By JMC Design Build Remodel | Serving Morris County, NJ and Beyond
When remodeling your bathroom, one of the most important, and most overlooked, choices is the type of shower pan you select. The shower base forms the foundation of your shower, influencing not only the look and feel of the space but also its functionality, durability, and safety.
At JMC, we guide clients through the full scope of remodeling decisions, including shower pan types, materials, and entry options, so you don’t have to spend hours researching on your own.
Let’s break it all down and help you make the best choice for your next bathroom remodel.
Shower pans come in two main categories: prefabricated (commonly called prefab) and custom-built. Each has its place depending on you, your design goals, investment range, and bathroom layout.
Prefabricated shower pans are mass-produced units available in specific sizes and materials. They’re usually the most cost-effective option, especially for secondary bathrooms or basement remodels. But there are trade-offs in terms of customization and longevity.
These are among the most affordable prefab options on the market, but also the most problematic in the long run. Most homeowners refer to them as “plastic pans”, and if you've ever had a shower floor that never looks clean no matter how much you scrub, you're likely dealing with one.
Composite pans stain easily, are hard to maintain, and typically have the shortest lifespan among shower base materials. They’re often used in builder-grade bathrooms or in rental properties due to their low cost.
At the higher end of the prefab spectrum, cast iron pans offer improved durability and are less prone to staining. They hold up better over time and give a heavier, more substantial feel underfoot. But there’s a catch, they’re only available in a few standard sizes, which limits their use in custom layouts or modern bath designs.
Prefab shower pans are built to fit the “average” bathroom. That means:
At JMC, we’ve found that one of the most requested changes in modern bathroom remodeling is a larger, more open shower. Prefab pans simply don’t offer that kind of flexibility, which is why many homeowners choose to go custom.
Custom-made shower pans are designed and built onsite to fit your bathroom's exact layout. This approach is perfect for homeowners who want a luxury bath remodel, need special accessibility features, or want to maximize space.
Custom pans are usually crafted from high-end materials such as:
The process involves forming the base, waterproofing it with professional systems like Schluter or Wedi board, and finishing it with your chosen surface material.
For homeowners remodeling a master bathroom or seeking high-end finishes, this option offers superior long-term value and design freedom.
After choosing your shower pan type, the next important decision is how you'll enter the shower. This affects functionality, accessibility, and overall bathroom flow. At JMC, we always walk you through these decisions during our design-build remodeling process.
A curb is the raised edge that keeps water inside the shower area. In traditional designs, it’s about 5" high and 6" wide, requiring you to step over it to enter the shower.
This works fine for many homeowners, but for those with mobility issues, it can be difficult or even dangerous. That’s why JMC often recommends a modified curb, especially in aging-in-place designs. We can reduce the curb’s height and depth to make the entry easier and safer without sacrificing water containment.
With prefabricated pans, the curb is already molded into the base. This type of entry is usually lower than a traditional custom-built curb and is relatively easy to step over.
However, prefab options still suffer from their core limitation, lack of size and layout flexibility. At JMC, most of our clients opt against prefab bases unless they’re remodeling a basement bathroom or guest bath with minimal daily use.
This is the top-tier choice for both luxury and accessibility. A curbless shower eliminates the step entirely. The bathroom floor slopes subtly into the shower to direct water toward a linear or center drain.
This design offers several key benefits:
In most JMC projects, we use a simple glass panel to separate the shower area rather than a full door. This creates an open, airy feel and supports a true spa-like atmosphere, exactly what many homeowners want in a primary bath remodel.
The right shower pan and entry style depends on:
At JMC Design Build Remodel, we’ve been remodeling bathrooms in Morris County, NJ and surrounding areas for over 40 years. We don’t just install what’s easiest, we design bathrooms that work for your lifestyle, your family, and your future.
Call JMC Design Build Remodel for your Morris County remodeling needs at (973) 386-0707 or visit our website to schedule a consultation. You can also make an appointment to stop by our showroom to explore materials, view shower pan samples, and discuss your vision with our in-house designer.
Whether you're building your dream master bath or updating a guest suite, JMC delivers remodeling solutions that are functional, beautiful, and built to last.