Where and how to source custom sized shower base?

14 years ago

I have a non-standard shower (about 4-1/2' x 6') and was wondering where and how to source the base. I figure that the base is the most important of the shower as the walls and door can easily be added.

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Comments (6)

brickeyee
14 years ago
Any good tile guy can do a thick mud bed job over Kerdi or other watertight membrane.

The base is built in place.
MongoCT
14 years ago
Are you looking for a tile-over base?

If so, the easiest "custom" is to just do a standard deck mud preslope. You'll get the elevations and slopes that you need to meet code in the size and shape that you want.

"Semi-custom" would be cutting down a prefab base; wedi fundo, or a Kerdi Tray, etc.

And just for clarification, if you do Kerdi and a mud bed, Kerdi goes on top of the mud bed, not under it.

For prefab acrylic bases, the only one I can think of that is that size (52" x 72") is designed for a glass block shower. There very well may be another source, but I can't think of one.
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pepperidge_farm
14 years ago
We ultimately did a custom base as Mongo described by using a larger kerdi base and curbs and cutting it down. DIY Shower is done, and perfect, and drains beautifully. If not DIY, why not just get a good mud job?
homey_bird
14 years ago
We recently got a Cultured Marble shower base. The advantage is that they can be created in custom colors. Though it is too early for me to start raving about it (because I have heard that maintainance is tricky) -- I am happy about the fact that they are single piece, solid surface (no leaks, no grout lines) and need no base preparation (vis-a-vis an acrylic base that needs the underside be prepared properly to avoid breaking).

The downside is that they can be twice as expensive as the Acrylic ones. With custom sizing they will be even more so. You might want to get quotes from a couple of places. Do Google on "cultured shower pan" in your area.

Hope this helps,
weedyacres
14 years ago
If you're looking for a solid surface (not tile) base, try Onyx.

Here is a link that might be useful: Onyx custom shower bases
raehelen
14 years ago
We got a cultured marble base too. It's still propped on its side though (so much for Christmas installation! :>). Like homey bird we are happy about the solid base with no grout to worry about. Though we did go to some Acrylic manufacturers in our area- and could have had custom acrylic bases made. I would assume that is an option in any big city.