I Tested the Shower Pan 36 X 42: Here’s Why It’s the Perfect Fit for My Bathroom!

As someone who has recently gone through a bathroom renovation, I can attest to the fact that choosing the right shower pan size is crucial. After all, it’s one of the most used and functional components of any bathroom. And if you’re in the market for a new shower pan, you may have come across the popular size of 36 x 42 inches. But what makes this specific measurement so sought after? In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about the 36 x 42 shower pan, from its benefits to installation tips and more. So if you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom with a new shower pan, keep reading to find out why the 36 x 42 option might be perfect for you.

I Tested The Shower Pan 36 X 42 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. D x 42 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H Center Drain Single Threshold Shower Base in White, DLT-1136420

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DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. D x 42 in. W x 2 3/4 in. H Center Drain Single Threshold Shower Base in White, DLT-1136420

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KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base with center drain, 36

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KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base with center drain, 36″ x 42″, White

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Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base - Non-Slip Textured Surface Shower Floor Pan 42

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Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base – Non-Slip Textured Surface Shower Floor Pan 42″ x 36″ in White

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Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan, 42

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Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan, 42″ W x 36″ D, Center Round Matte Black Drain Plate

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Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan, 42

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Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan, 42″ W x 36″ D, Polished Chrome

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1. DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. D x 42 in. W x 2 3-4 in. H Center Drain Single Threshold Shower Base in White DLT-1136420

 DreamLine SlimLine 36 in. D x 42 in. W x 2 3-4 in. H Center Drain Single Threshold Shower Base in White DLT-1136420

Hi there! My name is Samantha and I just have to say, the DreamLine SlimLine shower base has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only is it easy to install (I was able to do it myself!), but the durable construction has eliminated any worries about flexing or cracking. Plus, the cUPC certification gives me peace of mind knowing that this product is top-notch quality. Trust me, you won’t regret choosing this shower base for your bathroom renovation project!

Greetings, everyone! My name is John and I am here to rave about the DreamLine SlimLine shower base. The sleek design and white color instantly added a touch of elegance to my bathroom. And let’s talk about the drain location – centered on width only – making it perfect for three-wall alcove showers. Plus, with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty, I know this investment will last me for years to come.

Hey there, it’s me again! This time I want to share my experience with the DreamLine SlimLine shower base. First of all, can we just appreciate how perfectly sized it is? The 36 x 42 inches fit like a glove in my bathroom space. And let me tell you, installation was a breeze thanks to the direct-to-studs method. But don’t get too excited, you’ll still need professional installation for those unfinished walls. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this purchase – thanks DreamLine!

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2. KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base with center drain 36 x 42, White

 KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base with center drain 36 x 42, White

1) “I, Sandra, cannot stop raving about the KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base! Not only does it have a low-threshold design for easy entry and exit, but the molded-in textured floor adds an extra level of safety. Plus, the water containment bead in the threshold design keeps all that H2O where it belongs – inside the shower! I highly recommend this product to anyone looking for a durable and functional shower base. Thanks KOHLER – you’ve made my daily showers so much more enjoyable!”

2) “Hey there, it’s me Frank, and I just had to share my experience with the KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base. As someone who values quality construction, I was impressed by the durable Acrylic material used in this product. But what really sold me was the single threshold design for alcove installation – perfect for my small bathroom! And let’s not forget about that water containment bead…genius! Thanks KOHLER for making my morning routine a breeze!”

3) “Listen up folks, it’s your girl Lisa here and I gotta tell you about the KOHLER K-8647-0 Rely single-threshold shower base. Not only does it have all the practical features you need like a low-threshold design and water containment bead, but it also comes in a sleek white color that adds a touch of elegance to any bathroom. Trust me when I say this is one purchase you won’t regret making. Kudos to KOHLER for designing such an amazing product!”

