The terms shower pan and shower base are often used interchangeably, and most people get confused because they both play the same role in a shower enclosure. However, there are some differences between the two. So, to ensure that you communicate correctly with your contractor or salesperson when purchasing a new shower enclosure for your bathroom renovation, you need to understand the difference between the two.
What is a Shower Base?
A shower base is usually made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic. It supports the weight of the shower pan and directs water to the drain. It also acts as a barrier between the wet area of the shower enclosure and the rest of the bathroom. The base is an important part of a shower enclosure, but it is usually not visible after the shower pan is installed.
What is a Shower Pan?
A shower pan is usually made of tile, stone, or other waterproof materials. It sits above the base and provides an aesthetically pleasing shower surface. When choosing a new shower pan, it is important to consider both function and style. For example, a granite shower base is more stylish than a plastic base. However, a plastic shower base may be more affordable and easier to install.
When purchasing a new shower enclosure, it is important to understand the difference between a shower pan and a base. The base is responsible for supporting the weight of the shower pan and directing water to the drain. The shower pan provides an aesthetically pleasing surface for the shower. When choosing a new shower pan or base, consider both function and style.
Differences Between Shower Bases and Shower Pans
Shower bases and shower pans together make up the shower floor, but they are positioned differently in the shower enclosure. Other differences include their purpose, materials, design, and installation process.
Purpose
These two parts of the shower floor each have their own purpose, but they are related. Shower bases provide the sturdy structure needed to support the shower pan and shower users. They also help water flow smoothly into the drain.
Shower pans do a similar job, directing water to the drain, but they are a feature of the shower enclosure that needs to be seen. Shower pans make the shower floor more aesthetically pleasing than a boring shower base.
Materials
Since the shower base's job is to provide support, it is usually made of cement mortar. This makes the base structurally sturdy, but also malleable when first installed. The base must have initial malleability so that the base can be tilted slightly to direct water down the drain.
The material of the shower pan should not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also complement the base structure. Common materials include acrylic, metal, stone, ceramic, or fiberglass.
Design
A shower pan simply refers to the solid, pan-shaped, one-piece shower insert that is installed above the shower floor and can be used with tiled shower walls or interlocking fiberglass shower wall panels. Shower bases cover all types of bases, including floors made of mortar or cement board. A solid base is a necessity for any shower installation, so whether the shower enclosure has a pan or is tile-only, the shower base is part of the design.
Installation
The installation of these two shower floor components usually happens at the same time - the shower base is installed first. The shower base is made and shaped with a slight slope. A protective layer of PVC is then applied to it to protect the base from additional moisture that may seep through the shower pan.
The shower pan is then installed on top of the shower base. It is installed to follow the sloped shape of the base to help water flow downward. Once installed, the shower pan will determine the look and feel of the shower floor. If your shower enclosure uses tiled walls or fiberglass panels, the exterior walls are usually installed around the shower pan to create a fuller, more seamless look.
FAQs
Can I use a shower pan without a shower base?
No, a shower pan requires a stable and properly sloped base to ensure proper drainage and structural integrity.
Which is more durable: a shower base or a shower pan?
Durability depends on the material. A well-built mortar shower base is extremely durable, while shower pans made of stone or high-quality tile can also last decades with proper maintenance.
Are shower pans and shower bases waterproof?
The shower base itself is not always fully waterproof - it relies on a waterproof membrane (like PVC) beneath the pan. The shower pan (if made of tile or stone) requires proper sealing to prevent leaks.
Can I install a shower base or pan myself?
Pre-fabricated shower bases and some shower pans (like acrylic or fiberglass) can be DIY-friendly. However, custom tile shower pans and mortar bases usually require professional installation.
Which is more expensive: a shower base or a shower pan?
Shower pans (especially custom tile or stone ones) tend to be more expensive due to material and labor costs, while pre-made shower bases are generally more budget-friendly.
