A shower pan is a key part of any shower setup—here’s what you need to know about its sizes, types, and materials to choose the perfect one for your dream bathroom.
What’s a Shower Pan?
A shower pan (also called a shower base) is the surface you stand on in the shower. It’s a single insert that directs water into the drain, available in various materials, styles, and sizes to fit your space. Note that while “shower pan” and “shower base” are often used interchangeably, a shower base can also refer to the hidden mortar foundation that supports the shower pan.
Shower Pan Sizes
Size and shape are critical when choosing a shower pan—here are the most common options to consider:
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Standard prefabricated shower pans: Start at 32 square inches, with larger options up to 42 inches wide by 60 inches long (or bigger). Depth ranges from 1 to 6 inches, making them a versatile choice for most bathrooms.
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Neo-angle shower: A space-saving corner option with the front corner cut off, featuring 135-degree angles where glass meets the front and a 90-degree back corner. Ideal for small bathrooms, its cross-dimensional measurement ranges from 36 to 60 inches.
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Rectangular shower pans: Typically 30, 32, or 36 inches wide by 60 inches long, but available in many custom sizes to fit longer or wider showers.
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Square shower pan: Another small-bathroom favorite, often 32×32 inches or 36×36 inches, with a wide range of sizes to suit tight spaces.
Don’t forget drain layout: The shower pan’s drain must match your existing setup, which can be an offset drain, center drain, or corner drain.
Good to Know
Installing a shower pan is a professional project—it requires knowledge of building/plumbing codes and experience with plumbing connections, and may need structural floor changes. Check our shower pan project guide for a basic overview of the steps a pro takes.
Curbless vs. Water-Barrier Shower Pans
Choose between two main styles: a curbless or walk-in base (no barrier) or a traditional lip-style base (contains water). Curbless pans blend seamlessly with the bathroom floor, improve accessibility (great for wheelchairs), and look sleek. However, they’re less effective at containing water (increasing slip risks) and may lack a door, leading to heat loss and more water escape.
Shower Pan Materials
Select a material based on durability, maintenance, and budget—here are the top options:
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Acrylic shower pan: An acrylic surface over a fiberglass base, lightweight and easy to clean. Color runs through the material, so scratches are less visible and can be buffed out. More durable (and costly) than fiberglass, but avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the surface.
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Solid-surface shower pan: Sturdier than acrylic/fiberglass, resistant to cleaner stains. Made from ground minerals and polymer resins, it’s more expensive than acrylic—ensure it has tile flanges to prevent leaks.
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Composite shower pan: Lightweight yet durable, resisting stains, chips, and cracks. Non-porous versions also fight mold; use non-abrasive cleaners and tools as recommended.
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Tile-ready shower pan: You can tile it yourself or use a pre-made tile-ready option. Opt for slip-resistant tiles for safety—tile floors offer design flexibility (great if you plan to tile your shower walls) but require regular grout cleaning and resealing.
Find the Shower Pan You Need at HONDAO’s
To pick the best shower pan, focus on shape, drain configuration, and size that fit your shower layout. Shop for a wide range of shower pan sizes, drain positions, and shapes—including curbless options for better accessibility. Visit your local Lowe’s to consult a Red Vest associate, who can help you find the perfect shower pan to build your dream shower.
