Shower Bases, Shower Pans & Kits
A shower base or shower pan is the pre-sloped floor piece of a tiled shower, and a shower kit adds the other parts. Compare the size, the drain position (centre, offset, side or wall) and whether you need a full kit or the base alone. Then check that the base works with your drain, curb, membrane and niches.
Browse Schluter shower bases, Wedi shower bases, Laticrete shower pans and Prova shower bases. Complete the shower with shower drains, shower curbs, waterproofing membranes and shower niches and benches. Need help with a layout? Contact us.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQsWhat is the difference between a shower base, a shower pan and a shower kit?
A shower base, which some brands call a shower pan or tray, is the pre-sloped floor piece of the shower. A shower kit adds the other parts. For example, the Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-KIT 38" x 60" includes the tray, 2 KERDI-BOARD-SC curbs, KERDI membrane, KERDI-BAND, a KERDI-DRAIN with a stainless grate, KERECK corners, seals and a collar. The Wedi Fundo Primo kit 36" x 60" includes the base, 4 building panels, a foam curb, the Fundo kit drain, joint sealant and a fastener kit. The Laticrete Hydro Ban shower pan kit 32" x 60" includes the pan, curb, adhesive/sealant, sheet membrane and sealing tape, with the drain kit sold separately.
How do I choose the drain position for my shower base?
Start with where your drain is or will be. Shower bases come with a centre, offset, side or wall drain, and you can filter by each position. For a linear drain at the wall, the Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-LT 48" x 48" has a single slope to a KERDI-LINE drain, sold separately, and allows large tiles. The Wedi Fundo Riolito Neo has factory-integrated linear drainage in one-way, two-way and four-way slope designs. Not sure which layout fits? Contact us.
Can a pre-sloped shower pan be cut to fit my shower?
Only some can. The product page for the Laticrete Hydro Ban pre-sloped shower pan says it "can be modified to size on site", and a Hydro Ban Pre-Sloped Extension 24" x 48" is also listed. Don't assume other brands can be cut: check each product's installation handbook first.
Do I still need a mortar bed under a foam shower base?
Not always. The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-TT, made of expanded polystyrene, needs "no mortar bed", and the Laticrete Hydro Ban pre-sloped shower pan eliminates the need for a traditional mud bed. For how to set the base, follow the installation handbook on each product page.
Can I build a curbless shower with a prefabricated shower base?
Yes, with the right base. The Schluter KERDI-SHOWER-TT comes in slim perimeter heights, such as 7/8", "to simplify thresholdless showers". The Laticrete Hydro Ban pre-sloped shower pan also comes in a Barrier Free 48" x 48" version. Check the installation handbook for the base you choose.
Can a shower kit be used for a steam shower?
Only some kits are rated for steam, so don't assume every kit is. Schluter says the KERDI-SHOWER-KIT is designed to create a fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure in tiled showers and residential steam showers. Laticrete says the sheet membrane in the Hydro Ban shower pan kit is approved for steam showers and steam rooms. For any other kit, check the product page. Need help? Contact us.
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