Corner Shower Bases

Corner shower bases are designed to sit where two walls meet, which makes them a sensible choice when a bathroom has limited floor space or an unusual layout. Tucking the shower into a corner leaves more open floor for the vanity, toilet and storage, and a factory-made base gives you a finished floor with a built-in slope to the drain, so there is no need to build and waterproof a tiled pan. This page brings together corner bases from brands such as Maax and Kohler, with examples like the Neo-Angle Base 40, the Neo-Round Base 32 and the B3X 4236.

Before you choose, think about how the base meets the walls and where the door will open. A neo-angle shape has a cut front corner for a door that faces into the room on the diagonal, while a square or rectangular footprint takes a door or screen on one open side. Check that the drain position lines up with your plumbing rough-in, since moving a drain in a finished floor is costly work, and confirm whether the base you are looking at is offered in a left or right orientation. Colour options on this page include White and Black, so you can match the base to the walls and the rest of the fixtures.

What to check before you buy

• Measure the corner, not just the floor. Measure along each wall from the corner and check the walls are square, since a base that is slightly too wide will not sit flat or seal properly.
• Match the drain to your rough-in. Note where your existing drain is before you shop. A base with a corner, centre or offset drain is far easier to install when it lands over the plumbing you already have.
• Confirm left or right orientation. Stand in the doorway and note which wall the shower will sit against. Product descriptions state whether a base is sold for a left, right or either orientation.
• Plan the door and threshold. Decide early whether you want a pivot, sliding or hinged enclosure, since the shape of the base determines where a door can go and how it will swing.
• Check wall and curb details. Look at how the base edge is finished where it meets the wall panels or tile, and confirm the curb height works for anyone in the household who needs an easy step in.

Related pages and guides

• Shower Bases
• Corner Shower Kits for Small Bathrooms: A Buyer's Guide
• Corner Shower Solutions: Neo-Angle and Curved Options
• Shower Base Sizes: Dimensions and Fit Guide for Canada

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a neo-angle and a square corner base?

A neo-angle base has a cut front corner, so the door sits on the diagonal and faces into the room. A square or rectangular base keeps a straight front, with the door or screen on one open side.

Can a corner shower base also be used in an alcove?

It depends on the specific base. Read the product description, which states whether a base is intended for a corner, an alcove or either, and check how the finished edges are meant to meet the walls.

Do I need to know my drain location before buying?

Yes. Drain position is the detail that most often causes installation trouble, so confirm where your rough-in is and choose a base whose drain lands over it, or budget for a plumber to relocate it.