You may have never had to see one since they’re usually covered with additional layers, but shower pan are one of the most important components to a bathroom. Without them, you would likely be dealing with bathroom floods just about every time you took a shower. Let’s take a brief look at the world of shower pans.

If you don’t know what a shower pan is, don’t despair. It’s also known as a shower base, which may make some more sense to you. It’s the bottom of your shower and it’s what the tile and everything else sits on top of. The biggest purpose of it all is to control the flow of water through your drainage system.

If you’ve never had to buy a shower pan before, there are a few things you should know before making a decision. The most important thing to look for is a shower pan that matches the measurements of your existing shower space.

There are a number of shapes that you can consider using as well. From the standard rectangle to more abstract forms like the pentagon, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to shape.

Style is another consideration that you’ll want to keep in mind. Even though you won’t be able to see the shower pans themselves, certain materials make it easier to lay certain surfaces on top of them.

Shower pan liners are yet another add-on that you might want to consider. The liner is a layer that goes in between the base and the shower floor, and it acts as another form of insulation to protect your shower pan.

Choosing the material also matters. There’s fiberglass and acrylic, there’s ceramic and tile, there’s stone, and there’s even more. Much of what you choose will depend on your budget.

Setting up shower pans is likely the most difficult part of the overall process. While there are DIY guides online, you may want to consider hiring someone to install your shower base if you’ve never done something like this before. Get a few quotes before going with someone, as you’re likely to find a better price this way.

Find out more about shower pans and shower pan installation now.