A shower room is the most refreshing and relaxing place. To build a fantastic one, you should focus on some important issues. And the shower base is one of them. Because it is the foundation of the shower. If the foundation of the shower cracks, you may face a big problem.
Are you searching for a suitable and best-fit shower base to decore your bathroom? Then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will discuss different and standard shower base sizes and types so that you can get a well-functioning shower base for your bathroom. So, without any delay, let’s start!
What is Shower Base?
The shower base is the underneath substructure of the shower floor that is made with cement, mortar, or other materials. The structure protects the surrounding of the shower alcove and helps to remove water from the shower drain.
Sometimes, remodeling a bathroom may change the look of the entire interior. Often you may not need to change the furniture or shower walls or vanity. But replacing a dirty or cracked shower base may give a fresh and new look to your bathroom. Before choosing one, you should consider the shower base standard sizes that can fit easily.
Shower Base vs Shower Pan: What is the Difference?
In the shower, the terms shower pan and shower base are both used to perform the function. However, a few differences made them different from each other. Below we listed the core differences between them.
Types of Shower Base
Standard types of shower bases depend on customers’ needs and demands. By using a suitable one, you face no issues with cleaning and maintaining. Here, we enlisted the most commonly used shower base types below:
1. Shower Base on Center Drain
The Center drain shower base is the most popular one and inexpensive too. It ensures a safe bathing experience and integrated tile flanges. Also, you can install it easily. Generally, the shower drain helps to remove water from the shower pan.
But the center drain shower base prevents water leakage from any size and shape of the shower pan. Almost all shower configurations support a center drain shower base. Though the look of the center drain is not luxurious, you can get it impressive.
What we like:
- Functional
- Cost-effective
- Less maintenance
- Custom options available
- Standard and high-flow options are available
Average Price:
- $330 to $895
Pro Tips: While buying a center drain, we recommend selecting shower floor tile under 3″ and “envelope cut” for better and secure footing.
2. Shower Base on Left Drain
The shower base is the perfect solution for updating your existing shower. The left drain is the most flexible one and easy to install. Also, it has no water leakage risks. The shower base offers the ideal combination of style and functionality with modern design elements.
Best For:
- Rectangular shower pan options.
Avg Price:
- $190 to $600
Pro Tips: The Curve shower pan is not the best fit.
3. Shower Base on Right Drain
Shower drains locations can make your shower floor look prettier and hassle-free. This type of customized shower base is commonly referred to as shower trays, shower receptors, or shower floors. Also, it prevents water leakage. Easy to maintain and install.
Best For:
- Rectangular shower pan options.
Avg Price:
- $320 to $610
Pro Tips: The Curve shower pan is not the best fit.
4. Corner Shower Base
The shower base is installed in the corner of the bathroom and has two internal shower surrounding walls. It comes with different designs like NEO angle, curved, square, or rectangular. For this reason, it is the best fit for any customization features like tile work, hardware options, and sizing.
This shower drain is smaller than others. For this reason, it gives extra space for small bathrooms and a fabulous interior look. But the base can not keep the shower pan dry completely.
Best for:
- Small spaces
- Stunning view
- Multiple shapes
Avg Price:
- $200 to $600
Pro Tips: Work well in square bathrooms.
5. Linear Shower Base
It is the new trend to decore your bathroom by providing enough space. These shower bases are available in different lengths, styles, and finishes. You can choose as per your needs. It has a sleek and slim appearance with an eye-catchy look.
However, the price of these shower drains is budget-friendly. Also, you can place it anywhere in your bathroom. To install a linear shower base, you need highly skilled installers.
The linear shower drain is less functional. In the linear drain, the velocity of water slows down.
Best For:
- Easy to clean
- Easy to install
- High-quality finish
- Give Flexibility (install anywhere)
Average Price:
- $30 to $120 (Amazon)
Pro Tips: Require a one-sided slope and can be used with large format tiles (if placed against the wall).
Standard Shower Base Sizes Available on the Market
In the marketplace, you may have many options like small, corner, and large shower base sizes. Before choosing or buying, you may think about what standard shower base sizes are available on the market and which one is the best fit for you.
Shower Base Sizes by Length
A solid and perfect dimension shower base brings peace of mind and gives hassle-free showering. Obviously, the size, shape, and material have priority before selecting one. But proper size matters most. We listed the most wanted and standard-length shower bases below:
- 30 to 35 Inches
- 35 to 40 Inches
- 40 to 45 Inches
- 45 to 50 Inches
- 50 to 55 Inches
- 55 to 60 Inches
Shower Base Sizes by Width
Already, we know that shower bases are available in various shapes like rectangular, square, and corner. But the most important factor before selecting one is to know the proper width of your shower base that fits perfectly.
- 30 to 35 Inches
- 35 to 40 Inches
- 40 to 45 Inches
- 45 to 50 Inches
- 55 to 60 Inches
- 60 Inches and Above
Shower Base Sizes by Height
You may also consider the height of the shower base where the drain is placed. Like most other bathroom pans, bases are available in different heights, colors, and styles.
- 0 to 5 Inches
- 5 to 10 Inches
- 15 to 20 Inches
- 20 to 24 Inches
- 24 to 36 Inches
- 36 to 48 Inches
Nowadays, manufacturers and bathroom accessories are getting more trendy and creative that perfectly suit your shower. For this reason, before choosing a suitable shower base, check the shower sizes to prevent water leakage. Because the mismatch between the shower and shower base can create a gap and cause unnecessary problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What is an acrylic shower base?
The shower base is highly durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain. Acrylic is made with a flexible material that prevents extreme heat and stretch.
What is a single-threshold shower base?
The shower base has a shower door on one side, and the other three sides are attached to the permanent walls. It is used when you want an alcove shower.
What is the best material for a shower base?
The shower base is the most important part because it supports your weight while you shower, drains the water, and prevents slipping. The best material for a shower base is mentioned below:
Tile shower base
Solid shower bases
Acrylic shower bases
Fiberglass shower bases
Molded stone shower base
What is the best shower base brand to buy?
After analyzing various brand products, we mentioned the most popular brands for high-quality shower bases below:
Kohler
Oatey
Transolid
Neodrain
BESTTEN
Dreamline
Westbrass
Tile redi USA
DELTA FAUCET
Schluter Systems
Where to buy a shower base?
To buy a high-quality and budget-friendly shower base, we enlisted some popular online marketplaces below:
Amazon
Wayfair
Walmart
Alibaba
Lowes
Conclusion
Standard shower base size specifications depend on your interior shower area. For this reason, you should calculate your area’s height, weight, and length.
In this article, we have mentioned the most standard and common shower base sizes that are available in the marketplace. Hope you have known all the necessary information about bathroom shower base sizes and types.
Also, to install these bases, you should consult with a professional installer and focus on some factors such as material, construction, and other waterproofing components.
