How to choose the best material for the shower pan

Posted by Mary Deleon on October 10th, 2018

The change of the bathtub for a shower pan is one of the reforms that is most undertaken today. The choice of the material of the shower pan should not be left to the mason ... Here we see the advantages and disadvantages of each type of material for shower pans.

To assess the possibility of putting a shower pan, the most important thing is to know the measurements of the hole where we are going to install it. The shower pans have standard sizes and shapes, and it is essential to assess whether they will fit in that particular space. It is even possible that some manufacturers offer to make a custom shower pan, with the desired shape and the drain at the desired point.

What a shower pan should have

Adequate slope

The shower pan must have the appropriate slope from all points of its perimeter to pour into the drain. The recommended minimum is about 7 mm for every 30 cm in length.

Anti-slip surface

It is an important point to observe: the surface of the shower pan must have some kind of texture that prevents draining, but at the same time allows easy cleaning.  

Tile Flange

It serves to ensure a perfect seal of the space in which the wall meets the shower pan. It is a little less than half a centimeter wide.

Ceramic shower pans

They are made of a mixture of clay, feldspar and siliceous sands. It is an economical material with a very attractive glossy finish. Does not stain and resists very well the action of aggressive chemicals.

Types of Shower Pans

Acrylic shower pans

The acrylic material is very light and not very porous. It is made of a very durable plastic, is easy to clean, and is also manufactured in a wide variety of sizes and colors. Corian countertops are made from this same material. The color dyes all the thickness of the acrylic, not only the top sheet, which is an advantage against scratches. Traditional acrylic shower pans are between 7

Resin or mineral load shower pans

They are made of a mixture of resins and pressed minerals. They are manufactured in standard sizes, but can also be adapted to the specific measurements of the shower. It is a much more resistant material than fiberglass and acrylic and allows to make extra-flat (3 cm) and large shower pans (2 x 1m). It is a waterproof material, so it avoids the need to put asphalt fabric as in the construction showers. They are easily cleaned with a damp sponge and soap. They can be ordered in any color and there are also several textures to choose from: slate, limestone, natural stone, wood, leather ...

Work shower pans

They can be built from start to finish or installed with a kit that makes the task easier. The intrigue of these shower pans is to create a cement screed with the proper slope, which should be left to dry for several days before laying the pavement. To get a new shower pan or a shower drain check at chriply.com for latest designs and have a great deal.