If you are looking to design an accessible shower area for your older or handicapped loved ones, you’ll need to pay attention to the type of shower base or shower pan that you install. If you want a great shower, you must start from the ground up and for that reason, we are here to talk you through picking out your shower base or shower pan. Listed below, you’ll find a comprehensive guide to selecting the right shower base for your needs.
Handicap shower pan models
When shopping for shower pans, it is important to put a priority on finding products that are simple to install, durable, and visually pleasing.
The Tile Redi shower pan comes in a single piece of pre-stitched material that is built with leak-proof traits in mind. This shower pan comes in a variety of different shapes and sizes as well as drainage hole positioning. As a no barrier shower pan, users will be able to lay this out in their shower for immediate use by people with mobility-related impairments. Wheelchair users will be able to roll right into the shower.
As a ‘ready to tile’ product, the 4260LBF is ready to install in a moment’s notice. You’ll be able to lay out the shower pan before setting your tiles immediately on top of the product. Barrier-free shower pans are ideal solutions for individuals who suffer from mobility issues.
Common Types Of Handicap shower pans
Shower tray bases come in all shapes and sizes based on your specific needs and the contextual specifications of your bathroom itself.
These trays are designed to fit in just about any size of bathroom. Corner shower tray bases have special angles that allow them to be neatly installed into any corner of your room.
If you have a loved one who requires an extended area of space in order to shower, you might consider a rectangular shower tray base. These trays are ideal for handicapped individuals who want to be able to sit on a shower bench while they clean up. If you opt for this style of tray, consider getting a shower base with low barriers or no barriers at all. A no-barrier shower tray works perfectly with a roll in shower pan.
This is the most common type of shower tray base, seen in small bathrooms all over the world.
If you have a bathroom with odd measurements, you might need to instead shop for a specialty shower tray base. There are bases that come in every shape and style you can imagine.
Handicap accessible shower pan: how to choose
Having the right shower base can make your bathroom more safe and convenient for individuals with mobility issues. Seniors who have mobility problems, as well as handicapped individuals who need special accommodations, will benefit from having the right shower base installed.
Barrier Free Shower Base
If you need a handicap shower base then you are likely going to want to consider opting for a barrier free shower pan. An ADA shower base will pass all ADA shower pan regulations, thus ensuring that it is accommodating to those who have special needs.
Barrier free shower pans help seniors and handicapped individuals overcome one of the most problematic moments of taking a shower: taking a step over their tub’s ledge. Barrier free bases are wheelchair accessible.
Put simply, a handicap shower pan is ideal whenever you have a situation where mobility may be an issue. For loved ones who don’t have the dexterity to grab and climb over their tub ledge, this is probably the safest choice available.
Selecting A Material
The primary material that is used when installing a shower base is going to be some kind of cement mortar. On top of this shower base, you’ll have the shower pan of your choice. Shower pans come in a wide array of different material options including fiberglass, metal, stone, ceramic, or acrylic. Your material option is important in regards to both the look and functionality of your shower.
Selecting A Style
Shower pans come in a variety of different styles based on what you are trying to accomplish. Additionally, you’ll be able to select where the stopper hole sits, the quality of the material, and whether or not there is a water threshold in place.
We advise using other safety features in conjunction with wheelchair accessible shower pans. Shower benches, handrails, and non-slip mats are all ideal features to incorporate.
Common handicap shower tray materials
The finish of your shower tray will be directly felt at all times, so we are focused on comfort as much as function and fashion.
The primary materials used in the construction of shower trays include stone resin and white acrylic.
- White Acrylic – A commonly used style for people who want style and function wrapped into one individual package. White acrylic is simple to clean and comfortable to use, even by hand.
- Stone Resin – Stone resin offers high fashion while limiting your comfort a bit. Stone resin is durable and painless to clean. Stone resin is an alternative to granite, though granite is often utilized as well.
- Other Options – You will also find shower trays that are built out of ceramic, porcelain, plastic and fiberglass.
The price of your shower base will depend on whether or not you are installing it yourself. Most shower pans will range from $300 to $1000 once they are bought and installed. Additionally, shower trays will cost you around $50.
Handicap Shower Base vs Handicap Shower Pan
While a shower base and a shower pan are both needed for capturing water and directing drain flow, they do have some marked differences.
Shower Base
A shower base is almost exactly what it sounds like: the bottom of your shower. A shower base requires an in-depth installation that will mandate tools, drilling, and a material foundation to be installed. Shower bases determine the caliber of your shower’s foundation and will be possessed of sidewalls, a sloping floor, and a drainage hole.
Shower Pan
A shower pan is extremely similar to a shower base. However, there is one striking difference between a base and a pan. A shower pan is typically comprised of a single piece of material that can be easily laid into place at the bottom of your shower. Your pan is easy to install while your shower base requires a day’s worth of work. You’ll find that many shower pans are designed with accessibility as their primary responsibility, thus helping your handicapped and senior loved ones to easily shower.
Shower Tray
Also known as a shower receptor, shower trays are pre-formed items that are used as a water liner for your shower. Shower trays merely catch water in order to make sure that it is kept from spreading throughout your bathroom.
Shower Liner
Finally, a shower liner is a simple plastic barrier that traps water in order to prevent it from getting onto the rest of your floor. The liner will keep water from spreading before directing it back tot he drains in your bathroom. Shower liners and shower trays are interchangeable in terms of use.