Important Features Of 32 x 46 Shower Bases
When selecting a shower base for your bathroom remodel or new construction project, the 32" x 46" size is a popular choice that offers a nice, spacious feel. But with so many options on the market, it can be tricky to determine which 32" x 46" shower base is right for your needs. By understanding some of the key features and customization choices available, you'll be better equipped to choose a high-quality shower base that suits your style, budget and installation requirements.
You'll discover different types of bases, must-have features to look for, customization possibilities to make it your own, and leading brands manufacturing 32" x 46" bases. Let's dive in!
Different Types of 32 x 46 Shower Bases
One of the first decisions you'll encounter when choosing a 32" x 46" shower base is the material type. The three main options include:
Acrylic Shower Bases
Acrylic is a popular choice for its durability, ease of cleaning, and customizability. Acrylic bases feature a molded design made from a blend of acrylic and fiberglass. This makes them highly durable, yet lighter weight than some other materials. Acrylic bases also resist soap scum, mold and bacteria growth. They are available in tons of colors and even different texture finishes. However, acrylic bases tend to be more expensive than fiberglass.
Tile Shower Bases
As the name implies, tile shower bases provide a foundation for tiling over the top. Often made of molded polymers or coated foam, they feature a built-in slope for drainage and a bonding surface for mortar. Tile bases are highly customizable since you can select any tile design. But installation is more complex, requiring careful tiling work. Durability can vary greatly depending on quality of tile application.
Fiberglass Shower Bases
Fiberglass bases offer an affordable option constructed from molded fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP). They resist scratches and stains while providing a watertight installation. However, fiberglass tends to be less durable over many years compared to acrylic. And color/finish options are more limited, often just coming in white or bisque.
Key Features to Consider
When evaluating 32" x 46" shower bases, keep an eye out for these essential features:
Drain Style and Location
Carefully examine both drain style and position. Drain types include standard round, rectangular linear, pinhole and trench options. Placement greatly impacts flow of water. An offset drain increases usable space while a centered drain promotes even drainage. But linear or trench drains parallel to entry doors work especially well at preventing water escaping.
Weight Capacity
Check weight ratings and make sure the base can handle users in your household without flexing or buckling. For example, acrylic and fiberglass designs range from supporting 100 to over 500 lbs when properly installed on a solid foundation.
Textured vs Smooth Floor
Textured floors provide crucial slip resistance while smooth floors boast seamless, easy cleaning. Evaluate trade-offs when selecting a surface material. Textured tile or acrylic floors promote traction using peaks and valleys or etched patterns. But smooth acrylic, resin or glass coatings allow seamless transitions and resistance to dirt buildup.
Customization Options
One of the distinct advantages of prefabricated 32" x 46" shower bases is the ability to customize with unique colors, textures, sizes and accessories.
Color
While white remains popular, companies now offer designer colors like biscuit, gray, bone and taupe. Or make it pop with black, bronze or Sterling Silver. Some acrylic bases even provide color-match services to align with existing bath decor.
Texture
Choices like embossed diamond plate, cross-hatch, rice paper, silver marble or wave patterns infuse personality. Smooth finishes are also available for a seamless modern vibe. Consider cleanup, durability and traction when weighing textured vs smooth floors.
Accessibility Features
Look for ADA-compliant bases with easy access ramps, seats, grab bars and non-slip textures if relevant for your needs. Some bases even allow cutting custom access ports for bathing, mobility and safety.
Installation Factors
Proper installation is crucial for both safety and functioning of your new 32" x 46" shower base. Be sure to understand and prepare for these key requirements before purchasing:
Leveling and Support
The base must be fully supported underneath to prevent sagging or cracking. Complete all subfloor prep work like making sure the floor is level and correcting uneven spots. Then install a mortar bed, concrete backerboard or foam foundation providing stable, uniform load distribution.
Plumbing Requirements
Depending on the design, plumbing may need to be roughed into the floor before base installation. Coordinate with manufacturer instructions for proper hole sizing and placement to integrate drain and water supply pipes.
Waterproofing Considerations
Prevent leaks causing extensive water damage and mold growth by properly sealing bases. Methods include using waterproofing membranes beneath the base, sealing corners and edges with silicone, and applying tanking slurry on tile shower walls.
Top Brands for 32 x 46 Shower Bases
With many manufacturers in the market, limiting your selection to reputable brands ensures getting a high-quality 32" x 46" shower base. Below we compare some top options:
DreamLine
DreamLine exclusively focuses on shower doors and bases using premium high-gloss acrylic supported by fiberglass backing. Their QZBS-46324632BK Quad 32" x 46" base for example provides antibacterial brushed stainless steel finished walls and base. It carries a limited lifetime warranty.
KOHLER
Known for innovative plumbing products since 1873, Kohler offers extensive design leadership in bathroom bases. Take advantage of their high-end tile-in KBRS Shower Bases available in over 50 sizes. Made with proprietary 'Hard Core' resin, they guarantee easy cleaning plus mold, mildew and stain resistance.
Committed to quality stone resin products, Swan Stone presents the affordable Athena 32" x 46" shower stall pairing a high-gloss gel coat white finish with decorative textured bottom. Non-porous surfaces wipe clean easily while structural reinforcement prevents flexing.
By weighing the different types, key features, customizations and brands outlined above, you now have the knowledge to confidently shop for a 32" x 46" shower base meeting your needs! Using the latest trends and technologies, today's prefab bases make it simpler than ever to install an eye-catching, durable shower designed for your personal taste and lifestyle. Just determine priorities for budget, aesthetics and functionality, then leverage our tips to find "the one" - start enjoying your dream 32" x 46" base soon!