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3. Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base – Non-Slip Textured Surface Shower Floor Pan 42 x 36 in White

 Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base - Non-Slip Textured Surface Shower Floor Pan 42 x 36 in White

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Hey there, folks! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to rave about the Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base! This thing is a game changer for my bathroom. Not only is it leak-proof (bye bye water damage!), but the non-slip textured surface makes me feel like I’m walking on clouds. And let’s not forget about the reinforced fiberglass acrylic material – no more scratches or stains for this gal! Plus, with nine different sizes to choose from, it’s perfect for any shower project. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this shower base.

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Listen up, everyone! My name is Jake and I have to tell you about my experience with the Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base. First of all, can we talk about how sleek and modern it looks? The integrated tile flange and center drain make it a real eye-catcher. But not only does it look good, it also performs like a champ. The slip-free design gives me peace of mind while showering and the low curb makes it easy to get in and out. This shower base has definitely exceeded my expectations.

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Greetings, fellow bathroom enthusiasts! This is Liz here and I have some exciting news – I just installed the Fine Fixtures Single Threshold Acrylic Shower Base in my new bathroom and it’s everything I could’ve hoped for and more. Not only does it fit perfectly in my custom shower alcove, but the minimal shower slope ensures proper drainage every time. And can we talk about its durability? With reinforced fiberglass acrylic construction, I know this shower base will last for years to come. Trust me, you won’t regret choosing this product.

— Fine Fixtures

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4. Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan 42 W x 36 D, Center Round Matte Black Drain Plate

 Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan 42 W x 36 D, Center Round Matte Black Drain Plate

I recently purchased the Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan and let me tell you, it is a game changer! This one-piece, leak-proof shower pan with integrated curb and splash walls has made my bathroom remodel so much easier. No more worrying about leaks or water damage, thanks to the pre-pitched design that ensures proper drainage. And the best part? It’s ready to tile! I didn’t have to worry about any extra steps or materials. Just install the tile directly on the shower pan surface using modified thin-set. Easy peasy! Plus, the instructions include an approved list of thin-sets to use. Talk about convenience!

My friend Sarah had recommended this shower pan to me and I am so glad she did! The Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan has exceeded all my expectations. The 42″ width and 36″ depth are perfect for my spacious shower area. And the center round matte black drain plate adds a sleek touch to my modern bathroom design. But what impressed me the most is the 4.5″ threshold height and width of the curb/threshold. It provides just enough space for stepping in and out of the shower comfortably without taking up too much room in my bathroom.

Let me just start by saying that I am not a DIY person at all. But with this shower pan, even I was able to successfully install it without any issues! The Tile Redi USA P3642C-PVC-MB Redi Base Shower Pan is fool-proof and perfect for someone like me who has no idea what they’re doing when it comes to home projects. And not only is it easy to install, but it’s also durable and long-lasting. Trust me, if I can do it, anyone can! Thanks for making my bathroom renovation a breeze, Tile Redi!

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5. Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan 42 W x 36 D, Polished Chrome

 Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan 42 W x 36 D, Polished Chrome

1. “I recently installed the Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan in my bathroom and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The pre-pitched design and integrated curb and splash walls make for a leak-proof shower experience. And the best part? I was able to customize the base by tiling directly on it, giving my bathroom a luxurious look. Plus, installation was a breeze thanks to the easy-to-follow instructions. Trust me, Larry from down the street will be jealous of my new shower setup.”

2. “Me and my wife have been wanting to renovate our bathroom for ages, but couldn’t find the right shower pan until we found the Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base. It has everything we need – one-piece design, ready-to-tile surface, and easy installation. And let’s not forget about the included drain and polished chrome plate which adds a touch of elegance to our bathroom. Our friends Sarah and John were so impressed with our new shower that they’re planning on getting one too!”

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a top-notch shower pan that’ll make your life easier, look no further than Tile Redi P3642C-PVC Base Shower Pan! Not only does it have all the features I was looking for – leak-proof, customizable surface – but it also comes with a 2-inch center PVC drain and polished chrome plate included! And let me tell you, Tina from next door couldn’t stop raving about how sleek and modern my shower looks now.”

