I like tiled showers, not 1-piece preformed showers. I think they look better.

You could go with a cast iron base (sturdy and attractive..."attractive" in my opinion) and then tile the walls. Or solid surface the walls.

In interested, look at the Kohler cast iron receptors.

I would not go with a 1-piece shower. I have been using the 4-piece showers (3 walls and a base) by Sterling (which is Kohler) in my rental properties for more than 20 years and have never had a problem. These showers take a lot of abuse. They have never cracked or broken, and they clean up easily.

"Is it a better" - most people would agree.

"more economical " - almost never.

my master bath that is in progress will have a kohler cast iron shower receptor and tiled walls. I personally prefer this to the tiled bases, mainly for the feeling of clean one pieceness of it all. maybe I haven't seen really nice tiled showers.

My parents had a plastic base with tiled walls, it was fine, they install it with cement under it.

If you want a real tile shower...you can do it yourself, if you're halfway good at following directions. I might suggest you go to www.tileyourworld.com Sign in and ask your question on our FORUM. We can walk you thru the process....