Shower Pans - How To Choose
Your shower is waterproof because it has a shower pan. You have three basic options for building a waterproof shower pan.
The Traditional Shower Pan
If you want a ceramic shower, the traditional way to build shower pans is still the most common way tile showers are put together. A masonry base is built and the ceramic tile is set in place over the masonry base. This method requires skill and knowledge. But if you understand the basics, a handy person can install a shower that works right on the first try.
Over a sold sub-floor you build layers of mortar and then set the tile over the top layer. Under the top layer of mortar a waterproof vinyl sheet is installed. This vinyl sheet is the real key to a waterproof floor. The vinyl membrane is necessary because grout is not waterproof. Water just soaks the grout and weeps right through it.
One big plus of traditional construction is that any size or custom layout for your shower is possible. And a properly installed masonry shower pan with a vinyl liner should last for decades with just a little maintenance. For more details about how to build a shower pan see our shower pan article.
Fiberglass or Acrylic Liners
Your local building supply store stocks shower liners ready to install. These pans are easy to install and you can also get matching walls. Choose fiberglass or acrylic materials for different looks and quality. The advantage of fiberglass or acrylic shower floors is ease of installation and cleaning. But if you need a custom size, get ready to see a high price or maybe you can't even get the design you need. Fiberglass shower floors also are easy to scratch and damage and wear over time. Ceramic tile cannot be installed over standard fiberglass or acrylic shower pans. Get more details at our fiberglass pan article.
Tile Ready Shower Pans
If you want a traditional looking ceramic tile shower but wish to avoid building a traditional shower pan, choose one of the tile ready shower systems. These are systems since most include wall and ceiling component liners as well as floor liners. Most tile ready shower pans include a vinyl pan with a built in drain. The pans are built over a masonry base or over foam support.
The advantage of these systems is ease of installation. The skill required is less than for building a traditional pan. Plus installation is faster since there is no waiting for masonry layers to dry. The downside is cost. Just the material for a tile ready shower pan often costs as much as the entire installed cost of a traditional shower pan. See more details at the tile ready shower pan article.