If you are looking to choose a custom shower base but have been overwhelmed by the options, you are not alone. Clay pots, expanded or extruded polystyrene, solid-surface Corian, and cultured marble are just a few of the more common options. Identifying your options is not the problem – finding the best option for you can be difficult. In this article, you will learn 7 steps to guide you through this decision.

Step 1: Identify Your Options – In the past, the most commonly used custom tray was a set of mud and mortar (it did not require specialized materials and many tile setters were familiar with the method). Although there was a lot of familiarity with this approach, failures with this system also became too common. Now systems like styrofoam and solid surface bases are gaining popularity for their ease of installation and long-term performance.

Step 2: Know How Your Bathroom Location Will Affect Your Choice – If your project is located on the second floor with stairs that are difficult to maneuver, it can be literally impossible to use a heavy solid surface or a cultured marble unit due to its weight (and the tray may not be able to be placed through the door). If access is difficult, styrofoam and expanded / extruded polystyrene systems are best.

Step 3: Determine How Important A Fully Waterproof Underlayment Will Be To You – Solid Surface and Expanded Polystyrene underlays are 100% waterproof and are manufactured at the factory as a single assembly. In the case of a concrete base, it is handcrafted on the job site and its long-term success depends entirely on the knowledge and skills of the owner or field installer (note: there is a high price to pay for a failed installation : The entire foundation and enclosure system will often need to be removed and there may be water damage to the subfloor and rooms below).

Step 4 – Calculate Your Budget – It may be tempting to select the cheapest custom shower base (this is the mud play style) because you can tell who will see it anyway, but if the unit fails you are in big trouble (see the step 3). For excellent waterproofing at a good price, a selection of ready-to-use expanded polystyrene or cultured marble may be best. Solid surface Corian is usually the most expensive option.

Step 5: Determine if you will do it yourself or hire a professional – If you want to save money and do it yourself, better steer clear of labor and skill intensive mortar bases (yes, they are cheap) . – but if you do it wrong, you will have to pay a very high repair bill). For DIY projects, consider bases that are prefabricated in a section to your specifications, such as solid surface units and expanded polystyrene. If you hire an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor, they should be trained to install most different types of foundation.

Step 6: Consider How You Want To Finish The Floor – Ask If You Prefer A Solid Surface Or A Tile Floor. If you like the look and feel of tile, clay play and extruded / expanded bases will work. If you love tile but hate grout, use a high performance urethane grout vs. the typical sanded grout. Urethane grout is highly water resistant, comes in pre-mixed pails, and requires no maintenance or the need to reseal. The advantage of Corian and cultured marble bases is that the base is also the finished floor.

Step 7 – Think long term – consider affordable universal design options – Let’s face it – custom bases don’t come cheap. So you need to consider how you can design your tray and cabinet to work for your entire family for the long haul of home ownership (regardless of your age or physical abilities). To design your base so everyone can use it, you may want to add a barrier-free or ramp entry. These can be used by someone who needs a shower adapted for wheelchairs, or also by anyone else in your family.

Now that you are equipped with these 7 steps, you are ready to make the best selection for your custom shower base project.