Home » 7 Best Shower Bases & Pans Reviews 2022

7 Best Shower Bases & Pans Reviews 2022

 

The shower base is an important element for renovating the shower area, located at the bottom of the shower, and the basic purpose of it is to collect water from the drain. Having one of the best shower bases is a must for every bathroom.

The shower base is also known as a shower tray or shower pan. To pass the water to the drain, you must have this in your shower area. It will be giving you a solid base to stand while having a shower. It is a waterproof barrier that is placed under tiles of a shower floor. This will efficiently collect water from the tile and grout and pass it to the drain.

In this article, we have covered the reviews of all the best shower bases of 2022. After reading this article, you will be able to pick the right shower base for your bathroom.

Top Shower Bases And Pans: Our Champs

 

1. DreamLineSlimLine Center Drain, Best Shower Base Overall:

On Sale!
DreamLine SlimLine 32 in. D x 60 in. W x...
  • Model Size: 32 in. D x 60 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H
  • Base Type: Single Threshold (3-Wall Alcove)
  • Drain Location: Center (Centered on width only; See technical drawing for...

The DreamLine SlimLine center drain single threshold shower base is our champ for 2022. The Slimline shower base is made of a modern and durable high-gloss acrylic fortified with fiberglass materials. That’s why it looks great in any bathroom decor. It is durable to last several years without creating an issue. The floor surface offers complete safety with the SlipGrip texture.

You can say goodbye to a sudden slippage accident. DreamLine shower base is easy to maintain. A glossy acrylic finish protects from stains. The pan comes with the center drainage system. It will easily fit in your bathroom. The price is also reasonable.

Product Highlights:

  • Easy maintenance
  • Safe to use
  • Attractive multiple color complement bathroom style
  • Quick installation
  • Modern and durable low profile design
  • cUPC certified

 

 

2. Swanstone FR-3260L-010 Affordable Shower Pan System

Swanstone FR03260RM.018 Veritek Right...
  • Made of Veritek with no surface coating to chip or crack
  • Retrofits existing tub without moving plumbing
  • Includes molded-in Fit-Flo right-hand drain

When it comes to a quality product in an affordable budget, Swanstone has an option for you. Yes, I am talking about the Swanstone FR-3260L. The Swanstone FR-3260L is made of Veritek material without surface coating to prevent the chances of having scratches or crack.

It’s confining material is non-absorptive, highly durable, and will not get mold or mildew. It’s stoned, and slip-resistant feature provides high safety value. Easily fit in your bathroom with a right-hand drainage feature. It is easy to install. Available in white color that gives an elegant look to any bathroom decor.

Product Highlights:

  • Non-porous surface
  • Slip-resistant ensure safety
  • Affordable price range
  • Easy maintenance
  • Quick installation

 

3. DreamLineSlimLine 36 in. Corner Drain Neo-Angle Shower Base

On Sale!
DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. D x 36 in. W x...
  • Model Size: 36 in. D x 36 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H
  • Base Type: Neo-Angle (2-Wall Corner)
  • Drain Location: Corner (See technical drawing for exact location); Color:...

DreamLine is one of the reputed global merchandisers of tub doors, shower doors, kitchen appliances, shower bases, and related products. They are always up to date when it comes to announcing modern and extraordinary shower or bathroom-related products.

The DreamLineSlimLine Neo-Angle Shower Base is another example of its superior quality. With two wall corners, it can be used in a custom shower project. DreamLine SlimLineNeo-Angle Shower Base is loved by the customer for its modern and low-profile design.

The Durable base made of high gloss Acrylic reinforced with fiberglass material is another reason to purchase this one in the first place. The Slip resistance texture floor will ensure your safety by avoiding any hasty accident. It’s 2-sided integrated tile flanges are ready for a standard compression fitting range. Available in only glamorous white color. Its durable construction removes any bend of the base. The DreamLine SlimLine shower base is easy to install as well.

Product Highlights:

  • Easy to install
  • Corner drainage system
  • Scratch and stain resistance
  • Fiber reinforcement for durability
  • Ensures User Safety
  • cUPC certified

 

4. Bestbath Step-in Shower Solid Surface Shower Pan

Bestbath 30x30 Shower Pan - Center Drain...
  • Dimensions: 30" x 30" x 4"
  • Threshold Height: 4"
  • Threshold Type: Curbed

Bestbath 30”³ x 30”³ Step-in Shower Base — 6 is one of the classic shower pans that will give your bathroom a vintage look. Basically, constructed with a one-piece shower pan boosted with a gel coat/fiberglass that ensures long-lasting usage. A slip-resistance gel coat and high-quality scratches are used to provide efficient and safe showering. Its 3-wall alcove installation process will make you stress-free.

