Best Shower Bases of 2026
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Shower bases are an essential component of any bathroom renovation or construction project. These bases come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including rectangular, square, and neo-angle, making it easy to find the perfect fit for any bathroom. They are made from high-quality materials such as acrylic or fiberglass, which make them durable and long-lasting. In addition, shower bases are easy to install and maintain, ensuring that they remain in top condition for years to come. With a wide range of colors and styles available, shower bases are an excellent choice for anyone looking to update their bathroom.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Shower Bases
Oatey PVC Shower Pan Liner
The Oatey PVC Shower Pan Liner is a waterproofing membrane that is perfect for concealed waterproofing applications, such as tile showers. The liner is made of durable, abrasion-resistant 40 mil thick flexible PVC, which ensures long-lasting use. Additionally, the product is marked in 6-inch increments for ease of measuring and boasts superior cold weather characteristics.
DreamLine Shower Base DLT-1130602
The DreamLine White Shower Base DLT-1130602 is a 30x60-inch single threshold shower base designed for alcove installation. With a slip-resistant surface, it ensures safety during use. The high gloss acrylic material not only makes maintenance easy but also provides lasting beauty to your bathroom. The right drain location, as shown in the technical drawing, offers convenience during installation by allowing direct attachment to studs. This premium shower base by DreamLine is a practical and stylish choice for your bathroom upgrade.
Oatey PVC Shower Pan Liner Kit
The Oatey PVC Shower Pan Liner Kit is a ready-to-use waterproofing membrane that comes with a 5' x 6' PVC Shower Pan Liner Sheet and two PVC Corner Dams. It is made of durable, abrasion-resistant 40 mil thick flexible PVC for long-lasting use and is marked in 6 in. increments for ease of measuring. Customers have praised its easy installation, quality, and helpful instructions. However, some customers have noted that the liner can arrive with creases, and that the corner dams are not always included.
Schluter Kerdi Prefabricated Sloped Shower Tray KST965/1525S
The Schluter Kerdi Shower Tray offers a built-in waterproof layer that protects your shower from leaks, so you don't have to deal with messy mortar beds. It is ready for tile installation right away, giving you a solid base that cuts down on preparation time and speeds up your project. You can choose from twelve different sizes and styles, including options with off-center drains, which means it fits well whether you're replacing an old shower or building a new one. Made from lightweight expanded polystyrene, this tray is easy to handle and strong enough to last through years of use in your custom shower space.
Schluter Kerdi Center Outlet Shower Tray KST1220/1830
The Schluter Kerdi Shower Tray offers a smart solution for your bathroom with its built-in slope, which helps water drain efficiently, preventing pooling. It comes in a spacious 48 by 72-inch size, giving you plenty of room for a comfortable shower experience. The tray has a 1-1/4 inch high edge around the perimeter, which helps contain water and keeps your bathroom floor dry. With a center drain design, water flows directly down the middle, making cleanup easier. Plus, you won’t need to use a mortar bed, simplifying installation and saving you time and effort.
KNEELISA 39” Silicone Shower Threshold Water Stopper
The KNEELISA Shower Water Stopper features a unique semicircle hollow design that lets wheelchairs pass easily while being gentle on your feet, adding safety and comfort. Its 1.2-inch width and 0.55-inch height come in three lengths, so you can pick the perfect fit for your space. Made from high-quality silicone, this stopper is soft, flexible, odor-free, and easy to clean, making maintenance simple. The strong adhesive backing ensures it stays firmly in place for a long time, and you can even reactivate its stickiness with a hairdryer in colder weather. This product offers a practical and reliable way to keep your shower area dry and comfortable.
Schluter KERDI-Board-SN Shower Niche 12x28
The Schluter Shower Niche is designed to make your shower space both practical and durable. It offers a waterproof surface that protects your shower walls from moisture damage, giving you peace of mind. With its ready-to-tile design, you can easily apply tiles directly onto the niche, speeding up your installation and saving effort. The niche is made from a lightweight yet strong material, making it easy to handle while ensuring it holds up well in wet environments. Its 12" by 28" size fits various shower setups, giving you flexible storage options for your personal items.
VEVOR 38"x60" Shower Curb Kit
The VEVOR Shower Curb Kit is designed to create a watertight shower space in your bathroom. The premium shower tray, made from high-pressure foam, features a central drainage hole for efficient water flow, ensuring you won't have to deal with pooling water. With the included durable PVC flange and automatic seal grate, you can expect smooth drainage without blockages. Additionally, the kit comes with a water-impermeable membrane that is easy to apply, complete with pre-cut corners for quick installation. You'll also receive a sturdy stainless steel trowel, making the application of mortar simple and effective.
Goodyo 36" x 36" Acrylic Shower Base
The Goodyo 36" Shower Base offers a spacious 36 by 36-inch footprint with a double threshold design, helping to contain water and reduce spills for a cleaner bathroom. Made from durable acrylic and ABS materials, it resists heat, corrosion, and bending, ensuring long-lasting use and easy maintenance. The drain is centered with a 3.35-inch hole, allowing for efficient water flow, though you'll need to purchase the drain separately. Built with five layers, this shower base provides strong support and durability, making it a reliable choice for your bathroom renovation or upgrade.
Hippo Dam 65" Transparent Shower Water Barrier
The Hippo Dam Shower Barrier is designed to keep your bathroom floor dry by stopping water from leaking outside your shower. Measuring 65 inches long, it offers a sturdy yet flexible shield that fits well in walk-in showers. Installation is simple with its improved self-adhesive backing—just peel and stick for a secure hold, and you can add silicone for extra protection if you want. Made from soft, durable rubber, this water guard is built to last and adapt to different bathroom layouts. With the Hippo Dam Shower Barrier, you get an easy-to-use, reliable way to prevent water damage and keep your shower area neat and safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it better to use a shower base or tile?
While tile flooring is more durable than shower pans, it requires more difficult installation and maintenance. Tile flooring is also more expensive and often requires professional installation.
2. Do you use mortar or cement for shower base?
When setting a shower base, it is recommended to use mortar instead of concrete mix. Mortar has the advantage of being water-resistant, creating a barrier to protect the subfloor.
3. How do you make a homemade shower base?
To make a homemade shower base, you will need to: cut two-by-six lumber to fit between the studs of the shower stall, cover the drain, add tar paper, mix mortar, spread the mortar to the borders, taper down the mortar, add silicone to the drain, and apply shower waterproofing material.
4. What are the negatives of a tile shower?
One disadvantage of a tile shower is the maintenance required for grout joints. Grout joints can be difficult to clean and add to the overall upkeep cost of the ceramic tile shower.
5. Can you install a shower base without mortar?
Yes, it is not necessary to set the shower base in mortar or epoxy. The shower base is designed to rest directly on the subfloor. Mortar or leveling compound would only be needed if the floor is unlevel.
6. Is thin set or mortar better for showers?
Thinset is better for showers because it is not affected by moisture. It is recommended for floor tile and any tile in wet areas, including shower floors, walls, and tub surrounds. To increase its strength, thinset can be mixed with a special latex additive.
During our shower base research, we found 24 shower base products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 26,641 customer reviews through our big data system to write the shower bases list. We found that most customers choose shower bases with an average price of $68.94.
The shower bases are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of shower bases, including Oatey, DreamLine, Schluter, KNEELISA, VEVOR. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Howard Chester is an architect from New York who holds a master's degree in architectural design, his passions for interior design and home improvement contribute to his extensive knowledge of all things furniture and home goods. Howard Chester Specializes in various architectural and interior design projects. He often publishes articles related to decoration on key websites and interior design magazines.