In this modern era, we see lots of verities in every little thing. Even if a shower base has lots of option with different features, colors, sizes, quality, etc. As there are lots of alternatives, you may feel confused while buying a shower base.
To remove the confusion, we survey the entire market and make a list of 12 best shower bases available. You can find the most suited shower base for you if you go through the article.
However, from this list, we select the best three according to their features and benefits. Let’s see what is in the best pick list.
Best Shower Base: Editor’s Top Pick
DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. x 48 in. Single Threshold Shower Base
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The DreamLineSlimLine single threshold shower base is the best available in the market at present. That’s why it’s on the top of our best pick.
This one is very durable also scratch and stain defiant as it is made by high gloss Acrylic/ABS. The installation process is simpler than you think.
The DreamLineSlimLine is very easy to clean and maintain. This shower base can easily fit in an area of 36*48.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant textured floor
- Includes Fiberglass reinforcement for stability
- Scratch & stain resistant acrylic materials
- This one is cUPC certified
- 3-wall alcove installation
Cons:
- Single color available
DreamLine DLT-1134480-88 SlimLine Single Threshold
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DreamLine DLT-1134480-88 SlimLine Single Threshold Shower Base is the second best according to our list. This well-finished shower base included a slip-resistant texture to prevent sudden fall.
However, modern shower bases provide cheap designs for a sparkling polished look where this one is an exception with amazing quality.
Its High gloss Acrylic/ABS materials provide an attractive look where the fiberglass base maintains the durability. DreamLine DLT-1134480-88 includes stain and scratch resistant features.
Pros:
- Comes with high excellence scratch & stain resistant Acrylic
- Includes Slip-resistant textured floor for safety.
- Includes Integrated tile flange for easy installation & waterproofing
- Fiberglass reinforcement for durability; 3-wall alcove installation
- This one is cUPC certified
- Has center drain configuration; Plumbing codes vary by state
Cons:
- Available only in black color
Swanstone R-3454-010 34-Inch by 54-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch Single Threshold Shower Floor
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This Swan 34″ x 54″ Veritek Single Threshold Shower Floor is the third best shower base on our list for its amazing anti-mold and mildew aspects.
It is durable as it is made from Veritek material. The most magnificent advantage of this shower base is that it can be cleaned perfectly by using household cleaners.
It decreases the chance of slips and fall due to pebble texture floor. It has the fit-flow drain and very easy installation procedure. It is very suitable for the smaller area.
Pros:
- It includes Molded-in Fit-Flo center drain
- Mold or mildew resistant, no grout to clean
- Pebbled, slip-resistant surface
- Made of Veritek with no surface coating to chip or crack
Cons:
- Simple design
Best Shower Base Reviews: 9 Shower Base for the Money in 2016
Well, those three are the best choice according to our survey! But as everyone’s point of view and needs are different from each other so you may not find the particular shower base you want. You can see above for potential shower base according to your need!
However, if you think that if those three are the best pick then above eight products are not well enough. That’s a misconception; go through all the products you will find by yourself.
DreamLine SlimLine 34 in. x 48 in. Double Threshold Shower Base
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At present, the modern shower base maintains very cheap design to provide a clean and polish look. Dreamline shower base is the better exception with a very easy installation system.
Dreamline made by durable fiberglass base with gorgeous high gloss Acrylic/ABS materials. It includes slip resistant textured floor for safe showering experience.
However, every threshold shower base arrives with two side integrated tile flanges, and the draining system is good enough with a better compression fitting. This one is available in white color only.
Pros:
- It has Fiberglass reinforcement for durability
- Includes 2-wall corner fitting
- It has Left drain configuration.
- Slip-resistant textured floor
- Integrated tile flange for waterproofing
- Made by Acrylic material to avoid scratch & stain
- It is cUPC certified.
Cons:
- Old fashion style followed
WoodBridge SBR6032S Reversible Acrylic Shower Base With Recessed Trench Side Drain
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WoodBridge SBR6032 Reversible Acrylic Shower Base is another example of true sturdiness. It is made with premium quality materials with a high gloss, acrylic surface. It is super simple to clean and also it resists mold and mildew.
