8 Common Shower Pan Sizes for Your Bathroom Remodel
Freshen up on your shower design options
Shower pans in standard shapes and sizes are readily available at home improvement stores.
They come in many different materials, including fiberglass and acrylic.
Shower pans range in price from $150 to $3,500 or more.
If you’re planning for a bathroom remodel or you want to convert a tub to a walk-in shower, you may be wondering if you can use a prefabricated shower pan—or even what a shower pan does. We’ve put together a guide for what a shower pan is and what the most common shower pan sizes are, along with considerations for deciding on the best shower pan for your bathroom.
What Is a Shower Pan?
A shower pan is essentially the floor of a stand-alone shower. Home improvement stores sell prefabricated shower pans in standard sizes; they’re typically made from a single piece of acrylic, fiberglass, or solid surface material. Shower pans can also be constructed with custom tiles or prefabricated pieces that lock together.
The shower pan includes a drain and a flange to prevent water from seeping under the shower or leaking onto the floor.
Shower Pan Sizes
It’s possible to have a custom shower pan made in whatever dimensions you need, but you can also find off-the-shelf shower pans in a range of standard sizes.
Standard Prefabricated Shower Pans
Square
Prefabricated square shower pans generally start at 30-by-30-inches and go up from there, typically maxing out at 42-by-42-inches, although you can sometimes find larger 60-by-60-inch ones.
Rectangular
In the U.S., the average walk-in shower size is 60-by-30-inches, but rectangular shower sizes can be as small as 42-by-32-inches and as large as 60-by-42-inches.
Corner
Corner showers can save space in a bathroom and are curved. Corner shower pans are measured based on the length of the sides, with prefabricated shower pans typically ranging from 32 inches to 36 inches.
Neo Angle Shower Pan
A neo angle shower pan is used in a neo angle shower that is situated in the corner of the bathroom. The shower door glass and the wall meet at a 135-degree angle, and this type of shower can maximize space in a small bathroom. Neo angle shower pans have a cross-dimensional measurement between 36 and 60 inches, depending on the size of the shower.
Other Shower Pan Measurements to Know
There are a few different measurements to take into account when ordering a shower pan; getting these measurements right is essential to helping the project go smoothly.
Threshold Height
The threshold of a shower pan dictates its depth. The standard height of a shower pan threshold is 4 inches, but it can be as low as 1 inch and as high as 6 inches. Zero-entry showers don’t have a threshold.
Threshold Width
The threshold width depends on the width of the shower and can range from 30 inches up to 60 inches, or higher for custom showers.
Distance From the Drain Center
The distance from the drain center depends on where the drain is located. A shower pan drain can be located in the middle of the shower pan, on the side, or at the end nearest to the faucet. In some cases, it can be in the corner of the shower. Making sure this measurement is accurate will ensure that the water drains properly.
How to Choose the Right Shower Pan Size
If you have an existing shower, choosing a shower pan replacement will depend on the size of the shower as well as how durable you want the shower pan to be and if you want any customization.
If you’re sorting through your bathroom remodel ideas and making a final decision, then there are a few more things you’ll need to consider. Contacting a local shower installer can be a good first step when you’re deciding on a shower pan, as they can guide you through the process and make recommendations for what may work best.
Consider Your Bathroom’s Size and Shape
The size and shape of your bathroom will have a large impact on the shower size that you choose. For example, small bathrooms can benefit from neo angle or corner showers with smaller shower pans to maximize the amount of space available. If you’re considering tub to shower conversion ideas, decide whether you want the shower to fit the existing tub’s footprint or if you want to change the size or shape.
Keep Your Budget In Mind
Shower pan costs can vary widely, so creating a budget and sticking to it as you make plans and purchases can ensure you stay within your spending limits.
Curbless vs. Water Barrier Shower Pans
Traditional shower pans have a threshold that can be as low as 1 inch and as high as 6 inches. This helps to keep water in the shower and is best used in homes where mobility isn’t an issue.
Curbless, or zero-entry, shower pans don’t have a lip or curb on the entry side. Curbless shower pans allow users to walk directly into the shower without having to lift their feet and step over a ledge. Because of this, they’re well-suited to elderly users or those with mobility difficulties. They’ve become more popular over the years as more people choose to age in place, adjusting their home’s design to suit their changing needs as they get older.
Curbless shower pans are streamlined and minimal and can work in a wide range of shower designs. They are also used to create wet rooms where there is no boundary between the shower and the rest of the bathroom.
How Much Does a Shower Pan Cost?
Shower pan costs range from as low as $150 for fiberglass to as high as $3,500 or higher for a custom project. Here’s a breakdown to help you estimate your bathroom remodel cost.
| Shower Pan Material | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $150–$450 |
| Acrylic | $200–$620 |
| Natural Stone | $200–$900 |
| Cast Iron | $800–$1300 |
| Custom | $900–$3,500 |
| Tile-Over Pans | $500–$800 |
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing a shower pan yourself is time-consuming but not overly complex for the DIYer with experience in mid-level plumbing projects. However, you must know what you are doing to ensure the pan properly lines up with the drain and that there are no leaks. A leak or improperly draining shower pan can cause moisture build-up and mold under the shower that could extend into your walls.
It’s best to hire a professional for plumbing projects. Shower installers will have the experience and know-how to handle your shower pan installation project without risk.
Many people confuse shower pans and shower bases. While both are located under your feet and help direct the water into the drain, they are distinctly different. The shower pan is the part you stand directly on while using the shower, while the base is the substructure below the shower pan, typically made from waterproof cement mortar.
Most shower pans can be cut to size, including those made from mortar, polystyrene, tile (and the under-tile ABS lining), and even solid surfaces. The only common shower pan material you cannot easily cut to size is cast iron because it is heavy, difficult to cut, and prone to rust once the protective enamel has been removed.
Showers can come in any size. Prefab shower pans are available in sizes ranging from 30 by 30 inches to 60 by 60 inches. The standard size of a small prefab shower or a corner shower is 32 by 32 inches, but an ADA-compliant shower should be at least 36 by 36 inches. Standard large prefabricated showers are typically 36 by 60 inches.
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