You do not need to bother with the maintenance also. The integrated tile flange assures you always have a waterproof base. This shower pan offers remarkable strength with wood-cored support bottom–a square shape pan, available in whiter color and reasonable price.

Product Highlights:

  • Easy to clean
  • Smooth installation
  • Easy maintenance
  • Center drainage system
  • Fiberglass material use for durability
  • Features Self-resistance gel coat

 

5. DreamLine SlimLine Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base

DreamLine SlimLine 42 in. D x 42 in. W x...
  • Model Size: 42 in. D x 42 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H; Base Type: Single Threshold...
  • Drain Location: Center (Centered on width only; See technical drawing for...
  • Installation: Direct to studs (Unfinished walls: Prior to backerboard,...

DreamLine SlimLine shower base is popular for its right-hand drainage feature. It is a quality product that provides a single threshold shower base which means a one-sided shower door can be placed in any corner easily. You can fit any shower door with it–a rectangular shower base that provides a slip-resistant surface by SlipGrid texture.

This shower base is made of acrylic/ABS material; fiberglass reinforcement is used on the basis to make it more durable. The installation process is quick and easy, as well. Available in off-white or biscuit color that provides a classy tone to your bathroom. Most searched in the market for the unique texture and reasonable price. It is the best acrylic shower base on our list. Check the latest price on Amazon.

Product Highlights: 

  • Right-hand drain base
  • Self-resistant textured floor
  • Alcove installation needed
  • cUPC certified
  • Available in classic biscuit color
  • Slip and stain resistant base

 

6. KOHLER K-9054-0 Salient Receptor Right Hand Shower Base

KOHLER K-9054-0 Salient 60-Inch x...
  • Spacious shower base offers ample room for showering
  • Safeguard slip-resistant finish for added safety
  • Single threshold for alcove installation with three tile-in flanges

Looking for a shower pan that is excellent in terms of quality and lifetime durability? KOHLER is the first choice for the consumer who acknowledges performance as a deciding factor. The Kohler Salient receptor is a unique shower base that gives the assurance to its consumer with its unmatchable full feature. Its spacious floor features a molded with an oval center and grid pattern for safe friction.

This resistance to scratches, marks, and the anti-dirt feature will be with you forever and as beautiful as day one. Its notable shower base is the perfect choice for a custom-tiled shower environment. It is the last best shower base on our list.

This specific design of Kohler offers you a versatile design and simple look that relate to any modern and traditional bathroom. It is made of cast iron that arises no question about longevity. In addition, it highly slips resistance. Available in white color. There are no chances of damage or leakage instead of its frequent usage.

I must assure you that you will hardly find any comparison of KOHLER with any other brand, that’s why you need to pay some extra for this. But trust me, it is quite worthy. As there is a say that, ‘quality product comes at a quality price.

Product Highlights:

  • Cast iron assures durability.
  • Versatile design
  • The grid pattern for extra friction
  • Right-hand drainage system
  • Alcove installation system

 

7. Tile Redi USA P3048L Shower Pan For Tile

Tile Redi USA P3048L-PVC-13x6-4.5-4.5...
  • ALL-IN-ONE SHOWER SOLUTION: One-piece, leak-proof, pre-pitched shower pan...
  • READY TO TILE: Install tile directly on shower pan surface to customize...
  • EASY TO INSTALL: Install in mortar base; see instructions for further...

Are you looking for the best shower pan for tile? Don’t worry; I have the right solution for you. Yes, I am talking about the Tile Redi USA P3048L, which is considered as one of the best shower bases for the tile floor right now. The construction quality of the product is out of this world with premium quality materials. It is designed to last and serve for years without creating an issue.

The Tile Redi USA P3048L-PVC Single Curb Shower pan is one piece and leak-proof with integrated curb and splashes walls. The installation system is easy. The base comes with 2-inch, left PVC drain and polished chore drain plate. It looks attractive and suits any modern bathroom decor. You will love to have this one installed in your bathroom. It is also very affordable.

Product Highlights

  • One-piece design,
  • Leak-proof and pre-pitched shower pan
  • Can install tile directly on the shower pan surface
  • Features 2-inch, Left PVC Drain
  • Polished chrome drain plate
  • 48-inch Wide and 30-inch Deep

 

That’s all for the best shower base reviews. I am sure you can quickly pick one from the above list. We tried to include all of the excellent products that are available in different price, design, and performance. But all of the above products are worth the money. Let’s have a look at some of the essential factors before making the deal. Otherwise, you might end up with a bad product.

