The best thing about solid surface shower pans is that they don't leak. They come in standard sizes; not all sizes offered meet code for the required floor area even if they are 30" wide, so check to make sure yours does.
As far as I know, you can get solid surface plastic ones, like Corian or Swanstone, or terrazzo stone ones by Florestone. If you want the walls to match the floor, stick to the same manufacturer for both.
I have not watched an installation, but I know you need a solid, flat, completely debris-free substrate.
Some manufacturers have certified installers, which may be reassuring.
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Judith Wasserman AIA
Bressack & Wasserman
Palo Alto CA
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-27-2020 20:50
From: James White
Subject: question re: solid surface shower enclosures
John, I recently oversaw the installation of solid surfacing for the walls of patient room bathrooms in a regional hospital and offer the following based on my experience:
1. Consider this material as you would for large format tile that is not fully bound to the substrate. Provide a tile backer substrate with properly treated substrate joints and fastener heads. If you use cementitious tile backer, the manufacturers recommend a MRB behind the tile backer.
2. The panels are adhered to the substrate with intermittent dabs of silicone sealant. This results in a small vertical gap between the back of the panel and the substrate. This gap shows up at penetrations like the holes cut for plumbing. Seal the gap around the perimeter of all holes & penetrations between the back of the solid surface panels and the substrate.
3. The solid surface panel joints depend on sealant for waterproofing - don't trust sealant as the waterproofing. The primary waterproofing barrier is your tile backer substrate.
Can't help you with the solid surface shower pan. No experience with this product for that application.
Jim White AIA
Watts A&E
Buffalo, NY
Sent from my iPhone
Original Message------
I have a residential project for which I want to specify solid-surface side walls, and a solid shower pan. Anyone have a recommendation? I've never used these products before and the choices are many. It's also nearly impossible to go to shops to see the products. Thanks.
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