You should get a standing ovation for reading this essay. Finding out about shower pans is as seductive and "interesting" as observing your mother-in-law "trying" to look young by donning a short skirt or tight-fitting pants. An ugly picture, to be sure. Not at all sexy.
Shower base are routinely walked on and disregarded. No one respects them.
But I would contend that they are supporting the entire "performance." People do notice your fancy shower heads, niches, modern, sleek wall panels, tile surrounds, and body jets, but they are the stars of the show.
You're in a lot of danger if your base fails. All the nice features above the base can be thrown in the trash (and your dollars – literally – down the literal drain with it). You can certainly "save money" by purchasing a cheap shower pan or "zone out" without giving the design of a shower base any thought. However, if you choose to go this path, caveat emptor (a fancy way of saying "let the buyer beware") should apply.
When a family member ages and their mobility takes an unfortunate turn, there is a steep price to pay for a shower pan that breaks, is improperly constructed, or doesn't operate.
When choosing a shower pan, you must grasp the answers to two crucial questions:
What are the biggest errors, blunders, or traps (insert your derogatory term here) that people make while choosing shower pans? This second query is more significant.
This article serves a straightforward function. Give the answers to question 1 and list the seven worst mistakes I've seen people make when buying shower pans over the years (note: I had more hair when I started in the bathroom remodelling industry, and none of it was grey either!) After that, I'll discuss question 2 and provide advice to help you avoid making the mistakes in question 1. I've also included a "bonus question" — question number 8 — since if you're like most people (and NOT made of money), you'll also be concerned about price.
Shower pan mistake #1: When choosing a shower pan, you (and your builder) fail to consider the long term.
Your builder will install the cheapest pan (a fibreglass tub/shower combination) or, in a luxury home, have their tile guy install the tried-and-true, ceramic tile surround, using the "path of least resistance method" without consulting you. Without your instruction, they will use a typical 4" to 5" high step over curb for the pan in both bases.
This 4" or 5" high curb is not a problem "at first," but the word "eventually" can spell disaster for you. At first, you and your family are all in good health and can easily cross a shower curb. Your mobility may eventually deteriorate. If you can't raise their legs over the shower curb, you'll have to remove your current base and replace it with a new one.
First, do some research on zero threshold, barrier-free, and low profile shower pans to avoid shower pan mistakes. If you are unfamiliar with these choices, they are made to be level with the bathroom floor or to have a slight curb that is between 1 1/6 and 2 inches high. They can appear cool and modern in addition to being safe. The first image below depicts the final appearance of a zero threshold shower base system with tile. You will be in the "double-bonus," as they say in basketball, which is both secure and fashionable. A roll-in shower pan made of acrylic that is easy to install is seen in the second image. This one may be the most popular among builders and remodelers because it is so easy to install. The final image displays a whimsical low profile black marble shower pan that will give your bathroom the "wow" factor that most people are unaware is attainable with a shower pan.
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