Can I Tile Over the Plastic Pan in My Shower?

Movement

• The primary reason you cannot install any type of tile over a plastic shower pan is because of the inherent movement in plastic. Plastic is flexible beyond acceptable levels for tile installations. While thinset mortar can stand up to some slight movement such as from vibrations due to foot traffic, direct movement causes the cement to break bond, which leads to tiles popping up off the floor.

Adhesion

• Another issue with trying to install tile on any type of plastic surface is that thinset mortar does not bond well to plastic. While it can be done in special circumstances, such as with a laminate countertop that is having tile installed over the top of it, those plastics have been roughed up with a sander prior to installation so the mortar will bond with the surface. However, this alone does not make a shower pan an acceptable substrate.

Durability

• The point of installing tile is to create an installation that will last a lifetime. That is one of the primary reasons tile installations cost so much more in comparison to most other types, because the product takes skill to install and is meant to last. Plastic shower pans are not built to last, and over time they eventually crack out or the plastic begins to stretch or flex over time. Once the durability of the pan is gone, so is that of the tile installation.

Warranty

• Despite the fact that the industry strictly prohibits plastic shower pans being used as a base for tile installations, there are always people who are willing to do so because of budgetary constraints or just wanting a temporary fix. Installing tile in a manner against the industry regulations voids manufacturer warranties with the products involved in the installation, and no professional will be willing to give you an installation warranty.