Whether you’re designing a brand-new bathroom or remodeling your existing shower, you will always need to have a high-quality and durable shower pan. Also known as a shower base, this structure will serve as the foundation of your shower. As we all know, a good foundation is vital to the longevity and functionality of your bathroom furnishings.
Failing to select the proper shower pan can result in leakages, damages, and other frustrating hassles. There’s nothing worse than installing a shower pan only to find that you have water all over your bathroom floor the next time you shower.
But how do you know which shower pan is right for you?
Simple. You need to select a shower pan that will be cost-effective and meet your needs for years to come. This is a significant investment, both in regards to your time and money, and it’s important that you find the best shower pan for the job.
Still feeling frustrated by all the options out there? Don’t worry – we’re here to help you choose, and to make your showering experience relaxing and enjoyable.
Table of Contents
Best Shower Pans – Comparison
| Image | Product Name | Weight | Dimensions | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Schluter Kerdi Wall Line | 13.3 pounds | 56 x 28.5 x 4.5 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | DreamLine SlimLine 34 in. | 44 pounds | 34 x 60 x 2.8 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kerdi Shower St 32″ x 60″ | 4 pounds | 32 x 32 x 4 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Proflo Rectangular | 22 pounds | 38 x 38 x 8 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kohler K-9026-47 Purist | 232 pounds | 50.4 x 38.5 x 9.4 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Swanstone Veritek Right | 50 pounds | 32 x 60 x 4.3 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Tile Redi Base N Bench | 31 pounds | 36 x 60 x 17.8 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Kohler K-1938-0 Shower | 139 pounds | 68 x 38 x 5 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | DreamLine SlimLine 32 in. | 41.9 pounds | 32 x 48 x 2.8 inches | Check Latest Price |
 | Bestbath 30×30 Shower | 50 pounds | 30 x 30 x 6 inches | Check Latest Price |
The Best Leak-Free Shower Pans to Take Your Shower to the Next Level
Ready to learn more?
Here’s everything you need to know about the best shower pan for any shower – no matter what kind of design plan, area size and shape, or budget you might be working with.
1. Schluter Kerdi Wall Line Drain Shower Tray
A shower pan manufactured by Schluter, this shower pan is made out of polystyrene for extra durability and longevity. It is sloped and comes with an already-installed membrane that offers waterproofing capabilities. The side has a cutout, allowing you a place to insert your shower drain, and it can be cut to any shape or size you might need.
Because this shower pan has a slope, it’s an easy DIY project that can be conducted over the course of a weekend. It is relatively easy to install, making it the best shower pan for a DIY-er or home improvement junkie. It comes in a standard size of 55” by 55” but if you need a smaller size all you need to do is cut the edges.
If you don’t want to cut the shower pan, there are other options. You can also fold the edges in to give you additional protection against leaks. This will make it easier to install, too, particularly if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands to get the project done over the course of a weekend. Easy installation is important – after all, you shouldn’t have to spend hours installing your shower pan, nor should you have to labor intensely, which can cause damage to your bathroom floor or the shower pan.
What We Liked:
- Superior wall drain system to prevent leaks
- Polystyrene material increases durability and strength
- Simple to install
What We Didn’t Like:
- You need to pay very close attention to the instructions to avoid any mistakes
2. DreamLine SlimLine H Center
This shower pan is a single threshold base. It’s available in several colors, but white is the most popular option – it looks incredibly sophisticated and clean. A durable, long lasting product, this shower pan does not flex and you won’t have to worry about scratching. It has a low-profile design and is scratch-resistant to offer superior performance.
This shower base has a center-mounted drain location. It is only centered on width, however, so you will want to check your technical specifications before you order it. Although this shower base is well-built and one of the most durable products you will find, it may require some professional help in order to install it. Available in white, cream, or black, the white shade is arguably the most sophisticated.
This product has some of the easiest to maintain features – you won’t be running out to the store for specialty cleaners. With scratch resistance, it won’t be difficult for you to take care of this shower pan. Some shower pans can acquire scratches during cleaning or from dropped materials or other accidents. This shower pan is durable, lasting for a long time and looking brand-new for much longer. It has a design that eliminates flexing of the base, making it quick to install.
What We Liked:
- Low-profile, scratch-resistant surface
- Durable with minimal flexing
- Coms with a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
What We Didn’t Like:
- May require professional help to install
3. Kerdi Shower St Shower Tray
The Schulter Kerdi shower pan is an excellent drainage system that give you multiple methods of setting up your shower. It is easy to install, with instructional videos and CDs included. A lightweight, sturdy replacement for your old-fashioned, bulky-bath tub, this shower pan will help your bathroom look roomier – as well as more stylish and clean.
The shower tray includes a pre-cut membrane for your shower base. All you need to do is attach the membrane to the base and then the tiles to the membrane using a thin mortar. You can extend this base to 32 x 66, depending on your needs. It has an off-center drain outlet to make it easier for water to be drained from each side.
