Often, the missing piece to creating the ideal shower experience time and time again lies below your feet — the shower base. With this in mind, it is worth asking: What is the best shower pan material?
At Hansel Stone, we understand that every detail matters right down to your shower floor. Let's explore different shower floor material options and design styles to help you decide on this important fixture to complete your dream bathroom.
Read on for a deep dive and your answer to the question, “What is the best shower base material to have in your bathroom?” Instantly transform your daily routine with Hansel Stone.
Popular Materials for Shower Pans
Shower pans, also known as shower trays or shower bases, add higher functionality and elevated aesthetic value to a bathroom. They serve as a separation between the bathroom floor and the shower itself, featuring a drain system that manages water flow to prevent pooling.
While timeless visual appeal is important when choosing the right shower pan material, there are a few other factors to consider. You should also assess the shower pan material's durability and maintenance requirements to ensure it meets your long-term needs.
So, what are shower trays made of? Here is a selection of shower pan materials that will likely be most suitable for your dream bathroom.
Molded Stone Shower Pans
Molded stone, also referred to as resin stone, is a blend of natural stone resins and synthetic plastic compounds.
Compared to other materials for shower pans, resin stone is notable for its solid structure and durability. Despite its strength, it remains relatively lightweight, making it easy to install.
Hansel Stone is the sole purveyor of a revolutionary mineral molded stone, our European-sourced mineral composite. Our exclusive composite marries dolomite with premium elastic resin.
The result is a sleek, uniform surface that is as tough as it is beautiful. Unlike lower-quality molded stone that can yellow, our resin stone keeps its pristine white glow for years.
For developers and hoteliers, molded stone can be one of the best materials for a shower base, thanks to its durability and high-end finish. Its robust composition also makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas like luxury hotels and upscale residential spaces.
Acrylic Shower Bases
Although acrylic can seem outdated compared to more modern developments in bathroom fixtures, it remains a popular medium.
Crafted from acrylic plastic and reinforced with fiberglass, the acrylic shower pan is considerably firm. The non-porous surface, meaning it is solid without pores, is glossy and simple to clean.
However, while acrylic shower pans are fairly durable, it’s not the most long-lasting material. Acrylic shower trays can be susceptible to scratches and stains with frequent use. Improper cleaning can lead to further damage. Regular maintenance is essential to preserve their appearance and extend their lifespan.
For homeowners looking to quickly update their bathrooms on a budget, acrylic can be the best material for their shower floor. Acrylic shower trays offer a fast and straightforward solution for short-term renovation endeavors.
Fiberglass Shower Pans
Fiberglass shower trays can be a tempting, economical choice. Being lightweight, fiberglass is easy and inexpensive to install. The transportation costs of these pans are also minimal.
A fiberglass shower pan tends to be fragile and can easily crack or break. It can be challenging to find a custom-sized unit, as fiberglass shower pans are not as popular as other materials.
The material is porous, which means that it can absorb moisture. Regular maintenance is required to reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth. As it is prone to scratches and discoloration, it's vital to use gentle cleaning products.
With what may seem like limited pros of using fiberglass, this material tends to be considered a less favorable type for long-standing shower base production. However, this type of shower pan material can be suitable for a bathroom designed on a smaller budget with plans for low to moderate foot traffic and usage.
Cast Iron Shower Pans
A cast iron shower pan is a long-lasting material classic. Much like cast iron baths, cast iron pans are covered with high-strength enamel. They hold onto heat well, providing a cozy surface, much like a heated tile floor.
Cast iron shower pans are highly regarded for their impressive durability and long-lasting performance. These trays resist scratches, chips, and cracks, making them a trustworthy option for extended use. To top it off, they require minimal maintenance.
One notable downside is their substantial weight. Additionally, cast iron pans require professional installation, which can be very costly.
For those seeking authenticity when restoring period-correct homes, cast iron is arguably the best shower tray material. This durable material embodies timeless elegance and stability for homeowners with a certain kind of older decorative flair.