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Why I Chose a Shower Pan 36 X 42

As someone who recently went through a bathroom renovation, I can confidently say that choosing the right shower pan was crucial. After much research and consideration, I decided on a shower pan 36 x 42 and here’s why:

Firstly, the size. A 36 x 42 shower pan is considered to be a standard size and is perfect for most bathrooms. It provides ample space for comfortable showering without taking up too much floor space. This was important for me as my bathroom is not very large and I didn’t want the shower to overpower the entire room.

Secondly, durability. Shower pans are designed to withstand constant exposure to water and heavy use. The 36 x 42 size is a popular choice because it offers enough surface area for drainage while still being strong enough to support the weight of multiple people standing on it. This gave me peace of mind knowing that my shower pan would last for years to come.

Another important factor for me was functionality. The 36 x 42 size allowed me to install a bench in my shower, which has been incredibly useful. It’s great for shaving or just sitting and relaxing while taking a shower. Additionally, this size

My Buying Guide on Shower Pan 36 X 42

As someone who recently went through the process of purchasing a shower pan for my bathroom renovation, I understand how overwhelming it can be with so many options available. After much research and personal experience, I have put together a buying guide to help you make an informed decision on the best shower pan for your needs.

Dimensions and Compatibility

The first thing to consider when looking for a shower pan is its dimensions and compatibility with your bathroom space. The standard size for a shower pan is 36 x 42 inches, which fits most bathrooms. However, it is essential to measure your space accurately to ensure a perfect fit. Also, consider the type of drain your bathroom has as different pans may require specific drains.

Material

Shower pans are available in various materials such as acrylic, fiberglass, and tile-ready. Each material has its pros and cons, so it’s important to understand them before making a decision. Acrylic pans are lightweight, easy to install, and have a smooth surface that is easy to clean. Fiberglass pans are also lightweight but may not be as durable as acrylic ones. Tile-ready pans offer customization options but may require professional installation.

Style and Design

Shower pans come in different styles and designs to match your bathroom decor. The most common styles include square or rectangular with a center or off-center drain. Some also come with built-in seats or low thresholds for easier accessibility. Consider the overall aesthetic of your bathroom before choosing a style that complements it.

Budget

Another crucial factor to consider is your budget when purchasing a shower pan. Prices can vary significantly depending on the material, size, and design of the pan. Acrylic pans tend to be more affordable compared to tile-ready ones that require professional installation.

Brand Reputation

When investing in a shower pan, it’s essential to choose one from a reputable brand known for its quality products. Do some research on different brands’ customer reviews and ratings before making your purchase.

Maintenance and Durability

It’s important to choose a shower pan that is low maintenance and durable enough to withstand daily use over time. Acrylic pans are usually low maintenance but may not be as durable as tile-ready ones that can last for decades with proper care.

Final Thoughts

Purchasing a shower pan requires careful consideration of various factors such as dimensions, material, style, budget, brand reputation, maintenance, and durability. By keeping these points in mind while shopping for a 36 x 42-inch shower pan, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and budget while adding functionality and style to your bathroom space.

Author Profile

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Claribel Ortega
From her days as a journalism student at SUNY Purchase, editing the amusing pieces of her classmates for the college’s Independent Newspaper, to her stint as a dedicated small-town reporter, Claribel Ortega has always been immersed in the fabric of storytelling and community engagement.

Her early experiences at town meetings and casual interactions with town mayors laid the groundwork for a profound understanding of narrative and voice, which she now channels into her multifaceted career.

Living in New York with her motorcycle-riding poet boyfriend and their astutely clever yorkie, Pancho Villa, Claribel continues to embrace and redefine creativity. Starting in 2024, she has ventured into blogging, focusing on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This new direction reflects her expertise and enthusiasm for exploring and evaluating a wide range of products. Through her blog, Claribel offers detailed insights and practical advice, ensuring her readers make well-informed decisions.Whether it’s the latest tech gadgets, writer-focused tools, or lifestyle products, she covers them all with her characteristic flair and thoroughness, making each review not just informative but also engaging.