Step Into a Sleek New Showering Experience With a 5-Foot Base
Are you dreaming of a bathroom oasis? A spa-like space to relax and rejuvenate? With an elegant new 5-foot shower base, it's easier to achieve than you may think. These preformed shower foundations open up small bathrooms and deliver hotel style luxury in one seamless install.
5-foot shower bases offer all the bells and whistles without a gut renovation. Read on to discover how a 5-foot base can transform tiled walls into a sleek, contemporary showpiece.
What is a 5-Foot Shower Base?
A 5-foot shower base provides the ready-made floor for a spacious walk-in shower. The plastic or acrylic pan measures 60 inches wide by 31 inches deep to fit snugly into a standard bathtub space. With a low or curbless threshold, the large floor promotes accessibility and easy entry. Attractive grate designs add style while allowing water to drain freely.
Dimensions and Key Features
On top of ample proportions, 5-foot shower bases tout user-friendly traits like:
- Slip-resistant textured floors
- Center drain placement
- Grate or solid surface options
- Works with any shower door or curtain style
Benefits Over Bathtubs
By switching out a dated soaking tub to install new pan and walls, homeowners net sought-after advantages:
- More open, airy feels
- Step-free entry for all ages and abilities
- Freedom to customize with trendy tiles, stone, or glass
- Space for built-in shower seats or accessories
Reasons to Install a 5-Foot Shower Base
There are many motivations for installing a 5-foot shower base. First, it allows for accessible bathing as homeowners age in place. The ultra-low threshold makes entering and exiting safe and easy without climbing over a high tub wall or leaning down into a narrow stall.
Stylish shower bases also lend contemporary elegance to dated bathrooms during remodeling projects. Choose from crisp whites, soothing neutrals or dynamic colors and patterns to set the scene. With sleek fittings and glass doors, enjoy an airy oasis without the need for a full gut job.
Tub-to-Shower Conversions
When safety and accessibility become concerns, converting a standard tub to an open shower reigns supreme. Walk-in 5-foot shower bases allow easy access with or without mobility devices.
By keeping the same footprint, installation is simplified. After removing the old tub, fit the new pan using minimal reframing. Then build out fresh walls and specialty features to complete your accessible sanctuary.
Bathroom Remodeling
Upgrading bathrooms rank as one of the most popular remodeling projects today. Homeowners spend an average of $6,000 on minor remodels and up to $25,000 for luxury suites.
Set your sights on spa-style relaxation with a 5-foot shower base establishment. While less costly than moving plumbing fixtures, the big impact creates a relaxing oasis. Install a rainfall showerhead, contempo glass doors, sleek recessed lighting and more.
Small Bathroom Expansions
Even the tightest spaces can benefit from 5-foot shower bases. Opting for frameless doors rather than curtains prevents encroaching on the room. Meanwhile, neutral tones and natural light keep cramped baths feeling open and breezy.
What to Expect With Installation
Installing a luxe preformed shower base takes planning - but pays off tenfold.
First, the original tub needs to be safely extracted. After disconnecting plumbing lines, cut away any caulking or adhesive. Then remove the tub lip by tapping carefully to free the tub. Use pry bars and sledges to ease it out without damaging existing walls or floors.
Installing New Shower Base
With the footprint clear, lower the acrylic 5-foot pan into place. Waterproof and secure it by applying adhesive around the rim where it meets walls and floor. Surrounding areas will also need sealing before applying any finished surface.
Connect the drain pipe to complete plumbing prep. Consider installing a center drain for maximum flow.
Building Surrounding Walls
Construct new walls with moisture-defying backerboard, especially if opting for sleek tiles or natural stone. Use supporting frames and appropriate fasteners. Factor in any recessed shelving, corner seats, or specialty niches at this point.
Finally, infuse your unique style by tiling, painting or paneling the walls and accessorizing to perfection.
Choosing the Right 5-Foot Shower Base
With top brands like Kohler, Sterling, DreamLine and more producing models, review comparisons to find your ideal match. Beyond dimensions, assess options from grate patterns to special built-ins.
Brand Comparisons
Leading manufacturers offer 5-foot bases with similar sizing but varying materials and grille choices. Compare warranties before investing since quality correlates to coverage duration. Though pricing fluctuates, expect to budget $500-$2000 depending on features.
Design Styles
Neutral shades like glossy white and bisque promote a clean, bright ambiance. Or make a statement with polka dot, maritime blue, or lava rock composite patterns. Consider interior finish too - smooth bases suit walk-in needs while textured anti-slip versions provide added grip.
Specialty Features
ADA-height seating, metallic inlaid designs, specialty finishes like Mother of Pearl - options abound for custom 5-foot shower bases. Choose puzzle-piece grate panels for easy cleaning or non-slip ridge construction. Envision corner caddies, recessed soap trays, even waterproof Bluetooth sound systems!
Dreaming of an at-home spa sanctuary? Acrylic 5-foot shower bases bridge the budget gap. Their adaptable size suits most bathrooms for upgraded accessibility and style at a fraction of full remodel costs.
Beyond a fresh shower aesthetic, the boost in space rejuvenates users each day. By opening your bathroom horizons to this simple swap, ensure every future soak and steam feels like a luxurious escape.