One piece shower base instead of tiled shower floor?

3 years ago

Any opinions on these? I have a rental that needs a new shower and I'm considering one of these-not the acrylic but the cast iron type. I've seen these in mid-range hotels, white base and white large wall tiles and they look and feel nice--and should be much easier to maintain.

Is it difficult for contractors to "match up" everything? It has to be exactly the same size as the current shower, the drain needs to line up, etc, right? Is a tile person the type of contractor that would do this or another specialty?

I would think that they would prevent a lot of issues such as leaks, mildew/mold, uneven floor, etc.

Thanks!

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Comments (4)

PRO
BAE Design + Consulting Services
3 years ago
You will need to consult with your local plumber and or plumbing fixture expert. They will need to ensure that the drain location is correct location. If your drain is in the center of the shower, you will be able to get a shower base with a center drain. If your existing drain is anywhere other than in the middle, please consult before purchasing!
H B
3 years ago
I have a kohler cast iron shower pan and love it. Only issue with those is they have a textured non slip which attracts dirt; so depending on how well your renter cleans, you may have to go in periodically and scrub it. Magic eraser works pretty well unless it’s really grimy; can’t remember name of cleaner but gardenweb search will turn it up. Zero worries about leaks, etc.
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Weedy, if you see this... I keep running into you here and there, we follow many of the same threads. You give really good advice and are a natural at this design thing. I went into Lowe's this weekend and REALLY looked. I had not really shopped there for 'a few of my favorite things' in quite some time and I was absolutely amazed at the Tile Department selection. I found several things that I really may be able to use so thanks for the steer in the right direction. Still no heated mats, tho. :) If you get a spare moment, I would like to ask one more favor. You mentioned earlier in this thread (I think it was this thread) that your shower clip hardware was designed for a 135 degree angle. Do you know what other angles other than 90 and 135 are available or from whom? (Probably will depend on each person's Glass Guy's resources). If you have a moment could you photograph a close-up of your clip hardware, so I can show my guy (or whomever) that it exists? I would also like to see how the 3/8" glass is mitered for that 135 degree hardware. I know that it is also held together by the header channel at the top. This favor, only if you get a chance. :) Thanks so much, Anne
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I have never had a tiled floor for a shower base. I hate cleaning grout, and find that any tiled floor I have seen or used does not look clean or new for very long. We had a custom cultured marble base made for both our guest bath and our Master. The guest bath was done 4 1/2 years ago, and looks like brand new. We receive compliments from everyone that uses it. It is comfortable and secure underfoot, and when I scooch on to the floor to shave my legs, is very comfy...don't think I'd want to do that on a tile floor with tons of edges against my bare behind..LOL! Haven't used our Master yet, but one advantage of custom, is that I got him to make it in the exact colour I wanted based on a BM paint chip! So, keep in mind I don't have a tile shower floor, but I am very happy with our cultured marble one. It was quite expensive, so there was no cost savings, but we have peace of mind that there will be no leaking, it is comfortable, and we think it looks great!
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Mrs Pete
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I have a shower pan in my bathroom and a tiled floor in my girls' hall bath. I like the shower pan better:

- It is solid and even underfoot. The tile is grouted, and the tiles around the round drain are a little uneven. The pan is going to be perfect, whereas the tile is subject to the installer's skill, and no tile with a round drain is going to be perfect.

- The slope of the pan is ideal, whereas the tiled floor could have been sloped a little more.

- The pan is easier to clean.

- A pan will have a longer lifespan, and if it develops a problem you'll be able to see it.

On the other hand, pans are only available for standard sized showers -- and yours may or may not be standard.
PRO
Altair
3 years ago
Shower pans are great for easy cleanup, they're a breeze and also cost effective. A tiled shower is bit more costly.

One piece shower base instead of tiled shower floor?

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BAE Design + Consulting Services

H B

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