4 Things You Didn’t Know About Shower Bases

Most of us take showers every day, yet if you ask people to tell you about their shower base, they’ll likely go blank. Not many homeowners know what a shower base actually is, and others don’t give it the attention it deserves. But shower bases at Fontaine Industries is an essential part of your bathroom.

What is a Shower Base? Shower bases are an important part of any shower stall. When combined with the right shower stall walls and other accessories, they create an enclosure that keeps water contained inside your shower area, which is key to protecting nearby walls and flooring from potential damage. Depending on the type of base you choose and where it’s located in your home, it can also help keep people and pets safe by preventing potential falls while they’re inside the shower area.

There are four primary types of shower bases: acrylic, fiberglass, stone, and tile. Acrylic products offer the easiest installation because they’re lightweight and often come pre-formed in standard unit sizes. Fiberglass units are also easy to work with but slightly less durable than their acrylic counterparts.

To help you make up for a lost time, here are 4 things you might not know about shower bases:

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   There’s more than one type

Most homeowners don’t realize that there are several different types of showers bases available. The most common types are made from acrylic or fiberglass, but there are also bases made from other materials like solid surface or cultured marble. Square and rectangular shower bases are the most popular choice for showers in new construction projects. They’re generally easier to install than other types of bases because they don’t have corners or sides that need to be cut with an angle. If you want a custom look or shape for your shower, however, you’ll probably want to go with a neo-angle or corner shower base.

2. Drain locations vary

The drain in your shower base can be located in any number of places; against the back wall, off to one side or at the rear corner. If you want to add a custom look to your bathroom, choose a drain cover that matches the finish on your shower valves and faucets.

3. It’s best to install your base before tiling your walls

This may seem counterintuitive because you don’t want to get your base dirty with tile mastic or grout, but it’s actually easier to keep them clean when they’re installed before setting your wall tile. If you set your wall tile first, you have to be careful not to drop any debris on the base or it will be hard to clean off the surface without scratching it.

4. Acrylic is durable

Acrylic is a synthetic material that’s used in many applications because it’s strong and easy to work with. It’s often used as the basis for shower surrounds as well as shower bases. It can be molded in any shape and finished in a wide range of colors and patterns. If you’d like a sleek, modern look for your bathroom, an acrylic base may be the right choice for you.

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