Copper or the plastic type liner? Or are they 6 of one half dozen the other?
Thanks.

They are not same, for sure.

Cost is the big deal. Copper will be far more expensive to install. Check out the link below John... see what you think after that. I only install copper pan in million dollar homes. For most home, membrane type is just fine.

How to Build a Shower Pan (http://www.hoagy.org/house/HowToBuildShowerPan.html)

Get back to us with any questions.

If this helped please RATE THIS ASNWER. Thank you... Mark

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Copper or the plastic type liner? Copper and lead pans develop leaks after time. We use a heavy grade of Plastic Compiseal for our pans and haven't ever had to replace any we've installed because they failed. Good luck, Tom

Sounds like the membrane might be the easier way to go for me.
Thanks...

Actually John a redi-made shower floor is the easiest way to go. I am all for DIY projects and all of us around here are ready to help you out. A properly built shower pan isn't the best starter type project for most remodelers. I have seen many pros who screwed up some where along the line especially in setting the drain. I install Swanstone shower floors a lot and suggest you give it a thought. Swanstone Products: SWF (http://www.swanstoneproducts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SP&Category_Code=SWFN)

Sounds like the membrane might be the easier way to go for me.
Thanks....

If you decide to go with a membrane system, do yourself a favor; Do a threshold test of the membrane before installing the mud bed and tile.

Block the drain with a 2" mechanical plug and fill the base with water all the way up to the threshold and let sit overnight -- Loss of water, obvious signs of water below and tiny air bubbles are signs of membrane failure.

John:

I really don't need to add anything except that I agree with Bob, that a pre-molded shower floor is probably best here (see Bob's link)... just be sure to install in a bed of structolite gypsum plaster (see pic.) OR similar (modified thinset mortar). Helps to level, helps reduce squeaks, fatiguing of premolded floor, etc.

If going custom pan.. Iamgrowler and speedball1 and me (I bet Bob, too) all agree that you need to test the pan by plugging drain off after membrane installed using 2"cherne test ball.. I just wanted to give you pic.--->>see pic.

Keep us posted as you have... Thanks... Mark

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