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Your Choice Shower Blog

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Shower Base

Written on August 4 2026.

Planning a bathroom remodel? Chances are you’ve spent hours scrolling Pinterest, comparing shower wall patterns, and debating whether matte black fixtures are still in style (don’t worry—they are 😉).

But there’s one part of the shower that doesn’t get nearly enough attention…

The shower base.

It may not be the flashiest part of your new shower, but it’s literally the foundation of the entire project. Choosing the right shower pan can make installation easier, improve safety, reduce maintenance, and save you money in the long run.

At Choice Building Products, we answer questions about shower bases every day. So, instead of making you dig through dozens of product pages, we’ve put together the answers to the questions we hear most often.

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How long is the warranty on your shower bases?

Our shower pans are backed by a 10-year warranty, giving you confidence that you’re investing in a quality product.

The good news? Most shower bases last much longer than their warranty when they’re properly installed and cared for. We only offer high-quality shower bases built for everyday use.

👉 Looking for a shower base built to last? Browse our collection here

How do I clean a shower base?

The answer is simple…

Use non-abrasive household cleaners.

No harsh scrub pads.
No steel wool.
No turning your shower cleaning into an Olympic event.

A soft cloth or sponge with a gentle cleaner will keep your shower base looking great for years.

Your future self (who doesn’t want to spend Saturday scrubbing soap scum) will thank you.

Are your shower bases DIY-friendly?

Absolutely.

One of the biggest advantages of a pre-formed shower base is how much easier installation becomes compared to building a traditional tile shower pan.

Our shower bases:

  • Don’t require a mud bed
  • Simply set into place
  • Connect directly to your drain

That means less labor, less mess, and a much faster installation.

Your contractor will probably appreciate it too.

Are shower bases more affordable than tile shower floors?

In many cases, yes.

Because our shower bases are pre-manufactured, installation is typically much quicker than building a custom tile shower floor.

That often means:

  • Lower labor costs
  • Faster project completion
  • Fewer installation headaches

Less time remodeling usually means more time actually enjoying your new bathroom.

And honestly…isn’t that the goal?

What shower curb heights are available?

Not every homeowner wants the same entry height.

That’s why we offer several threshold options including:

  • Low-profile shower bases
  • Mid-height curbs
  • Full-height curbs

Our most popular option is the low-profile curb, especially for homeowners planning to age in place or simply wanting easier entry into the shower.

Do I need a mortar bed underneath the shower base?

Nope.

Our shower bases are designed to be installed without a mortar bed.

Unlike many inexpensive fiberglass bases that flex, squeak, or feel hollow underfoot, our shower pans are built to be rigid and sturdy right out of the box.

No squeaks.
No bouncing.
No wondering if you accidentally stepped onto a trampoline.

Are your shower bases slip-resistant?

Yes.

Safety matters.

All of our shower bases meet BOCA slip-resistance requirements, helping provide better traction while showering.

It’s one more reason many homeowners are saying goodbye to bulky shower mats.

What’s the difference between a shower pan, shower base, and shower tray?

Here’s a fun fact…

They’re basically the same thing!

Different people use different names, but they’re all referring to the finished bottom portion of the shower.

At Choice Building Products, we offer shower bases in:

  • Solid surface
  • Reinforced acrylic
  • Cultured stone

Choosing the right material simply depends on your project goals, style, and budget.

Can I order a custom shower base?

Absolutely.

In fact, custom shower bases are one of our specialties.

Need:

  • An unusual size?
  • An offset drain?
  • A unique shape?
  • A hard-to-find dimension?

We can fabricate a custom shower pan specifically for your project.

👉 Request a FREE custom quote here

Should I choose a center drain or side drain?

The best drain location usually depends on your existing plumbing. If you’re remodeling and keeping plumbing in the same location, choosing a drain position that matches your current setup can save both time and money.

Not sure which option is right?

Our team can help you determine the best fit before you order.

What is a solid surface shower base?

A solid surface shower base is made from a blend of natural minerals and durable resins.

Homeowners love them because they’re:

  • Durable
  • Non-porous
  • Easy to clean
  • Premium looking
  • Long lasting

If you’re looking for a high-end shower without the maintenance of tile, solid surface is definitely worth considering.

How long does a custom shower base take?

Custom shower bases generally have lead times between 4 and 11 weeks, depending on the design and manufacturing requirements. If your project has a deadline, we recommend reaching out early so we can help you choose the best option.

What are the most common shower base sizes?

Some of our most popular sizes include:

  • 36″ × 36″
  • 48″ × 36″
  • 60″ × 30″
  • 60″ × 32″
  • 60″ × 36″
  • 72″ × 36″

Need something different?

That’s where our custom options shine.

Why choose Choice Building Products?

One thing that makes us different?

You’re not left figuring everything out yourself.

When you work with Choice Building Products, you’ll have access to an in-house shower expert who can help from start to finish.

Whether you’re:

  • Choosing the right shower base
  • Matching wall panels
  • Working with your contractor
  • Planning a custom shower

We’re here to help.

No confusing product jargon.
No guessing.
Just real people helping you build a better shower.

👉 Have questions? Contact our team today!

Ready to Find the Right Shower Base?

Whether you’re replacing an old shower, building your dream bathroom, or helping a customer with a remodeling project, choosing the right shower base doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Our team is here to answer questions, recommend the right products, and help make your remodel as smooth as possible.

🚿 Ready to get started?

Browse our shower base collection

Request a FREE Quote

Schedule your FREE Design Consultation

Choice Building Products is a nationwide supplier of shower remodeling products — including shower wall panelsshower pans/bases, glass shower doors/enclosures, and complete shower kits.

If you’re planning a remodel and want help picking the right system, we offer design help, samples, and estimates/consultations. We have product experts on the phone who know these systems inside and out. Whether you are figuring out drain placement, measuring, or selecting patterns, we’ll walk you through it.

Let’s build a shower you’ll love stepping into every single day.

If you wish to inquire our shower wall panels, call us anytime at (800)-635-1226 or email: ronc@choicebuildingproducts.com