The shower base is reversible as well which is why it is simple to install in either left or right side. It offers a modern look. It seems a bit more expensive but according to the quality, it is absolutely ok.
Pros
- Heavy duty construction with fiberglass reinforcement
- Reversible shower base
- High gloss with acrylic surface
- Easy to clean
- Resist mold and mildew
- Amazing design
Cons
- A bit expensive
30″x30″ step-in shower pan
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30″x30″ high-quality step-in shower pan is well made. Excellent fiberglass material provides strength to this pan. The size of this pan is 30 inches.
It has luxurious polyester gelcoat finish which seems excellent on a tile. It also includes a slip free pan floor to avoid an accident.
Pros:
- Set for shower door
- Self-supporting pre-leveled base eliminates mud setting.
- It has Deluxe polyester gelcoat finish with tile look
- Textured non-slip floor, with 2″ brass drain.
Cons:
- Available in white color only
Swanstone SR-3260R-037 60-Inch by 32-Inch by 5-1/2-Inch
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SwanstoneSR-3260R Retrofit Shower Floor is made for long-lasting beauty & durability. It includes polymer resins, fillers, and reinforcement additives which make it a high-performance shower base.
It is five times stronger than other solid surface materials as it is compression molded. Swanstone has mold, mildew, heat and impact resistant quality with easy and simple cleaning and maintains facilities.
It can be cleaned with basic household cleaning solutions. However, the floor of the base is slip resistant and draining system is good indeed!
Pros:
- Includes color matched strainer
- Right hand, molded-in drain
- Integral tile flange
- Slip-resistant bottom
Cons:
- Rough surface
Americh S4236DT-WH Shower Base
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Americh S4236DT-WH Shower Base made of fantastic Acrylic material. The quality and comfort of this product are beyond your imagination.
Americh will give you a variety of sizes according to your need. It is quite strong to support 3/8” glass and 84 inches walls. It provides an outstanding look to any modern bathroom.
Pros:
- Shower base made of Acrylic with a glossy finish
- Square drain
- Stainless Steel cover for drain
Cons:
- There’s no replacement for the drain cover
VIGO 32 x 48-in. Rectangular Shower Base Left Drain, White
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To avoid leaks for your custom or pre-built VIGO Shower Enclosure or Shower Door, this VIGO Rectangular Shower Base is an excellent solution.
It includes beautiful design with high-quality features such as slip resistant shower floor, high durability, easy cleaning system and better draining experience. Fine Acrylic material and fiberglass give a great look and wood reinforcement provides strength.
Pros:
- Recommended for use with VIGO Shower Enclosures
- Constructed of acrylic & fiberglass with wood reinforcement
- Textured bottom for safety & slip resistance
- 3.5-in. pre-drilled drain opening
- Pre-leveled with integrated 1-in. Flange on two sides to facilitate installation
- Durable cross-linked cast acrylic shell is scratch & stain resistant
- Non-porous surface
- Shell is strain and scratch resistant
Cons:
- Old design
DreamLine SlimLine 38 in. x 38 in. Neo-Angle Shower Tray
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Dreamline Neo- Angle shower tray is one of the most leading products at present due to its high performance and long lasting quality. It is made of Acrylic/Abs materials, and for durability, it has fiberglass reinforcement.
However, the shower base has slip resistant texture floor which prevents sudden fall. The draining system is quite standard. The installation system of this shower base is quite easy and simple. Besides, it is easy to clean and maintain.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant textured floor for safe showering.
- Integrated tile flange for simple installation/waterproofing
- Fiberglass reinforcement for durability.
- White color shower base.
- High-quality scratch & stain resistant acrylic.
- cUPC certified.
Cons:
- Rough surface
KOHLER K-9394-0 Archer Receptor, Single Threshold
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The Kohler K-9394-0 Archer Receptor, Low Threshold, 48″ x 48″ is last in this list with high-performance features. The design of this shower base is unique and beautiful.
The Kohler provides a comfortable experience. However, it includes fiberglass construction for durability. This one is easy to install and maintain. Also, it contains slip resistant features to avoid any accident during shower.
