What Product Do I Use to Make a Shower Pan?

Tile

• Tile is one good option for a shower pan that allows you to create a shower in almost any possible color or design. Usually, a tiled shower pan is built up in layers. Concrete forms the base, then a plastic, water-resistant membrane is laid down. Mortar is poured on top of that layer and the tile is installed over top of this foundation. The underlying layers must include a slight slope toward the drain to ensure that the water will drain properly after you tile the shower.

Fiberglass

• Custom fiberglass shower pans are another option. Someone who is experienced at working with fiberglass can build a custom pan out of the material. The fiberglass base is built up in layers. After the base is built, cover it with a gel coat to give it the shiny and smooth finish that you expect from a finished shower pan. The downside of this material is that it scratches and stains over the long term.

Stone

• Solid stone is a higher-end alternative shower pan material. A slab of properly cut and sized stone makes an excellent shower pan. Usually, the stone chosen for this application will be both very sturdy and decorative so it enhances the style of the bathroom. Good options include the same types of stone often used in countertop applications such as marble and granite.

Acrylic

• Acrylic is used in conjunction with fiberglass. A base layer is made out of fiberglass, then an acrylic layer is layered on top of that base. Working with acrylic is dangerous and requires specialized knowledge. However, you can build your shower by purchasing a pre-made acrylic base or having a company with acrylic experience fabricate you a custom shower base out of the material.