When planning a shower, one of the first decisions is what to do with the floor. A prefabricated shower base or a custom tiled floor — both are common, both work well, and each has real advantages worth understanding before you commit.
A prefabricated base (also called a shower pan or tray) is a ready-made unit that drops into place and connects to your drain. We carry Schluter shower kits that include pre-sloped bases in multiple sizes. The main advantages are faster installation, built-in slope for drainage, and no grout lines to maintain on the floor. Modern acrylic and composite bases are durable and available in a range of sizes to fit standard shower configurations.
A tiled shower floor is custom, which means it can work in any size or shape. The look can be carried seamlessly from the floor to the walls for a spa-like aesthetic. Small mosaic tile is the most common choice for shower floors because the smaller tiles accommodate the slope toward the drain without requiring cuts that break the pattern. Grout lines require cleaning and periodic sealing.
Whether you choose a prefabricated base or tile, proper waterproofing beneath and around the shower floor is essential. The Schluter-KERDI system provides a fully bonded waterproof membrane for tiled showers. Without this, water infiltration behind the tile is only a matter of time.
Prefabricated bases are generally less expensive in both materials and labour. Tiled shower floors require more skilled installation time. If your contractor is tiling the shower walls anyway, adding a tiled floor may be less expensive than it initially seems.
Talk through your shower options with our team at Vanity Mart. We’re at 1-90 Frobisher Drive, Waterloo. Call 519-886-3240.
