Maximize Bathroom Space with Shower Bases

Bathtubs and showers are the plumbing industry's peanut butter and chocolate, the yin and the yang, the soap and water -- they are the perfect pair.

As a bathtub supply dealer, is it beneficial to carry shower bases along with other bathroom products? 

There are many reasons why it could be beneficial to your business to offer shower bases in your product line. Customers who are building new homes, remodeling existing homes, or just looking to update their current bathroom may seek help from a bathtub supply dealer in selecting the right shower base for their plans. Bathtub supply dealers can provide a value-added service to customers by helping them pick the right style for maximizing bathroom space, updating their overall style, improving the functionality of their bathroom, and more.  

What factors should homeowners consider when selecting a shower base? 

1. Bathroom design

2. Durability

3. Material used in manufacturing

4. Adaptability

Of course, personal preference and lifestyle will influence the final decision, but there are a few other considerations you can help your customers think through regarding shower bases. First, be sure to have a clear understanding of the design plan for the bathroom. Ask questions and look at any photos or sketches they have, so you can show a variety of options that fit with their desired look. 

When your customer has narrowed the selection, it’s time to talk about durability. Talk through the construction quality of the shower bases and the materials used to make them. Help customers understand how different types of materials wear (or don’t wear) over time. Additionally, if your customer or someone in their household has mobility issues, consider whether the materials are appropriate for helping to prevent slipping and falling. Many shower bases have an anti-slip texture for safety. 

The materials used in the shower base are also important factors in how simple or difficult maintenance and upkeep will be. Some surfaces will be easier to clean than others, and how they’re made will make a difference in how well they work to prevent dirt, mold, and bacteria from building up. In general, shower bases made with more porous materials will have a greater tendency to stain and may be more prone to letting mold and mildew build-up. Smooth, nonporous materials, such as the acrylic used in Jetta shower bases, can help with easier cleaning and stronger resistance to unwanted buildup. 

In addition to the practical aspects, today’s customers care about the greater impact of their purchases. Not only is maximizing bathroom space or upgrading an outdated look important, the sustainability of the products they purchase is important too. Bathroom supply dealers who provide information on the sustainability practices of product manufacturers or share resources regarding earth-friendly materials and production processes gain increased trust and loyalty from their customers. 

Finally, the adaptability of the shower base to the design of the bathroom will contribute a lot to the final decision. Today’s bathtub supply dealers will find a vast selection of shower bases available to suit all budget considerations and taste preferences and can help their customers make sure they choose just the right shape to maximize bathroom space, look great, improve the functionality of the bathroom, and more. 

What is important to the shower base installer?

The quality of the construction of the shower base influences the success of the installation. There are key features to Jetta shower bases that make us the trusted brand of shower base installers: protective packaging, no-flex construction, tile flange, and the no-seam design. Protective packaging ensures the shower base arrives in pristine condition. Preventing product damage keeps jobs on schedule. The no-flex construction comes from a very solid and supportive backing behind the seamless acrylic. Many shower bases are made with support grids because the product is weak and will not hold the weight of a person without flexing under the weight. A side-by-side comparison with a Jetta shower base reveals an obvious quality difference. The integral tile flange directs water flow down the drain where it belongs for a leak-free shower. And the seamless design means there are no cracks for water to penetrate, and cleaning is quick and easy.

What shower base shapes work best in different types of bathrooms? 

Of course, personal preference and lifestyle will influence the final decision, but there are a few other considerations you A few of the shapes available to your customers include: 

Square. Easily the most common option for smaller bathrooms, square shower bases work well in corners to maximize space and the overall functionality of the room. An added perk of square shower bases is their adaptability to many different types of shower doors, including bi-fold, sliding, hinged, and pivot. 

Rectangle. For bathrooms with a bit more square footage or replacing a bathtub in a remodel, a rectangular shower base may be a great option. They provide a more spacious and luxurious showering experience, with more room to add extra design features such as shelves, niches, or other personal preferences. Rectangle shower bases can also work in some smaller spaces when installed with a sliding door. 

Giving your customers the opportunity to explore stylish shower base options in your showroom or retail space can be a great added sales opportunity and a way to increase their loyalty to you as a trusted resource for helpful information and quality bathroom products. Bathroom designs offer so many opportunities to add in interesting and creative touches - and you can be an important part of your customer’s journey to the bathroom they’ll love for many years to come.