Do you have a favorite solid-surface shower base?

9 years ago

I am considering a solid-surface shower base for my master bath remodel. The existing shower 30"x60" and has 2"x2" unglazed ceramic tile. Bathroom is on 2nd floor. It will be a compete gut, so I can adjust layout to dimensions of shower base.

I'm finding a lot of options for solid-surface shower bases. What are the pros and cons of Kohler's enameled cast-iron vs MTI acrylic? Fleurco Urbana composite with seat vs WetStyle's natural stone composite shower receptor?

If I decide, instead, to go with a curbless, linear-drain, tiled shower floor, will that be a lot more expensive?

Featured Answer

melle_sacto is hot and dry in CA Zone 9/

9 years ago

Those GRIF form bases look really cool! I like our Corian counters in the kitchen, I think Corian would be an excellent choice for a shower base.

We installed a Swanstone base in our shower about 3 years ago. It has been very easy to maintain, but I guess I can't speak to long-term durability. The shower is used every day, currently by 4 people while we remodel the other bathroom. I'd say it still looks as nice, today, as it did when we installed it. I like the raised non-slips more than etched (our new Kohler Villager cast iron tub in the other bathroom has etched nonslips and they feel like chalkboard to me -- I'll probably stick the bathtub mat over them when the remodel is done).

I'd go with Swanstone again if I had to make the choice. We also have the Swanstone solid surface shower niche, and that is a piece of cake to maintain.

Comments (7)

cat_mom
9 years ago
Kohler's cast iron shower receptors are great. Solid, well made, and they look really nice, too. If you do a search on this forum, you'll find at least a few threads enumerating the pros of using one. We have one in our guest bathroom. We dodged a bullet when I insisted we return the acrylic one we'd originally ordered. It was supposed to be fiberglass, but it wasn't. It didn't have no-slip grips, which was a deal breaker, as the surface would certainly be slicker then slick when wet. The cast iron receptor will surely continue to look great , and hold up well for many, many years.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
LARemodel:

Check out the link, please:

Here is a link that might be useful: Grifform
Related Professionals
Buffalo Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Clarksburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Clute Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Euclid Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Everett Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Highland Park Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hillsboro Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Blasdell Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Spokane Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Sharonville Kitchen & Bathroom Remodelers · Graham Cabinets & Cabinetry · Lackawanna Cabinets & Cabinetry · Cleveland Window Treatments · Kent Window Treatments · Ridgewood Window Treatments
enduring
9 years ago
I am extremely sensitive to textures with regards to touch. The Kohler etched surface is no problem for me. I love my cast iron tub and my shower pan. I know many love their solid surface too, I don't think you'd go wrong either way.
weedyacres
9 years ago
I've used both Swanstone and Onyx shower bases and was happy with both. No cleaning issues or slipping issues with either.
bathroomdesignboy
9 years ago
I would HIGHLY recommend the Onyx Collection shower pans. Made in the USA and the customer service is incredible! You cant go wrong.

Here is a link that might be useful: Onyx Shower pan
sklabak
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Wetstyle are one of the few that offer a 72" x 42" size. Any reviews on the quality and durability?