Although this shower pan is best used with KERDI-Drain floor drains, it can be adjusted for use in a variety of settings. However, when used with KERDI-Drain floor drains, you don’t need mortar to set up this shower receptor. It also integrates flawlessly with KERDI shower curbs, ramps, and floor drain kits. You can trim it to sie if you need to get it to line up with your original shower drain.
This shower pan is entirely waterproof, preventing water from accumulating on the surface after your shower. You won’t have to worry about watermarks as it won’t allow for standing water. It is easy to install, preventing damage and breakage that can result from improper installation – and trust us, you’ll appreciate that feature.
What We Liked:
- Lightweight expanded polystyrene material
- Easy to install with a clear instructional manual and a CD
- Drainage system reduces water on the walls and floor
What We Didn’t Like:
- Higher end model
4. Proflo Rectangular Shower Pan
Looking for a shower pan that will offer the perfect fit to your existing set-up? If you want a more unique appearance, you might want to consider this rectangular shower pan by Proflo. It is high-quality, tested in the factory before it is delivered. Offering flawless functionality, this shower pan is the way to go.
It is easy to install and will perform well once you have finished doing so. It has a center drain that prevents blockages and leaks, and is sturdy to use. It has a durable construction as well as a slip-resistant bottom. It has a self-draining center drain and can be purchased in a classic white color. The durable base provides slip-resistance and it is thicker than comparable pans, making it more supportive and long-lasting.
You have several options when it comes to selecting this shower pan. Installation is easy, although sizing is not always accurate. In some cases, it might be necessary for you to adjust the tiling and layout of your bathroom to adapt to the style of this shower pan, too – but its unique design will be well worth the extra effort.
What We Liked:
- Unique rectangular shape covers a larger surface area and can fit into different spaces
- Has a slip-resistant bottom
- Easy to install
What We Didn’t Like:
- Rectangular/square shape may not suit all design schemes
5. Kohler K-9026-47 Purist Shower Receptor
Kohler offers bathroom products that provide longevity and quality. A great shower pan for people seeking an unmanageable product, this shower pan has scratch and mark-resistance. It is easy to install, preventing damages that can mar its beauty right from the very beginning.
This shower pan comes in a unique color – it’s not the classic white that you’re used to seeing in most shower pans in contemporary bathrooms. Instead, this shower pan is a gorgeous almond color, which can not only complement the color scheme and decor of your room, but also help hide dirt and stains. Don’t like almond? You can also purchase this shower pan in biscuit, thunder gray, and white.
This shower pan is made with a cast iron design that offers superior strength and durability. The Kohler enameled cast iron design is unique to Kohler, offering superior craftsmanship and character along with exceptional durability. The modern design elements, like a recessed drain and the finish, make this a great option for every bathroom in your house.
It is made out of 80% recycled material, too, so you can feel good about your purchase. Install a chic shower drain and save the planet? Why not.
It is not prone to rusting or other damage, and it also offers minimal leakage. It is glossy as well as stian- and slip-resistant thanks to the Safeguard slip-resistant finish, making it a satisfactory alternative to standard tile floors.
What We Liked:
- User-friendly design
- Easy to install
- Unique almond color
What We Didn’t Like:
- Only finished on the front side
6. Swanstone Veritek Right Hand Drain Shower Base
Another good option, the American-made Swanstone Veritek shower base is a great option it is a whopping 60 inches long and 32 inches wide, giving you plenty of room to stretch out and to stand in this shower. It comes with a color-matched strainer and an integral tile flange to help make installation easy. It is retrofit to make it possible to install it on your existing bathtub. This can help save you money as you won’t have to tear apart your entire bathroom!
This shower pan is nice to look at and easy to clean and maintain. It is not a tile shower pan, so while it does require mortar to install, it may be easier to take care of in the long term. IT’s also attractive to look at, sold in a lovely off-white “bone” color that will fit into any bathroom design scheme – and will also reduce the appearance of dirt or wear.
This shower pan has a right-hand, molded-in drain. Manufactured by Swan, one of the most prominent bath and kitchen products manufacturers in the country, this product is manufactured in the United States and offers compression-molded materials that are highly durable and non-porous.
You won’t have to worry about mold, mildew, or wear. Plus, it’s backed by a warranty so you won’t have to lose any sleep.
What We Liked:
- Can be installed in an existing bathtub
- Has an integral tile flange that makes it simple to install
- Easy to clean and maintain
What We Didn’t Like:
- You must use mortar to install this shower pan
7. Tile Redi Base N Bench Tileable Shower Pan and Seat
The Tile Redi Base N Bench Tileable Shower Pan and Seat is another great option to consider in your search for the best shower pan. Although it is a more upscale model, it includes a shower pan and a bench shower seat in one package. What a bargain!
It offers minimal leakage and is relatively easy to install. You can utilize the installation kits to help make installation easy and something that can be completed over the course of a weekend. The shower pan comes in the form of a trench and it is leak-proof – no mess here. A safe, highly efficient shower pan, it is pre-pitched and has an integrated curb to make it more durable and easy on the eyes.
This shower pan is unique because it can be purchased in multiple different dimensions, with various grates and darin plates, and even in different colors. It can be found in brushed nickel, tileable, polished chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze – you won’t have trouble fitting it into any design scheme. It even has epoxy adhesive, grate, and flashing and it’s pre-measured to help it fit together perfectly.