Pros:
- Covered drain
- Unique design element
- Enhanced comfort
- Fiberglass construction
- Alcove installation
- Three tile-in flanges
Cons:
- Available for only one color
So, those are the best available shower base in the market now. You can either pick one of them, or you can purchase an inexpensive low-quality shower base. But I can assure that low-quality products will not last long.
Best Shower Bases Buying Guide
Shower bases hold sheer popularity for a very long time. Yet 10 years ago, people didn’t bother to buy shower bases by themselves. But things have changed.
If you are thinking about renovating your old home, or moving to your new dream house, you need to make sure everything is perfect.
If it concerns best shower bases, you have to be cautious too. Today, you will realize the list of best shower bases available in current market right now, in this article.
And afterword’s, we will have a brief discussion regarding the things you need to consider while buying the best shower bases and their maintenance, mounting processes as well. So, let’s start.
What are shower bases?
Shower bases, sometimes known as shower bases or shower trays, form the bottom of a shower enclosure. They collect the water, and provide a firm base on which to stand. They are normally made of acrylic or fiberglass, and may be provided with non-slip surfaces.
Shower bases may also be ceramic, or be made from composite molded materials, giving the appearance of stone or marble. Acrylic and fiberglass shower bases are cheaper than those made from ceramic or molded materials. They are also cheaper and easier to install, because they are much lighter to handle.
However acrylic or fiberglass shower bases are likely, depending on the level of use, to deteriorate after about ten years. Ceramic or molded shower bases can have a much longer life, up to 25 years.
How to Buy the Best Shower Bases?
Buying the best shower bases is quite a tricky job. Although we have presented a collection in front of you, what if you decide to buy it from your native shop? You need to know the ins and outs of this shower accessory, right?
Besides, while installing, particular attention requires to be given to the joints between wall tiling and the base, to avoid water penetration. Failure to do so can lead to serious damage to the structure of the floor, requiring expensive remedial work.
In extreme cases the whole shower will need to be removed and re-fitted. It is worthwhile to invest in a good quality shower base, because the labor expense of replacing it may far exceed the expense of a new one. At first, we will check the types and then proceed to maintenance and mounting procedure.
Choosing The Right Type of Best Shower Bases
The main considerations are size, shape, material, and color.
Sizes and shapes
Size and shape will be pre-determined if you are replacing an existing base. However, there is much more flexibility if you are building a new bathroom, or undertaking a complete refurbishment. In those cases, you have a choice of sizes.
For example, Americh supplies acrylic bases in nine lengths from 32 inches to 66 inches, and in six widths from 32 inches to 48 inches. Standard size bases will usually be cheaper than custom sizes; popular standard sizes include 36 inches by 36 inches, 48 inches by 48 inches, 60 inches by 30 inches, and 60 inches by 32 inches. They are available with the drain point central, in a corner, or to one side.
You can also consider shapes other than simple squares or rectangles. These include corner showers with rounded exposed corner, and rectangular showers with an outward curve to the shower area.
Materials
As to materials the cheapest are acrylic. Acrylic bases are perfectly practical, but may have slightly cheap flexible feel. For a stronger base, double-skinned acrylic bases are available. Fiberglass bases offer a more solid feel.
Royal Stone Shower Base
Both acrylic and fiberglass bases have the advantage that they are relatively light and easily handled. The most expensive, solid, and durable shower bases are made from vitreous china (like a toilet bowl) or from stone-like composite materials, such as those supplied by Royal Stone.
Royal Stone shower base are supplied in a choice of 48 colors, which imitate stone and brown, pink, or grey marble. Although they look like stone, they can be worked with conventional wood-working tools.
Colors
As to color for acrylic, fiberglass, or ceramic bases, we would strongly recommend keeping it simple with a white base. Although many colors are available, these can easily go out of fashion, and it is a very expensive job to replace the base just because you have changed your mind about the color.
Color is fine in a bathroom, but its wiser to introduce it through items that are easily changed such as blinds, shower curtains, and towels.
Leading USA Manufacturers – You should Know
The leading manufacturers, picked by Abacus Construction Index and listed below, have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of shower bases, bases and trays, including online catalogs, colors and materials, and care and maintenance.
The main points of difference between manufacturers are the material, and the range of sizes which is available.
