Choosing the right shower base pan is one of the most important (and most overlooked) parts of a bathroom remodel. It’s the literal foundation of your shower, responsible for managing water flow, providing stability underfoot, and setting the tone for your bathroom’s overall look. Whether you’re replacing a worn-out shower floor or designing a brand-new layout, understanding your options for shower floor pans, materials, and installation styles is essential.

What Is a Shower Base Pan?

A shower base pan—also known as a shower tray or shower floor—is the part of your shower that you stand on. It’s designed to slope gently toward the drain to keep water contained and prevent leaks. Shower pans come in a range of shapes, sizes, and materials, and can either be custom-built or pre-manufactured.

Prefabricated vs. Custom Tile Shower Pans

Prefabricated Shower Pans 

Prefab shower pans are factory-molded units made from materials like acrylic or fiberglass. Brands like Kohler and Luxury Bath offer customizable options in a wide range of sizes, colors, and textures, all designed for fast, secure installation.

  • Built-in slip resistance and antibacterial surfaces

  • Consistent quality and structural integrity

  • Easy to clean and maintain

  • No grout lines to crack or trap mildew

  • Faster installation by our expert team

Custom Tile Pans 

While custom-tiled shower bases offer design flexibility, they come with several drawbacks:

  • Labor-intensive and time-consuming

  • Higher risk of leaks or improper slope

  • Grout maintenance required

  • Susceptible to mold and water damage over time

At Statewide Remodeling, we specialize in custom-designed showers built with high-performance, prefabricated bases from trusted brands like Kohler. These durable, low-maintenance systems offer the clean look of tile without the hassle, making them a smart choice for homeowners who want long-lasting performance with expert installation. 

shower pan

Shower Base Installation Types

The way your shower floor pan is installed can impact both aesthetics and accessibility. Here are the most common configurations:

Raised Shower Bases

These sit slightly above the bathroom floor and include a small step or threshold. Raised bases are easier to retrofit and ideal for bathrooms where changing the subfloor isn’t practical.

Recessed / Low-Threshold Bases

These bases are installed flush with the floor or have a minimal curb, making them safer and easier to enter. Our low-threshold options are a popular choice for aging-in-place upgrades, such as tub-to-shower conversions, and also suit modern, spa-style bathroom designs.

Tile-Ready Shower Pans

Tile-ready pans are a hybrid solution made to be tiled over, but we typically recommend fully prefabricated options to avoid the maintenance and moisture risks associated with tile.

We focus on premium manufactured pans made from advanced materials like Luxsan Acrylic with Microban, which resist staining, cracking, and bacteria growth. These pans are engineered for durability and installed with expert precision, eliminating many of the issues associated with custom tile builds.

Best Shower Pan Materials

When it comes to finding the best shower pan material, here’s how the most common types compare including a few examples of what we install at Statewide Remodeling:

Acrylic

Overview: Acrylic is a durable, nonporous material commonly used in modern prefabricated shower pans. It offers excellent resistance to moisture, staining, and surface wear. High-quality acrylic, like the kind used in premium Kohler systems, can also be reinforced and treated with antimicrobial technology to help prevent mold and mildew growth.

Pros:

  • Naturally resists mold, mildew, and bacteria

  • Scratch- and stain-resistant surface

  • Warm and comfortable underfoot

  • Easy to clean without harsh chemicals

Cons:

  • Design options more limited than fully custom bases

  • Can scratch if abrasive cleaners or tools are used

Best for: Homeowners looking for a sleek, low-maintenance, and hygienic shower base with long-lasting performance.

Fiberglass

Overview: A lightweight and budget-friendly option. Fiberglass shower pans are molded from layers of polyester resin and glass fibers, then coated for a smooth finish. Fiberglass is a popular choice for quick renovations, offering reliable performance at a lower price point without sacrificing basic functionality.

Pros:

  • More affordable than other materials

  • Lightweight and simple to handle during installation

  • A practical choice for quick updates or secondary bathrooms

Cons:

  • Prone to surface scratches, fading, and staining over time

  • Less durable than acrylic and may show wear with frequent use

Best for: Secondary bathrooms or low-use spaces where cost and ease of installation are top priorities.

modern shower base

Tile

Overview: Tile shower bases are built on-site using a mortar bed, waterproof liner, and surface tiles, typically porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone. This option offers design flexibility and a custom appearance. Tile shower bases offer a great deal of customization, but require more upkeep expertise than prefabricated options.

Pros:

  • Fully customizable in size, shape, and pattern

  • Wide variety of tile materials and finishes

Cons:

  • Grout lines require regular cleaning and sealing

  • Higher potential for leaks if not installed properly

  • Typically more expensive than prefabricated options

Best for: Homeowners who prioritize design flexibility and are willing to invest in a custom, high-end shower experience.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Shower Base

Even the best materials won’t deliver great results without proper planning. Here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Drain Location: Choose a base that aligns with your existing drain placement (center, left, or right).

  • Footprint & Fit: Match your base to your enclosure size and bathroom layout.

  • Accessibility Needs: Consider low-threshold or barrier-free models (like those available in Kohler LuxStone showers) for aging-in-place or mobility challenges.

  • Maintenance Level: Avoid grout and porous materials if you want low-effort upkeep.

  • Installation Expertise: A poor installation, especially with custom tile, can lead to leaks, shifting, or early wear.

Our team is trained specifically on installing Kohler and Luxury Bath systems, ensuring everything is level, sealed, and properly supported from the ground up. 

contemporary shower pan

Why Homeowners Trust Statewide Remodeling

At Statewide Remodeling, we focus on helping homeowners make smart, lasting improvements. We’ve completed over 80,000 home remodels and specialize in custom-designed showers built with premium, low-maintenance materials. 

By partnering with brands like Kohler and Luxury Bath, we offer industry-leading products like Microban-protected Luxsan Acrylic shower pans, designed for beauty, comfort, and performance. Our factory-trained installers know these systems inside and out, ensuring flawless results. 

Ready to upgrade your shower from the floor up? Contact Statewide Remodeling today to schedule your free design consultation and explore stylish, durable shower base options built for real life.