Offering a ready-to-tile design, this product makes it easy to install tile directly on the shower pan and seat to customize your product. With multiple drain styles, positions, and finishing options, this one-piece molded shower pan even comes with splash walls and a two-inch PVC drain.
What We Liked:
- Two-for-one product that includes both a shower pan and a bench shower seat
- Minimal leakage
- Come with installation kits to make it easier to install
What We Didn’t Like:
- Higher upfront cost due to the two-in-one design
8. Kohler K-1938-0 Shower Base
Kohler is well-known for manufacturing high-quality bathroom building materials – but you probably already knew that because this is the second Kohler shower pan we have included in our round-up. This shower pan has a low-threshold design, making it easy to use and to install. It is easy to get into and out of this shower, and since the building materials are strong – this shower base is made out of high-quality acrylic – it is sure to last for quite some time.
If you’re not a fan of acrylic construction, don’t worry – this shower pan is reinforced with resin concrete core construction. The shower base is easy to install, and you can even incorporate alcove installation since it has as single threshold design. The integral tile-in flange helps, too, as your need for mortar is eliminated during the installation process.
This is one of the most comfortable shower pans to use, offering a solid, cozy feel beneath your feet. Although it is not equipped with a slip-resistant bottom, you likely won’t find that you need it. It is available in two different sizes- 48-inch x 36-inch and 66-inch x 36-inch. White is the standard color.
What We Liked:
- Quick installation – no mortar required
- Acrylic and concrete construction makes it long lasting and durable
- Has a low-threshold design to make it easier to get into
What We Didn’t Like:
- Does not come with a slip resistant bottom
9. DreamLine SlimLine H Center
Another excellent shower pan by DreamLine is this 32 x 48 inch option. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty but you likely won’t find you need it – it has an acrylic layer that resists staining and scratching.
A solid, well-built unit, this shower pan comes in three different colors: black, white, and biscuit. You won’t have any difficulties finding a shower pan in this style that fits into your existing bathroom set up. It can be purchased in black, cmream, or white, and has a centered drain location that makes it easy to fit direct to your studs. The durable construction prevents flexing at the base and makes it easy to install. The drain opening is designed for standard two-inch compression fitting drains.
In addition, you can easily install this shower with either a door or a curtain enclosure. The base has integrated tile flange on three different sides, ranging from 32” to 48” in the back. You can purchase multiple different dimensions, although it is not adjustable in size. When you order this shower pan, make sure you select the product that meets the sizes you need. Measure carefully and order the one that best fits your bathroom.
However, don’t panic too much – if you happen to purchase the wrong size, the shower pan does have a tolerance of plus or minus ½”. You can easily put down a layer of mortar and set the level above it with ease. Although installing this product may not be a quick DIY project, you can learn how to install it on your own if you so choose – it just may take you a bit longer to do so.
What We Liked:
- Stylish look with fiberglass and high-gloss acrylic
- Slip resistant surface to make it safer and easier to use
- Available in multiple colors and dimensions to fit your every need
What We Didn’t Like:
- Installation can be tricky if you don’t have a professional background in shower pan assembly
10. Bestbath 30×30 Shower Pan
Bestbath offers multiple shower pans for consumers to choose from, but this one is perhaps one of our favorite. It gives you plenty of space to shower and get clean, yet it has an integrated tile flange that makes installation simple and seamless. Made in the United States, this shower pan is perfect for use in a small bathroom, container home, tiny house bathroom, or an RV shower.
This base is 30 by 30 inches and has a slip-resistant textured surface. You’ll feel much safer getting into and out of this shower, which is constructed with fiberglass and reinforced gel coating. It’s sure to last quite some time, especially when you consider that it comes with a scratch- and stain-resistant surface. It has a watertight seal, too.
Stain resistance is important -and this shower pan offers maximum stain repealing to suit your needs. Cleaning your shower is a tedious chore, and while it’s a necessary evil, selecting a stain-resistant shower pan will serve you as it won’t let any dirt or marks stay on your floor for too long. It is a high-quality composite shower with a stain-resistant gel coat and a slip-resistant textured floor. Showering is safe, clean, and fun!
Easy to install, this shower pan makes it possible to complete three-wall alcove installation. You do not need mortar to install this shower pan, either. It is easy to integrate with other shower accessories so that you won’t have to spend extra money to help it fit into your existing set-up.
What We Liked:
- Has a textured surface that makes it easier to use
- Long-lasting scratch- and stain-preventing surface
- Easy to install with integrated tile flange
What We Didn’t Like:
- Designed for small spaces
Why You Need a High-Quality Shower Pan
You can find the best shower pan for your needs in just about any kind of material. From acrylic to steel to ceramic vases, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. However, it’s important that you consider how sturdy, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain your new shower pan will be. You also need to consider its size as well as how easy it is to install on your own.
Hopefully our buying guide has acquainted you with the best shower pan options available to you. All that’s left is to pick out the model that will work perfectly for you.