Americh
Americh is a leading manufacturer of bath tubs and shower bases. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and North Hollywood, California.
It supplies a wide variety of sizes and shapes, in a choice of more than 20 colors. Shapes include: Barrier Free, End Drain, Double Threshold, Neo Angle, and Single Threshold (with or without seat). Each is custom manufactured to the customer’s specifications.
Aquatic
Aquatic, formerly known as Lasco, is one of the largest makers of bathroom fixtures in the USA, accounting for around 25% of all sales. It is headquartered in Anaheim, California, with eight manufacturing facilities spread through the USA.
It delivers across the USA, using a fleet of 270 trucks and trailers. In addition to Shower Bases, the Aquatic range includes Whirlpools, Bubblers and Soaking Tubs, Steam Tubs, Bathtubs and Showers, and Shower Doors.
Aquatic Shower Bases are available in three materials: acrylic, fiberglass, and SMC (sheet molding compound). The Acrylic Bases are available in rectangular and corner designs, and they have a high gloss acrylic finish and an integral nailing flange.
Fiberglass Bases have a Gelcoat finish on reinforced polyester. Special features of Aquatic showers include: Electronic Control Basel’s, Lumbar Jets, Side Wall Air Injectors, and multi-colored LED Chromatherapy.
Dix Systems
Dix Systems, a family firm based in Edmonton, Alberta, supplies liner kits which provide for leak-proof installation of traditional mortar bed tiled shower floors. The particular feature of Dix Systems liners is that they are structured, having no folds or seams.
The structured liner is made from durable polyethylene plastic which is resistant to punctures and tears. It has 8 inch walls, eliminating the need for any backing between vertical timber studs. The 3-part drain placement can be flexibly position anywhere in the shower base.
The Dix liner is made from a see-through material, allowing the installer to determine the location of the drain. Each pre-formed liner is tested at Dix’s manufacturing plant before dispatch. Related products supplied by Dix Systems include: Thresholds, Curb Sills, Shower Benches, and Shower Niches.
Royal Stone
Royal Stone, based in Phoenix, Arizona, supplies shower bases and bases made from a composite material resembling stone. The material is an inert, non-porous, homogenous blend of UV inhibited polyester-acrylic resin, with randomly dispersed polyester-acrylic and natural minerals as fillers.
This produces a solid surfacing material that has the appearance and ruggedness of natural stone, but which can be easily worked with normal wood-working tools. Royal Stone bases are supplied in a choice of 48 colors. These resemble brown, grey, or pink marble and stone.
Royal Stone bases are designed to withstand heavy wear. They have been widely installed in situations such as Marriott and Holiday Inn hotels, hospitals, universities, and military housing. The shower bases are suitable for installation in new construction, and as retro-fits to existing buildings.
Installing and Maintaining Best Shower Bases
The three key things to ensure when installing a shower base are to ensure that the subfloor is level, to ensure that the shower base is firmly fixed in place, and to ensure that the joint between the wall and the shower base is well sealed.
Ensuring the subfloor is level
It is important that the subfloor is completely level, otherwise there is a strong risk that the shower base will crack.
If the subfloor is not level, you can use structural foam, plater, or a leveling compound to create a surface that is smooth, even, and level. You should let the leveling compound dry overnight, then check again and apply more leveling compound if necessary.
Sealing the gap between the wall and the shower base
You should make sure that the shower base fits tightly against the wall on all sides. Then when you apply the tiling, or other wall covering, you can ensure that the tiles cover the edge of the shower base.
You should then seal the joint between the shower base and the tiling with caulk. Allow the caulk to dry overnight and test the shower for leaks.
Maintaining a shower base
Shower bases, whether ceramic, acrylic, fiberglass, or made from artificial stone, can be cleaned with soapy water. Avoid aggressive or abrasive cleaners, which can cause permanent damage to the surface.
So, if you guys are ready to buy then go ahead and pick the right one that fit perfectly for your shower.
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Last update on 2024-03-18 at 13:05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Terry Kauzlarich says
do you have any recommendations for a 32 by 48 center drain, waterproof, stain resistant, scragtchproof, white shower drain?
thank you!