I’m looking at a bathroom remodel involving a small, custom-size shower. As an alternative to a tile floor, I’m wondering about custom solid surface (Corian, Swanstone, etc.) bases. I did one of these a few years ago, and while it was costly, it did streamline the process.
Has anyone had recent experiences with this type of base? Where did you get it? How did it go?
Thanks!
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.
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Replies
I did two of these last year, one had tile walls and the other used the solid surface walls, both bases were Swanstone purchased from my local plumbing supplier. Just for kicks, I priced them at HD and they were much more expensive and they were not very familiar with the product BIG SURPRISE :) My initial reaction to the white base was that it was the same as an acrylic base except more $$. They are as simple as putting in fiberglass or acrylic bases and include the drains. I read somewhere on this site that a Swanstone rep said not to use the cement mix under the base...so I didn't....no callbacks so far...but the thought of a rocking base does pop into by head now and then. If I did it again, I would tell the customer to spring for the swanstone only if they want a color not available in acrylic or want swanstone walls as well. I would also use a cement mix underneath regardless of the reps suggestions.
Thanks, Dante! Were these stock size bases? I talked to a local Swanstone distributor and he said they only do standard sizes. It looks like I am going to need custom sizing.
Thanks again.
Al
How about cultured marble?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Cultured marble is a possibility. Where do you get yours? What brand products have you liked? I'm assuming many of these things come from a major supplier and a local shop does the custom assembly as is done with solid surface tops with integral sinks.
Al
Marblelite is a Brand from southern Mi. (from me, the shop is there), they do an overpriced custom base and / or sides. We also have a small shop, locally owned that does the same thing. If you're located anywhere near a metro area, I would think you would have a small shop around.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
Thanks, Calvin. I checked Marbelite on the web. They have nice stuff, but seem to be limited to Michigan. I'll look for a silmilar outfit close to me.
Al
I was just looking at web sites for American Standard and Lasco. Both recommend bedding material under their bases such as plaster, grout or mortar, but not concrete. I'm guessing they don't want the lumpy aggregate under there.
Al
I knew it wasn't concrete, I was just at a loss for the name of the stuff I use...Gypsolite. To answer your other question, they were stock size bases. I am guessing you do not have the option of altering your stall size, If I remember correctly there were 20 or so sizes.
I went back to double-check the measurements last night. It looks like a standard 32x32 will work. A 32x36 would be ideal if I can find one.
I've usually used Structolite as a bedding material. It's a plaster material with a light-weight filler.
These stock bases seem to cost about $400-$500. Considering the time and materials spent on a real tile floor and the ease of cleaning compared to all the grout with 2x2 tiles, these bases make sense to me for a basic bathroom.
Al Mollitor, Sharon MA
You might want to consider one of these prefab units from Bonsal if you decide to go the tile route.
http://www.bonsal.com/tilepage.html?sid=1714
Al,
I have installed quite a few Corian shower bases, some as large as 6 feet long. They used to be really heavy but now they can be made with a foam filler on the bottom, saving weight and material. Obviously the advantages are custom sizing and cool colors. A disadvantage besides cost is that it scratches quite easily, and in order to keep it from getting really slippery you can only use up to about 220 grit sanding discs, so the inside of it may not be as bright and shiny as the outside if you buff to a higher finish.
They are pretty easy to install but if you are going to use full height panels, you may want to email me for some tips on what to do. I wouldn't be afraid to build one from scratch at this point. If you do, make sure you've got your drain parts first, and rout the drain hole with those parts in mind, as they can vary in thickness. Get some color matching caulk too.
Good luck,
MD