When planning a shower renovation, it makes sense to start from the ground up. Choosing the right shower base will not only set the perfect foundation for your entire bathroom remodel; it’ll also make a big difference in your day-to-day satisfaction! Take a look at the three tips below—collected from experienced Bathroom Pros designers—to help you find the ideal shower base replacement for your South Florida home.
1. Consider your bathroom layout.
Perhaps the top determinant for your shower base installation will be the physical size and shape of your bathroom. Unless you want to completely reconfigure the space (which is certainly an option but will likely significantly increase the cost), it’ll be helpful to choose a shower base that fits into your existing bathroom layout.
A few possible shower base designs include:
- Square: Square shower bases work well in smaller bathrooms or as a stand-alone shower stall to complement a separate bathtub.
- Rectangular: Rectangular showers come in traditional tub-shower combos or barrier-free designs. Both options provide plenty of space for optional amenities such as seating, foot pedestals, or extra shelving.
- Neo-Angle: Also called corner showers, neo-angle shower bases look like a square with one corner cut off; they typically sit nestled into the corner to maximize floor space.
2. Think about shower base safety.
Are you planning to age in place? Do you have relatives with mobility challenges in your household? If the answer is yes, then an ADA-compliant shower base should be your top priority.
With a gradually sloping base that’s level to the floor, barrier-free shower bases can be easily entered by foot, in a wheelchair, or with the assistance of walker. They remove the physical danger and mental distress that so often accompany a traditional, non-accessible shower design.
3. Choose the right material.
Your new shower base will serve your family for decades to come—so you should definitely choose a look and feel that suits your personal taste! Conversely, if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, you should consider a timeless design that won’t put off potential homebuyers.
In either case, you’ll be able to choose from a variety of materials, each with its own pros and cons:
An acrylic shower base offers several advantages: low maintenance, custom fabrications, and affordable pricing. Unlike decades past, modern acrylic can be personalized with beautiful colors, interesting textures, and realistic stone or tile patterns. Despite its benefits, however, some people still prefer more natural or traditional materials.
From ceramic to porcelain to glass, tile is a classic and ever-popular shower base installation material; the cost and durability will vary based on your specific tile size, material, and design. Some find tile shower bases difficult to keep clean, as mildew can easily pop up in the many grout lines.
For some South Florida homeowners, nothing beats natural materials like slate, granite, marble, or stone. While these shower materials are undeniably beautiful and often add property value, they can also be very expensive, and their slippery surfaces may not be the safest choice for your shower base.
Need Professional Advice on Your Shower Base Replacement? Contact Us Now!
As you consider the style, cost, durability, and design of your new shower base, why not get an expert opinion? At Bathroom Pros, we offer free, no-obligation design consultations to help local homeowners find the right shower base installation for their needs. We serve all of South Florida and can consult with you at any time! Just give our expert shower remodelers a call or fill out our online form to get started now.