 

Know these facts before buying:

  • You should know the size of your bathroom
  • Should also know the best material for shower pan
  • You should know the installation system
  • Should know that the shower base without cUPC certification should be avoided
  • You should know which style will suit your bathroom decor
  • Should know your budget limit

Without knowing the above factors, you will never be able to pick the best shower pan according to your requirement.

A Shower pan is designed to catch the used water while taking a shower. A shower pan can be made of different types of material. If you have a shower base installed in your bathroom, you don’t have to invest much time in cleaning the shower after each use.

The shower pan is essential for everyone. That’s why lots of well-known and less known companies are making and selling these products. The market is full of different options. Not all of them are worth purchasing. Read the following buying guide carefully before making any decision.

Types of Shower Bases

Acrylic:

Acrylic shower bases are durable than the other tiles and stone materials. It’s typically reinforced with other materials and made into a mold. Apart from being so durable, it’s also very easy to maintain as well. This popular type of shower pan is easy to install, as well.

Fiberglass:

polyester resin mixed with woven glass fiber ends up as a mold and then made fiberglass shower base. Fiberglass type is a little cheaper than the other bases, but it has some drawbacks as well. It’s light and easy to install but wears off very quickly. And it is pretty high maintenance because cleaning it is a hassle. The low price is not without a solid reason.

Custom tile:

custom tile is given a very elegant look but comes with pain as well. It takes up a lot of your budget and labor, and you cannot be in peace even after that. Cleaning the grout between the tiles is hard and wears off after some time. And another thing is that you have to create a substructure before you install the custom tile. So you have to choose between hassle and elegance.

Composite:

Composite shower base is made with durable materials that give gel coat finish. The lightweight, strong, and easy to maintain base is going to make your life easier. Another special thing about this composite shower base is that it’s very durable. It’s able to last almost a decade, which is a pretty long time.

 

Porcelain vs Acrylic shower base

When installing a shower, getting the best shower base is crucial as it serves as the foundation and will, therefore, determine how long the shower lasts. This means you’ll have to consider the porcelain vs. acrylic shower base as they are some of the most commonly used.

Porcelain shower base

Some of the advantages of these shower bases include stability and versatility. A porcelain shower base is stronger and will not be affected by frequent use. They usually remain steady regardless of the weight of the user. They are also versatile and easy to custom. These shower bases are available in different styles that make it easier for you to choose what fits the vision you have for your bathroom. You can also find a porcelain shower base to fit different sizes of bathrooms easily. Also, you can use different colors of porcelain bases to form a pattern in one bathroom.

However, they also have their disadvantages. The main one is that they are a little harder to install. You have to hire a professional to install them if you want a high-quality finish. This, together with the buying cost, requires more finances.

Acrylic shower base

One of the benefits of having an Acrylic shower base is that they are cheaper. Both the products and the installation process are more affordable, which makes them perfect if you have a low budget. They are easy to install and are also available in multiple colors. This makes them perfect for any bathroom. Although they are light, they can resist corrosion and are fairly strong.

They are also easy to clean and don’t usually require chemicals for that purpose. You can just use soap and water to clean them. Their design makes them non-porous, so you don’t have to worry about water leakages. Also, they are not slippery, so you don’t have to worry about accidental falls.

Some of the disadvantages of these shower bases include inflexibility and higher long term costs. Although they are non-porous and strong, they don’t last long. They usually wear off and break down with time, forcing you to make replacements that end up being costly. They are also made in standard sizes that make it very difficult to customize one that fits the size of your bathroom. Their design also makes them harder to blend with most bathroom decorations and drainage. The drain locations of these bases are not usually varied, making it harder to blend with your plumbing.

With these, you can easily choose a shower base type that suits your needs and budget. Just weigh the pros and cons of each before choosing one.

 

Shower Base Buying Guide: Read Before You Buy

Colors

Color is not related to durability or anything. It just should be considered for matching with your shower so that it does not look awkward. Mostly showers are of mild colors, so choose mild colors as shower base. White also goes with all kinds of colors. Be particular about choosing the color of the base because changing the color of the shower base is costly.

Scratch-resistant

You will be scrubbing your shower floor. If the base is not scratch-proof, there is no point in getting it. Sometimes hard objects can fall on the floor as well. For that accident, get a scratch-resistant shower base. Your bathroom will look like a new one for a very long time.

