ABOUT SHOWER PANS & BASES

Shower pans, sometimes known as shower bases or shower trays, form the bottom of a shower enclosure. Shower pans collect the water, and provide a firm base on which to stand. They are normally made of acrylic or fiberglass, and may be provided with non-slip surfaces. Shower pans, bases and trays are also made from composite molded materials, giving the appearance of stone or marble. It is worthwhile to invest in a good quality shower pan, because the labour cost of replacing it may far exceed the cost of a new shower pan. Particular attention needs to be given to the joints between wall tiling and the shower pan, to avoid water penetration.

The leading shower pan manufacturers, selected by Abacus Construction Index and listed below the panel of sponsored links, have comprehensive websites, with information on all aspects of shower pans, bases and trays, including online catalogs, colors and materials for shower pans, and care and maintenance of shower pans, bases and trays.

RECOMMENDED BOOK ON BATHROOM REMODELING

We strongly recommend the book 'Bathroom Remodeling for Dummies' by Gene Hamilton. It covers designing a bathroom, selecting materials, setting a budget, and choosing between doing it yourself or hiring a professional. To read more about the book, and to buy it online from Amazon if you wish, please click on the blue link in the panel below:

LEADING SHOWER PAN & SHOWER BASE MANUFACTURERS

Lasco Shower Pans & Bases. Lasco is the largest maker of bathroom fixtures in the USA, accounting for around 25% of all sales. It is headquartered in Anaheim, California, with eight manufacturing facilities spread through the USA. It delivers across the USA, using a fleet of 270 trucks and trailers. In addition to Shower Pans, the Lasco range includes Whirlpools, Bubblers & Soaking Tubs, Steam Tubs, Bathtubs & Showers, and Shower Doors. Lasco Shower Pans are available in three materials: acrylic, fiberglass, and SMC (sheet molding compound).

The Acrylic Shower Pans are available in rectangular and corner designs; they have a high gloss acrylic finish and an integral nailing flange. Fiberglass Shower Pans have a Gelcoat finish on reinforced polyester. Special features of Lasco showers include: Electronic Control Panels, Lumbar Jets, Side Wall Air Injectors, and multi-colored LED Chromatherapy.

Americh Shower Pans & Bases. Americh is a leading manufacturer of bath tubs and shower pans. It is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and North Hollywood, California. It supplies a wide variety of sizes and shapes of acrylic shower pans and bases, in a choice of more than 20 colors. Shower pan shapes include: Barrier Free Shower Pan, Double Threshold Shower Pan, End Drain Shower Pan, Neo Angle Shower Pan, and Single Threshold Shower Pan (with or without seat). Each shower pan is custom manufactured to the customer's specifications.

The Americh website is organized into the following main sections: Bath Tubs, Shower Bases, and Accessories. There are also sections on: Products, Where to Buy, and Technical. The website contains advisory articles on: Shower Base Installation, Apron Installation, Care & Maintenance, Troubleshooting Guide, and Authorised Repair Companies.

Royal Stone Shower Pans & Bases. Royal Stone, based in Phoenix, Arizona, supplies shower pans and bases made from a composite material resembling stone. The material is an inert, non-porous, homogenous blend of UV inhibited polyester-acrylic resin, with randomly dispersed polyester-acrylic and national minerals as fillers. This produces a solid surfacing material that has the appearance and ruggedness of natural stone, but which can be easily worked with normal wood-working tools. Royal Stone shower pans and bases are supplied in a choice of 48 colors. These resemble brown, grey, or pink marble and stone.

Royal Stone shower pans are designed to withstand heavy wear. They have been widely installed in situations such as Marriott and Holiday Inn hotels, hospitals, universities, and military housing. The shower pans are suitable for installation in new construction, and as retro-fits to existing buildings.

OTHER PRODUCTS RELATED TO SHOWER PANS

You may also like to visit our USA product guides on: Bathroom Showers, Shower Curtains, Shower Doors, Shower Heads, Shower Radios, and Shower Stalls.

USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO SHOWER PANS, BASES & TRAYS

Bath Enclosures Manufacturers Association

Plumbing & Drainage Institute

Plumbing Manufacturers Institute

Plumbing Web

CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT DIRECTORIES

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include standard specifications, manufacturers' specs, and CAD details: 4Specs at www.4specs.com, Arcat at www.arcat.com, Arcom at www.arcomnet.com, Reed at www.reedfirstsource.com, Sweets at www.sweets.construction.com.