Tile base for a walk in shower or shower base

6/27/2022 at 7:15:44 AM

Hi Lyne

Over the years we have gone both routes. The tiles are fancier without a doubt. But there is maintenance that must be performed. And, yes down the road there eill be some expence with grout repair and new sealant apications.

There are nice pre-fab bases. I have used those in my own home. But after revenue years I have some discoloration around the drain and edges where it meets the glass. Cleaning it is a time consuming task. Then new sealant.

Over the long haul you have less work with the prefab. Then ten or eleven years down the road is a time consuming refinish.

Hope this helps.

6/27/2022 at 7:31:18 AM

go with shower base pan for peace of mind not to worry about future water leak and re-grouting maintenance.

7/4/2022 at 2:07:51 PM

A acrylic base will be far cheaper and leak proof...if you go tile, they use special kits now that is better than the old rubber systems, they are expensive and very labor intensive. They are good though if done by a experienced professional. IMO the only benefit to going tile is if its a custom & unusual size a retail base will not work with and esthetics of a tile shower.

7/17/2022 at 6:56:08 PM

Hi Lynn.

Like some the replies indicate, it depends on your budget. For sure a prefabricated pan will be cheaper to purchase and install. Tile always looks a lot nicer and you have more options. There are grouts on the market that are stain/mildew & ant-efflorescence proof. They are not made from Portland cement like most grouts are. Ultracolor Plus FA is the only grout I use. The issue of water affecting the grout isn't always from the water from the shower itself, but from the water that sits in the shower pan if the shower floor is built with a rubber liner. The water sometimes sits in this liner and does not drain out causing staining of the grout from underneath the shower floor. If you use a system like Schluter to build your shower floor you will not have grout staining from water issue. And IMO a nicer shower.

7/29/2022 at 2:36:41 PM

Depends on your personal preference and budget. Tiled shower floor is nicer in my opinion, but again, this is very personal. If tiling, make sure you invest in proper sealing and underpayment. Use Schluter or equivalent. Also do not use standard grouts and caulking. Instead go with full epoxy grout (or something like Spectralock One) and use caulking that is rated for submerged service! This way your shower will look great for years.

Thanks,

Art.