Bathroom Remodel Planning: Why Shower Pan Size Should Be Your Starting Point

Homeowners often begin their bathroom remodel journey by focusing on the fun stuff, such as shower wall patterns, vanity styles, and faucet finishes. And while those design choices matter, they’re not where your remodel should begin. The truth is, your shower pan size quietly sets the tone for the entire project. Choose the wrong size, and you could face plumbing conflicts, layout issues, or expensive changes midstream.

In this blog, we’ll explain why your shower pan size should be the first decision you make during bathroom remodel planning, how it affects every phase of your remodel, and how Sentrel helps you start smart with contractor-friendly options and flexible sizing.

Why Shower Pan Size Is the Best Starting Point of Bathroom Remodel Planning

Before you start browsing paint colors or selecting fixtures, you need to lock in your shower footprint. That one choice informs your wall layout, drain location, waterproofing plan, and overall bathroom flow.

Everything Builds Around the Pan

Think of your shower pan as the anchor of your layout. Its size and shape dictate more than you might expect, including:

Where you place walls and how much space they occupy
How and where wall panels need to be cut or trimmed
The placement of the drain and whether it aligns with your plumbing
How far the shower door will swing open, and whether it obstructs other fixtures
Whether there’s enough room to move freely in and out of the shower

When you choose your pan size first, the rest of the design can take shape with greater precision and fewer surprises.

One Wrong Size Can Set You Back

A base that’s too large may crowd the room or force fixture relocations. One that’s too small might not meet code or leave awkward gaps between the walls and pan.

And it’s not just about fit. If your pan doesn’t match your layout, you may run into:

Plumbing misalignments that require costly rerouting
Wall panel systems that don’t align properly
Shower doors that no longer fit the opening
Last-minute reorders, delays, or even full-scale redesigns

How to Choose Your Shower Pan Size Wisely

Pan size selection isn’t just about getting your measurements right. It’s about anticipating how your bathroom will function. Here’s how to make sure you get it right the first time.

Measure the Space, Not Just the Walls

Start by measuring the distance between the studs where the pan will be placed, not just the finished walls. This gives you the rough opening needed to select the correct pan.

Also note any obstructions like window sills, radiators, or angled ceilings. Record the existing drain location and inspect the subfloor to ensure it’s level and stable enough to support a new pan.

And don’t forget the finishing layers, either. The wallboard and panel thickness will impact your final layout.

Consider Accessibility and Use

When choosing your shower pan size, it’s important to think beyond fit alone. Think about who will be using the space. For families with young children or older adults, a low-threshold or barrier-free base can offer safer, more convenient access. Wider pans can also improve maneuverability and help smaller bathrooms feel more open and comfortable.

Plan Drain Location Early

As you already know, drain alignment plays a major role in base selection. This section serves as a quick reminder: confirming your drain location before ordering the pan helps avoid layout conflicts or unnecessary plumbing adjustments. Sentrel makes things easier by offering customizable drain placements, which means you can match the pan to the existing plumbing and move forward without added demo or rerouting.

Sentrel makes it easy to start your remodel with the right foundation. Explore our wide selection of shower bases designed for fast installs, flexible drain options, and reliable performance in any space.

Our Shower Bases

How Pan Size Affects the Rest of Your Remodel

Once you’ve chosen the right pan, you can plan every other element of your bathroom and avoid common installation surprises.

Wall Panels and Waterproofing

Your wall system needs to be cut and installed to match the pan. If the dimensions are off, you may trim panels too short, cut into seams, or create uneven transitions.

Sentrel’s wall panels are engineered to pair with our bases, making it easier to align seams, apply adhesives without gaps or stress points, and create a watertight system that looks seamless.

Fixtures, Niches, and Glass Doors

A mismatched pan can force your fixtures and finishes into awkward places. Pan size plays a major role in determining where:

Faucets and shower heads line up
Niches or shelving can be cut into the wall
Glass doors will swing or slide without obstruction

Choosing your base first ensures your accessories don’t clash with your footprint.

Shower Pan Options to Match Any Remodel

No two remodels are exactly alike. That’s why Sentrel offers a wide selection of shower bases that are engineered for renovation realities and new builds alike.

A Variety of Standard Sizes

Popular base sizes like 30×60, 32×60, and 36×36 are designed to fit common layouts, including alcove and corner configurations. Sentrel’s bases are sized with framing, wall thickness, and real-world conditions in mind to minimize on-site surprises.

Custom Drain Placement Available

Do you need a pan with a non-standard drain location? Sentrel offers drain customization on many models, making it easy to match your existing plumbing setup without costly reroutes.

This feature is especially useful in:

Older homes with fixed infrastructure
Multi-unit buildings where jackhammering isn’t an option
Remodels with tight timelines and zero tolerance for delays

Ideal for Contractors and DIY Remodelers Alike

Every Sentrel base is:

Flat-packed for easier transport up stairs or through tight doorways
Built for quick installation without complex tools
Designed to integrate seamlessly with Sentrel wall panels and accessories

Mistakes to Avoid During Bathroom Remodel Planning

Avoiding common missteps can help you save time, money, and plenty of headaches.

Don’t Choose the Pan Last

If you delay pan selection until other decisions are made, you may find yourself boxed in, literally. Your layout may not allow for your preferred features, or you may need to reorder key components to accommodate the base.

Pick the pan early so everything else falls into place.

Avoid Off-Brand Mismatches

Mixing shower bases and wall systems from different manufacturers can cause serious alignment issues. Panels may not fit the flange correctly, seams may look uneven, and waterproofing can be compromised.

Sentrel’s complete shower system solutions help you ensure consistency and compatibility.

Don’t Ignore Drain Location Until Install Day

A base that doesn’t match your drain location is more than inconvenient. It can lead to:

Costly subfloor demolition
Delays from plumbing adjustments
Failed inspections due to poor slope or placement

Sentrel’s customizable options make it easier to match your site conditions from the start.

Build a Better Bathroom From the Base Up

Bathroom remodel planning works best when you start from the bottom. Selecting your shower pan size first creates a clear path for plumbing, layout, accessibility, and design. Skip this step, and you risk setbacks that compromise the timeline and your vision.

Sentrel makes it easy to start smart. With versatile base sizes, drain placement flexibility, and a fully integrated shower system, you get everything you need for a faster, cleaner, and built-to-last remodel.

Explore our products today and build your next project on a better foundation.