What should I look up before getting the shower base

Stain-resistant

We all know the pain of cleaning the shower. It’s the hardest job that you can never skip. One day of ignorance makes the shower look very dirty. Stains and dirt make a permanent home there. If the shower base is stain resistant, you will see you can chill on cleaning and keep the shower new for a long time.

Easy to install

While you are installing your shower base hire professional to do it. If not done properly, it will not be durable at all. The cost of repairing it will be a lot more, and the hassle is not even in count. The easier the installation process, the more durable it will be.

Waterproof feature

Is it not pretty to have water accumulated on the floor, right? So your shower stall should not be accumulating water on the floor as well. The waterproof feature is a must in the shower pan because this is its main job, to be honest.

You may also be interested in reading about shower faucet reviews.

Benefits of The Shower Base

Prevents water leakage

No matter what your shower tray size is rectangular or square, it will prevent leakage. You do not even have to worry about one single drop of leakage if you install the shower head. The shower head makes sure the water goes where it is supposed to go.

Saves your time and money

Remodeling a bathroom from scratch is a long term project. You can rather install a shower tray and upgrade the shower with much less effort. It saves a lot of labor, time, and money at the same time. The outcome is not just practical, and it’s economical too.

Shower bases by shapes

Quadrant shower base:

If you have minimum space in your bathroom, this is a stylish edition. Its curved front saves up a lot of space.

Rectangular shower base:

Bigger shower areas will able to keep up with this size. It gives a lot of space to have a luxurious shower. This size is versatile for working with a lot of sizes.

Square shower base:

Square shower base gives you the liberty to shower in any part of the place. It’s also versatile to work with.

D shape shower trays:

The size of the wall and roofline matters to install the shower base. If you do not have a corner in the bathroom, D shower trays will be perfect for you.

Everstone shower tray:

The wet effect but not waterproof is what the Everstone shower tray is. The slim and sleek design is maybe all you have been waiting for.

Best Shower Bases

Consider before picking the shower pan:

Materials:

The quality of the shower pan depends on the material by which it is made. Acrylic, porcelain, and fiberglass are the most used material in the best shower base. All of them are good with few limitations. In case your shower base it slippery when wet, we recommend buying a shower mat to prevent slips and injuries.

Installation System:

The installation system is another essential issue while purchasing a shower base. Try to pick one with a simple installation system. Otherwise, you have to invest a few more dollars.

Style:

You should match the shower pan with the decor of your bathroom. Otherwise, it might ruin the look of your bathroom.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Don’t look for one that offers a complicated cleaning system. It will cause a lot of pain to manage. If you’re very germ conscious and would prefer a cleaner solution to showering, consider wearing shower shoes.

Price:

For better quality, you have to pay, period! Just to save a few bucks, don’t go for something cheap! You will regret it later on!

How to Choose a Walk-in Shower Pan

Step 1: Choose the Right Size for Your Space

It can be hard to know how much space you’ll need for a walk-in shower. But before you start shopping, measure the area where you want to install it. You’ll need to know how many square feet of floor space is available and how much room you’ll have on either side of the shower pan.

Step 2: Consider the Style You Want

There are many different styles of walk-in showers, so consider what style fits your taste and lifestyle. If you’re looking for something modern, you might choose a tile or glass door in a sleek design. If you prefer something more traditional, there are many options available that include traditional shower heads and faucets.

Step 3: Choose Waterproofing Options

If your walk-in shower will be installed outdoors, choose waterproofing options that will protect against weather damage and water leaks from above-ground sources such as rainwater or sprinklers. This may include choosing a waterproofing membrane or sealer to protect against cracks and leaks caused by extreme temperatures.

Verdict

While shopping for the best shower pan, people get confused with the material types. Some experts refer acrylic shower base where some other refers to fiberglass. Both Fiberglass and Acrylic shower base are fantastic with their limitations. Acrylic shower bases last longer, easy to clean, and cost less in repairs and maintenance. Here is our top acrylic shower base.

Fiberglass, on the other hand, is inexpensive but not as durable as acrylic shower bases. The maintenance and repair of the fiberglass base cost much as well. Some other people like porcelain shower bases too. It actually depends on your preference. You should buy the type that suits your need, period. Here is our most favorite fiberglass shower pan.

I already reviewed some of the most practical products of the present time. In the above lines, I also told you about the pros and cons of the materials. I am sure now you can pick the shower base wisely. But pick the correct size according to your bathroom space. Otherwise, the best shower base will seem impractical!

4.7/5 - (12 votes)