There are many choices of high quality shower base flooring options, so your best choice may depend on your budget and preferences.
The options are divided into:
1. Tile shower bases
You may decide that you want shower floor tiles to match the walls or bathroom floor tiles, and this is generally a high quality bathtub solution due to cost and maintenance. And since people who shower will be standing on wet tiles, you may also want to consider the texture of the surface to make sure it’s not a slip hazard.
As for the balla, you have two options:
Tiled shower base system:
Where you can buy a ready-made tile floor sink, it may come with chrome drains.
They are usually made of fiberglass or plastic composite materials, and must be designed to facilitate connection of the drain to the plumbing.
Kits may come with a waterproof epoxy that adheres to tiles, bottom and sides of the sink
Tiles over concrete:
As with more traditional tile installation, you can install tile over concrete,
and since tile or grout cannot be waterproof, you will generally need to use a waterproof material to set the tile and again to coat it.
Of course, this task also requires the drain to be in place and connected to the plumbing,
and this solution can benefit you with complete control over customization of appearance, size and shape.
The cost may vary due to the materials chosen and the size and complexity of the shower floor, but it is likely to be a more expensive option than using pre-made bathtubs due to the labor involved.
Some coatings can also help protect the grout, but in a high-use area such as a shower, they are more likely to stain and
require a lot of maintenance. If possible, tiling without grout may provide a better solution.
2. Molded stone shower bases
Cast stone bathtubs can offer you another high-end and elegant solution,
and are usually made of natural stone and synthetic plastic for a combination of durability and a luxurious look.
High quality cast stone should be easy to keep clean and resistant to hazards such as mold and moisture.
It also does not require grout, which can become a cleaning problem, not including accessories or labor.
3. Acrylic bathtubs
It can offer you a mid-priced solution that offers you some ability to customize the look and feel of your bathroom floor.
Acrylic systems come in a variety of colors and sizes, although white, gray, and black are popular choices.
You can also order custom utensils to fit in non-standard spaces or match certain colors,
as some of the advantages of acrylic shower bases include ease of cleaning and maintenance and a relatively modest cost.
And since they come in one piece, they are less likely to crack like tiles.
4. Fiberglass bathtubs
Prefab fiberglass bathtubs can be found for less than $200,
and that price makes them an attractive alternative for some uses.
However, cheap fiberglass tends to discolor quickly, so it’s not likely to give you long-term satisfaction.
Even if you keep your shower clean, mineral deposits can build up from the water over time.
Since it may take an abrasive to remove these mineral deposits, cleaning them with abrasive materials can scratch the fiberglass.
You can also clean them with some acidic chemicals, but if you prefer to avoid using them in your home, you can consider an acrylic bathtub instead.
While you can find more expensive fiberglass and composite bathtubs that reduce the chance of staining.
How to choose a suitable shower base
No matter what type of shower base you choose, remember that this part of the showerhead serves vital functions.
Mostly, they keep the water draining into the plumbing and not dripping through the floorboards or into the basement.
Bathtub or bathtub problems can lead to warping, mold, mildew, and other costly damage.
You will also need to make sure you have a safe surface to stand on.
While you may have the opportunity to cut your budget on other parts of a bathroom renovation,
you shouldn’t skimp on the bathroom floor.
For example, you might decide to opt for a cheap fiberglass bathtub if you only need a shower repair in a home that you intend to sell relatively quickly and at a modest price.
And if you want to keep your home for years and add value in case you want to sell,
you will likely find that a more permanent solution will save you time or money in the long run.
Acrylic bathtubs can also provide you with an affordable, customizable solution that is easy to maintain.
For a more luxurious look and to match other parts of the shower and bathroom,
you may want to consider molded stone or tile.
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