Measure Your Space
To determine the correct size for your shower walls and/or shower base, you’ll need to measure.
Shower Walls
Most showers are comprised of two side walls and a back wall. However, there are also corner showers that require two panels. Using a measuring tape, write down the height and width of each wall.
The height of most shower wall panels is 96 inches high, but other heights range anywhere from 60-80 inches. Typical wall panel widths are 36, 48 and 60 inches.
Shower Base Measurements
Measure from the back wall to the front lip of your existing base. Then measure across the front from one end of the existing base or shower opening. The most common shower base size is 32-inches wide by 60-inches long or 30-inches wide by 60-inches long. But with over 100 different base sizes to choose from, we can accommodate most showers large or small.
Shower Wall Basics
Now that you’ve measured for your space, it’s time to learn more about the different types of shower walls. First, you’ll need to determine your configuration, choose the material and then decide how you’ll purchase the panels.
Material
Solid Surface
This is the most popular material for shower panels — and for good reason. These panels are durable, nonporous, easy to clean, stain- and scratch-resistant and have come a long way in terms of design. Solid surface panels come in a vast array of colors and can mimic the look of subway tile, marble, travertine, granite and more.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass panels also have their benefits. There’s never any sealing or grout, like tile.
Fiberglass is a nonporous surface, so it resists mold and bacteria. It’s easy to clean and also one of the more affordable options.
Acrylic
Acrylic panels are typically more durable and require less maintenance than fiberglass, but they can be more expensive.
Other materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stone-plastic composite (SPC), wood-plastic composite (WPC), reinforced porcelain enamel/metal and Vikrell (known to be more scratch-resistant).
Type
Surrounds
You can purchase shower walls and surrounds either as shower panel kits or shower wall surrounds. Shower panel kits often contain two to six acrylic, Vikrell or sheet material panels. Installation typically involves gluing the panels to the walls. Shower wall surrounds generally consist of one to three fiberglass pieces. Installation requires fastening the surround pieces directly to your bathroom wall studs. If you’re working on a bathtub, look for multi-piece bathtub surrounds.
If you don't need a surround, you can purchase shower wall panels.
Back Wall Panel
The back panel will run along the back wall of your shower. You’ll need to purchase the side panels separately.
Side Wall Panel
Side wall panels are purchased separately. For a typical alcove shower, you’ll need side wall panels.
Corner Wall Panel
A corner panel is ideal if you’re installing a space-saving corner shower. You can find corner panels that work with square, rectangular, rounded or neo-angle shower bases.
Installation
There are two different ways to install shower panels: They can either be glued to the wall or installed direct to stud. Here are the differences.
Glue to Wall
The majority of shower panels are glued to the wall. With this type of installation, it’s a do-it-yourself (DIY) project that can be completed in a few hours. Within 24 hours, you’ll usually have full use of your shower again. These panels can be installed over waterproof backer board or even tile. Glue-to-wall installation is typically used when renovating an existing bathroom.
Would you like to do this project? Follow our step-by-step directions.
Direct to Stud
This type of installation is more complex and is typically used in major renovations or new constructions where the studs are already exposed. It does require some advanced DIY skills, so professional installation is recommended.
Let our pros help you get the bathroom of your dreams.
Shower Base Basics
Whether you’re tiling your shower walls, using a surround or panels, you’ll need a shower base. A base acts as the floor for your shower, ensuring the water drains properly. Here are a few considerations to take into account when purchasing one.
Material
Molded PolyurethaneMolded polyurethane is a popular material for shower bases. It can be set directly on shower pans to add the tile of your choice. This material is leakproof and allows for a quick and easy installation. But with tiled surfaces, there’ll be grout, so more maintenance and cleaning are required.
Solid Surface
Solid surface shower bases are durable and virtually maintenance-free. This material is nonporous, so it won’t mold or mildew. Many bases have a pebbled surface that’s slip-resistant, and they come in a large assortment of colors to suit any bathroom.
Acrylic
If you’re looking for a moderately priced shower base that’s easy to install, clean and maintain, consider an acrylic base.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass/plastic composite is usually the most affordable option, but you’ll need to be careful with the type of cleaning products that are used to prevent scratches.
Other types include molded stone, cast iron and composite.
Shape
Standard Shower BaseA standard shower base is typically rectangular.
Corner Shower Base
These shower bases fit neatly into a corner. Corner showers are great space savers and good for small bathrooms.
Other shapes include square, neo-angle, neo-round and round.
Drain Location
If you’re doing new construction, then you can have the drain wherever you prefer. If you’re doing a remodel, you’ll need to ensure that the drain is in the same location. There are numerous configurations, including center, front, left, right, corner or in the back of the shower base.
Threshold
The typical threshold is 4-1/2 inches, but they come in a myriad of heights. You can also search by high, low or no threshold. No thresholds are good for those that are remodeling their shower for Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, allowing for easy entry with a wheelchair or walker.
Other Considerations
As you’re shopping for shower bases, there are some additional features to keep in mind.
Drains and Hardware
Some shower bases already include the drain or the hardware. If you want everything together, consider a shower base kit.
Integrated Seat
If you’d like a place to sit down or extra room for toiletries, select a shower base with an integrated seat.
Slip-Resistant
To prevent slips or falls, look for a shower base that’s pebbled, for a slip-resistant floor.
Tile-Ready
If you’re doing a remodel and you want to tile the shower floor, you’ll need to buy a base that’s tile-ready.
Let Us Install It for You
Learn more about our installation services or visit any Lowe’s and speak to a sales associate in our bathroom department.