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- Shower Bases & Walls for Bath Remodeling
Adding a new shower or upgrading an old one is a smart investment that can
add value to your home as well as convenience and visual appeal. With a
wide variety of attractive styling, materials and comfort features to choose
from, shower walls and bases are a great solution for cost-effective bath
remodels that deliver the elegance, sparkle and updated look you want. The
Home Depot offers a wide selection of single- and multi-piece shower wall
surrounds and bases designed to fit easily in almost any bathroom. This buying
guide tells you about the materials, installation methods and features
available, so you can feel confident you’re getting the shower enclosure that
best meets your needs.
Configuration
Shower walls may be single
or multi-piece units and come in a variety of designs and shelving
configurations. They may be purchased separately or as part of a complete shower
kit, which provide all the coordinated elements you need to add a separate
shower to a master bath, enhance the functionality of a second bathroom or
include a shower as part of a basement remodel.
- One-piece units may be too large to maneuver into an existing bathroom, but can be ideal for new construction.
- Two- and three-piece walls are ideal for existing bathrooms because they’re easier to maneuver and assemble.
- Four-and five-piece units are also available for maximum adjustability.
- Sizes can vary, but look for a unit that's at least 36" wide for comfort and safety.
- Configurations include rectangular, angled, round and square.
Whether single or multi-piece, shower wall surrounds accommodate common widths of 32”, 36”, 48” or 60” and heights of 59”, 72” or 96”.
Versatile Designs
Shower kits are ideal
for renovations and remodels because they come as streamlined multi-piece
units that can be maneuvered through doorways and up staircases, then fit
together to form a watertight seal. Available in several standard designs,
they share the common feature of fitting comfortably into existing spaces,
such as corners and along walls, with various options for door configurations,
including pivot, bi-fold and sliding. When making your selection, consider the
shower base configuration and be sure it will fit in the allotted space.
Shower Wall Materials
Shower walls may be
installed as a single U-shaped unit or as separate panels that fit together to
provide a near seamless watertight surface in your shower alcove and require
no grout. Most often made of sturdy composite materials finished with acrylic
or a polyester coat, these attractive surfaces are easy to clean and maintain
and resistant to chipping, cracking and peeling. You’ll find a wide variety of
styling, textures and finishes to match virtually any décor requirements.
Shower Bases
Shower bases, also known as pans or trays, protect the floor from moisture under your shower. The first step in selecting a shower base is knowing the size you need. Sizes are standardized for traditional showers ranging from 32”–48” and may be used with virtually any surround. They are available in rectangular, square or corner configurations with a pre-drilled hole for the drain.
For a more decorative look, select a Tile Redi® shower base. Create a designer
look in your bath by setting tile, marble or stone in Tile Redi one-piece
leakproof shower pans.
- Shower bases may be composed of plastic, cast polymer, a concrete/stone mixture called terrazzo and other solid-surface materials.
- Low-level bases are ideal for open, Roman-style shower alcoves or alcoves that require little or no threshold for easy walk- or roll-in entry for individuals with special needs.
- Base features to look for include non-slip patterns for greater safety and molded seats for ease of use by the elderly or those with disabilities.
- Designs include rectangle, neo-angle and square .
Avoid the need to replumb by selecting a shower base with a drain hole that
matches the location of the existing drain in your bath or shower. The drain
hole may be located in the center of the base or in a corner, providing fast
and easy alignment with existing drains.
Measuring
Your Space
Before making your selection, you should measure
the dimensions of the space to ensure the walls or base you select will fit
the space.
- Accurate measuring is essential to ensure a proper fit—always measure twice for accuracy.
-
Measure only when the space for installation has been completed, and not
before.
Shower Walls
- If you are installing shower walls direct-to-stud, wait until after wall demolition, then measure from stud to stud.
-
If you are measuring for a corner shower, measure along the walls and make
sure the radius connecting the two points on the wall is clear of any
obstruction
Follow these steps to properly measure for your shower wall surrounds. Measure twice for accuracy.
- Measure the width in two places from wall to wall at the top and bottom of the opening. If the measurements differ slightly, use the larger of the two.
- Measure the height in two places from the base to the top of the wall unit or tile wall.
- Measure the depth from the back wall to the front of the enclosure area along both side walls. If the measurements differ slightly, use the larger of the two.
Shower Pan
- If you are installing a shower pan in a pre-existing shower stall, the stall is likely a standard size.
- Take into account the position of the drain and select a pan that fits that configuration.
-
Measure only after the floor has been prepped and leveled.
Follow these steps to determine the dimensions for a shower pan. Measure twice for accuracy.
- Measure the inside length and width dimensions of the shower floor in the unfinished space from wall stud to wall stud.
- Measure the length and width from the wall studs to the drain hole.
Installation
Shower wall panels may be
installed in one of two ways. Some panels adhere to a prepared wall surface in
a bath or shower area while others are designed to be attached directly to the
studs behind the wall. Adhesive applied walls can help you achieve quick
results while direct-to-stud shower walls have a more secure fit.
- Direct-to-stud installation can be easily accomplished without drywall or greenboard installed behind the walls.
- Glue-up walls should be installed over greenboard or cement board.
-
If you are replacing an old shower with a new one, the degree of demolition
determines which installation method is most appropriate.
Shower pans are installed directly to wall studs prior to greenboard installation on the walls.
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