Custom Tile Shower Pans
Among the different types of shower pans, custom tile pans offer notable versatility. For example, tiles with textured surfaces can enhance safety by preventing slips on wet surfaces. They also work well in curbed or barrier-free shower pans.
There are two main options for tile installation. The Tileable Shower Base System involves purchasing a pre-made, tile-ready floor pan, which typically includes chrome drains. This option is easy to install and simplifies the process of creating a shower space.
Alternatively, the Tile Over Concrete method allows you to lay tiles directly over a concrete base, similar to traditional tile installation. However, since neither tile nor grout is waterproof, it's essential to use highly waterproof materials for laying these tiles.
Generally, a custom tile shower pan requires routine maintenance, as regular cleaning of grout lines is needed to prevent serious mold and mildew growth. For a discerning home decorator with specific tastes, custom tile can be an excellent option.
Beauty, Performance & Longevity: The Best Material for a Shower Base
All the mediums explored have distinct merits that could make them the most fitting material for your particular shower pan project.
To summarise, acrylic and fiberglass are budget-friendly and easy to install. Cast iron, on the other hand, is ideal for vintage restorations, while tiles provide inspiring customisation.
Overall, the top-most performing material as the most pioneering shower pan option is our molded stone offering made from resilient mineral composite. This luxury material is durable, easy to clean, ultra comfortable to use and makes for great monetary value when you want a stunning, long-term investment in your home.
Molded stone is not only beautiful and luxurious but also offers exceptional thermal performance. Our molded resin stone material will serve as the ultimate foundation for your bathroom, for relaxing and enjoyable shower experiences for years to come.
FAQs About Shower Tray Materials
What are the benefits of Hansel Stone’s mineral composite?
At Hansel Stone, there is no question that our mineral composite is the best material for your shower pan. These are its key features.
- Robust structure: Our mineral composite has a solid surface; there is no flexing or creaking, as you might find in a product such as acrylic shower trays.
- Low maintenance: With its luxurious, non-porous surface, our resin stone is easy to maintain.
- Exceptional durability: The white, glossy, non-porous coating offers exceptional stain resistance and is remarkably chip-resistant.
- Heat retention: The dolomite stone in our compound allows for superior thermal conductivity and insulation, keeping the surrounding water and air at a pleasant temperature.
- Antibacterial properties: Our material inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria, making it easy to clean with standard detergents and water.
- Noise reduction: The density of this medium reduces sound transmission, minimising the noise from water splashing on the shower pan surface.
Why is it necessary to select the right material for a shower enclosure floor?
Your choice of shower tray material impacts the performance of this entire essential bathroom fixture. While a premium shower tray might not seem like an absolute requirement for your shower enclosure, it comes with several superb benefits:
- Efficient barriers: Shower trays act as a waterproofing barrier, helping to contain water within the enclosure and minimising the risk of external leaks.
- Safety: Many shower trays, like our very own, are designed to be slip-resistant, enhancing safety during use.
- Smooth surface: Shower pans provide a stable, smooth surface for standing or sitting, which is especially helpful if your shower floor isn’t level.
- Enhanced shower experiences: With quality materials like molded stone at the core, shower pans give a luxurious feel to every shower experience.
To illustrate the importance of the right material choice, let’s consider a standout feature of Hansel Stone's low-profile shower bases. The molded resin stone provides a warm feeling underfoot. The dense dolomite in our stone has exceptional thermal capabilities and a stunning overall heat retention output, effectively retaining the warmth during your shower for much longer.
Hansel Stone: Artfully Crafted European Bathware Luxuries
At Hansel Stone, we craft luxurious bathware made of a unique mineral composite containing European dolomite and premium-grade resin. This material is extremely durable and low maintenance, which makes it a worthy investment in your home.
Our eco-friendly manufacturing practices inspire and encourage you to install our luxury fittings with a clear conscience. You can indulge in luxury with every soak while confident that you’re playing your part to protect the environment.
Step into luxury with an anti-slip shower base from Hansel Stone! You wondered, What is the best shower pan material for your unique style? And we have provided the answer. Call us today to support 100% green luxury bathware production.