What Is the Best Material for a Shower Pan?

• Acrylic shower pans are affordable, durable, and easy to maintain.
• Poured shower pans offer custom fits but require expert installation.
• Choose based on bathroom renovation needs, aesthetics, and budget.
• Proper installation ensures a secure shower floor with no leaks.

Choosing the right material for your shower floor is essential for durability, maintenance, and the overall success of your bathroom renovation. The shower pan—also called the shower base—serves as the foundation that directs water toward the drain and protects your home from water damage. With multiple options available, selecting the best material requires a balance between aesthetics, cost, and practicality. Let’s dive into the top contenders and help you make the right choice for your bathroom.

Acrylic Shower Pan: Low Maintenance and Affordable

An acrylic shower pan is a popular choice for homeowners looking for affordability and ease of maintenance. Acrylic pans are lightweight, resistant to cracks, and come in various sizes and colors, making them suitable for both standard and custom spaces. They’re also non-porous, which helps prevent mold and mildew buildup.

Acrylic is an excellent option for families, as its smooth surface makes cleaning quick and easy. Although it’s not the cheapest material available, it offers a good balance between durability and cost. However, be aware that over time, acrylic pans can become scratched, though these marks are usually cosmetic rather than structural.

Poured Shower Pan: Ultimate Customization

For a completely custom shower floor, a poured shower pan is the way to go. Made from materials like cement or mortar, these pans are built on-site to perfectly fit the shape and size of your shower. This type of pan is ideal for irregular spaces or homeowners looking to create a seamless, curbless walk-in shower.

While the flexibility of a poured pan is unmatched, the installation process is labor-intensive and requires professional expertise to prevent leaks. If installed correctly, it offers superior longevity and strength. However, keep in mind that poured shower pans can be more expensive due to higher labor costs.

Comparing Materials for Your Bathroom Renovation

During your bathroom renovation, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of different materials. Beyond acrylic and poured pans, other common options include fiberglass and tile. Fiberglass is often more affordable than acrylic but can stain easily and is less durable over time. Tile, on the other hand, offers a high-end aesthetic but demands more maintenance due to grout lines.

Each material presents unique benefits:

• Acrylic: Lightweight, easy to clean, and available in custom sizes.
• Poured Shower Pan: Ideal for custom spaces and curbless designs, though labor-intensive.
• Fiberglass: Budget-friendly but prone to stains and scratches.
• Tile: Highly customizable, though requires regular upkeep to maintain grout.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Shower Pan

1. Space and Layout: Measure the dimensions of your bathroom carefully. If your space has unusual angles or requires a specific shape, a poured shower pan might be the best fit.
2. Durability and Maintenance: Acrylic pans are easy to clean and resist mold, while poured options offer unmatched strength if installed properly.
3. Aesthetic Preferences: Acrylic comes in a variety of colors and designs, while poured pans offer a minimalist, seamless look for modern bathrooms.
4. Budget: Labor costs for poured pans can be high, while acrylic shower pans provide a mid-range option with great value.

Choosing the Right Material for Your Home



Both acrylic and poured shower pans have their advantages. If you’re looking for a reliable, low-maintenance solution that balances cost and functionality, an acrylic shower pan is likely your best option. On the other hand, if your renovation involves creating a highly customized shower with unique dimensions, a poured shower pan offers the flexibility you need, albeit at a higher cost.

Whichever material you choose, ensure the pan is installed correctly to avoid water damage. A well-installed shower pan will protect your subfloor from leaks and provide a stable, comfortable surface for daily use.

Contact Superior Plumbing for Your Shower Pan Installation

Selecting the right shower pan is a crucial step in any bathroom renovation. Whether you opt for a customizable poured shower pan or a versatile acrylic shower pan, professional installation is essential to ensure a watertight seal and long-lasting performance. Superior Plumbing’s experienced team is here to help you choose the best material for your shower floor and install it with care. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and bring your renovation vision to life!