower Pans. Fiberglass Shower Pans.

Is it cheaper to use a shower pan or tile?

Shower pans are cheaper to buy and install compared to shower tiles. Also, shower pans don’t require resealing and regrouting like shower tiles. They’re also safer with less slipping experienced. However, they’re harder to repair and you won’t easily find shower pans for oddly-shaped showers.

Do I need a shower pan on concrete floor?

You will have to ensure that there is no wax, oil, grease, or soap scum on the face of the concrete slab that could ruin or reduce the bond. After that, I recommend that you install a sloped shower pan to contain the shower water and prevent harmful organisms from becoming resident in the surrounding walls and floor.

What is the floor of the shower called?

The shower pan acts as the floor of the shower. It channels water into the drain and is properly sealed so no water leaks underneath the structure.

Do you need to waterproof under a shower base?

DON’T ignore the importance of waterproofing when installing an acrylic shower base. The walls and the area around the top of the acrylic base along the wall are very important for proper waterproofing and it is essential that it be done correctly. In a bathroom, proper waterproofing is non-negotiable.

Can you lay shower tray on floorboards?

When learning how to lay a shower tray on a wooden floor, you will need to mark the area where the tray will stand. Next, replace the floorboards within that area with a minimum of 18mm marine ply. Use a spirit level to ensure the tray is completely level and press it into place. Leave for 24 hours to set.

Do you tile under shower base?

You should not tile underneath the base of a shower. Tile won’t always be even, which can affect your shower’s installation and lead to a costly repair. Grout is also not waterproof, so having tile under your shower base can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

Can a shower pan be tiled?

Shower floors, also called shower pans, are often tiled to create a stable standing surface for bare feet and to add decorative flair to the bathroom. You can put tiles over existing tiled shower pans as long as they are structurally intact, have no visible damage and do not leak.

How much does a shower pan cost?

Typical costs can range from about $1,000 to $2,000, depending on where you live and the type of shower pan you choose. Homeowners should remember that the shower pan is just one part of the job; if you’re considering a full shower remodel, you may incur additional costs such as the showerhead and plumbing.

Can you use concrete for a shower pan?

Concrete is perfectly adequate, if not recommended, for use as the shower pan base for materials such as stone, tile or mosaic tile to be used as the finish surface (as long as there is a proper membrane between the concrete and any vulnerable surrounding material).

Can I tile directly on concrete slab?

A: It’s perfectly acceptable to put tile directly on concrete — with a couple of caveats. First, it is important to determine if there is moisture coming up from the slab. Those products should help prevent any cracks in the slab from damaging the newly installed tile.