News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
News from the Block, Innovate Building Solutions Blog
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block
Bathroom, Kitchen, Basement Design & Remodeling Ideas for the Nicest Home or Business on the Block

Solid Surface Shower Bases – Advantages, Disadvantages & Product Options You Need to Know

Solid surface shower base with slate design walls and corner caddy
Solid surface shower pan with white cultured solid cultured marble shower panels

Updated January 13, 2019 

Choosing a shower base may not seem like the sexiest element of a new bathroom remodeling project but it is literally the foundation of this highly used space. The reality is any cracks or leaks in the base can cause extensive damage and costly repairs. One high quality option to consider is the solid surface shower pan. Although there is no “one size fits all” solution in choosing a shower pan – a solid surface base (also called by many people a cultured marble pan)  is one option to give careful consideration to.

 

This article will explain the advantages, disadvantages and options in this type of base.

Advantages of Solid Surface (or Cultured Marble) Shower Pans 

The principle advantages associated with a solid surface shower base are:

  • Low maintenance – since this base is one solid unit there are no grout joints to hassle with. That’s a HUGE victory for you over your scrub brush!
  • Custom solid surface bases can accommodate any design – If you’re looking for a custom design,  cultured stone shower pans and expanded ready for tile bases are by far the most flexible. Solid surface pans can accommodate angled, curved or odd shaped glass or glass block shower enclosures.

Shower Base Guide Download

A custom sized cultured granite shower pan with tile surround walls | Innovate Building Solutions
A custom sized cultured granite shower pan with tile surround walls
  • Waterproof – solid surface bases are very durable and have no seams making them a waterproof solution. That will give a the piece of mind knowing you won’t get an expensive leak in your floor below.

 

  • Different curb options– Since people have different levels of mobility the design of the curb of the shower pan is very important – and more options can create a safer showering environment. With a solid surface pan the options include full height (about 4 1/2″ tall), mid-height curb (2 3/4″ high) and a low profile pan (1 1/2″ to 2″ high) and built in ramp entries (to create an accessible shower design). These curb designs can make an aging in place bathroom design work wonderfully.
Low profile solid surface offset shower pan with a solid surface custom vanity top in a remodeled bathroom in California - Innovate Building Solutions
This low profile cultured marble shower base makes it simple to enter your shower

 

  • No finishing material is needed over the top of the base – Unlike ready for tile bases, the solid surface unit is already finished – so there is no additional cost to add tile or another finishing surface. Since the top is made with a textured matte top surface, you don’t need to worry about Mom or Dad (or a loved one) falling while in the shower.

 

  • Drain location can be customized – In a bath remodeling project not having to move the drain can be a significant plumbing cost savings. With the custom solid surface bases you can specify a drain location. Your custom shower pan will be pre-sloped to this location (you don’t have to worry about a tile guy manually sloping your shower and dealing with pooling water anymore!
Solid surface shower base with a custom drain location for a glass block walk in shower | Innovate Building Solutions
A cultured stone – solid surface shower pan with a custom drain location
  • Fits well with high end luxury spa bathrooms – this product is a good compliment for higher end bathrooms. The subtle look of stone products won’t take the drama of your laminated shower walls surround panels or high-end tile job.

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Disadvantages of Solid Surface (or Cultured Stone) Shower Pans 

Just like us in life, solid surface (or cultured stone) shower pans have their weaknesses. Here are the top ones to keep in mind.

  • More expensive initial purchase cost than acrylic or fiberglass bases – since acrylic and fiberglass bases are made in standard sizes in large quantities (with cheaper materials) their initial purchase costs is lower. If your job is on a tight budget acrylic shower pans can be best.
Low profile acrylic shower pan with a concealed drain | Innovate Building Solutions
This is a low profile contemporary acrylic shower pan with a concealed drain. It’s stylish, yet more cost-effective than stone.
  • These bad-boys are heavy!– Cultured stone shower pans are heavy. A 60″ x 36″ base will weigh around 120 pounds. So if you’re bathroom is on the second floor you’d better eat your Wheaties and get help installing it.
A heavy cultured stone shower pan which was pullied up to the second floor | Innovate Building Solutions
This huge cultured granite shower pan weighed over 500 pounds and was pullied up to the second floor!

 

Product Options for Cultured Stone and Solid Surface Shower Bases 

Included below are the more popular options in solid surface bases:

 

  • Colors – with over 60 different colors there is something to match every decor. You can even get fancier cultured marble bases with patterns if you want to make a splash.
White and gray cultured marble shower pan and walls | Innovate Building Solutions
White and gray cultured marble shower pan and walls
  • Grout free solid surface interior shower wall panels to compliment or contrast the base – Many people love the idea of making a low maintenance high style shower – so combining solid surface walls with the solid surface base is very popular. These walls come in over 60 different colors and 4 wall panel finishes – including gloss, matte, slate and a simulated tile and stone looks.
Double curb low profile white solid surface shower pan with a frameless glass | Innovate Building Solutions
Subway tile pattern in a solid surface shower system

 

  • Different shapes – Whether you need a straight, curved or angled shower a cultured granite (or solid surface) base can be created.
Curved glass block walk in shower wall and base in a Columbus Ohio home | Innovate Building Solutions
Curved shower curb for a glass block shower
  • No barrier bases – if stepping over a shower curb is a problem choose a barrier free roll in shower base to make the space safer for everyone to use.

 

What questions or experiences do you have with different shapes, styles and shower base systems? Please comment below.

If you’re looking for more information or an estimate on remodeling a bathroom or nationwide supply of our unique solid surface bases contact The Bath Doctor in Cleveland (216-531-6085), Columbus (614-252-7294), nationwide (877-668-5888) or Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-658-1270). These bases can also be designed for use with glass block shower walls. This article was authored by Mike Foti.

If you’re a remodeler or builder and want practical advice on remodeling products, industry trends, marketing and sales tips to grow your business (and cut day to day hassles), start reading my newest blog – Innovate Builders Blog. It’s packed with ideas you can use now. Click here to Sign Up for the Innovate Builders Blog.


Mike Foti

President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels

Comments (4)

  • Maxine – this should be doable with a custom shower pan (this isn’t a common size). I’ll send you an email so you can send a rough sketch of what you’re looking for – we’d also want to see where the drain will be located. Thanks – Mike

  • Dave – we can certainly help you with a kit for your 42″ x 42″ corner solid surface shower pan. Give us a call at 877-668-5888 and me (or a member of my team) would be glad to help. Mike

  • I am interested in a 42″ x 42″ corner solid surface base with solid surface walls and acrylic door enclosure. Can you recommend a kit for me?
    260-417-2629
    Thank you,Dave

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