Choosing the wrong shower base is the easy mistake most remodelers make first. The 60 x 32 shower base is often picked for looks, not drain location or threshold height, and that one oversight can add days to installation and months of annoying water pooling. You need the right size, drain position, and a low threshold that actually makes entry easier, not riskier.
Swiss Madison Voltaire promises a low single threshold and a left-hand drain in a 60 x 32 footprint that fits many tub-to-shower conversions and bathroom remodels. But is it the practical upgrade your bathroom needs?
Is It Right for You?
If you are converting a tub to a walk-in shower or remodeling a small bathroom, the 60 x 32 shower base size matches common alcove openings and standard shower doors. It helps with:
- Accessibility needs – the low single threshold reduces the step-over height, useful for older adults or ADA-style layouts.
- Quick installs – a prefabricated acrylic pan cuts tile and mortar time.
- Maintenance – acrylic resists staining and is easier to clean than porous grout and tile.
Not the best pick if you need a custom tiled pan, or if your drain is on the right side – drain placement matters.
What Stands Out in Daily Use
The Swiss Madison Voltaire base focuses on practical specs that matter:
- Low single threshold – designed for easier entry and less tripping compared with high curbs.
- Acrylic construction – lightweight, durable, resists mold and is simple to clean with nonabrasive cleaners.
- Left-hand drain – suits left-drain plumbing layouts and shower door hinges oriented accordingly.
- Slip-resistant surface – a textured floor improves safety without needing extra mats.
- Prefabricated form – consistent slope to the drain flange reduces standing water and speeds waterproofing.
It pairs well with frameless shower doors, grab bars for safety, and standard drain covers. The acrylic finish plays nicely against tile surrounds or simple wall panels.
How to Choose
- Measure opening and drain side – confirm the 60 x 32 footprint and left-hand drain match your rough-in; swapping drain sides is costly.
- Pick material for traffic – acrylic is lightweight and low-maintenance versus mortar beds that require tile and grout upkeep.
- Decide threshold height – a single low threshold aids accessibility but may affect water containment if paired with poor door seals.
- Consider installation type – prefabricated pans save time but need a stable subfloor and proper caulk and flange for waterproofing.
From Box to Daily Use
- Dry-fit the base into the alcove, confirming the left-hand drain lines up with your waste plumbing.
- Prepare the subfloor – level and clean; some installers use a thin mortar bed for extra support under the acrylic pan.
- Set the drain flange and secure the base per manufacturer guidance; ensure proper slope to prevent standing water.
- Seal joints with a quality silicone caulk and install shower walls or panels; test for leaks before finishing the surround.
- Install door and accessories – a threshold sweep or gasket helps water control with a low curb.
Buyer Doubts Solved
Worried about durability? Acrylic is resilient to chips and stains and cleans with mild soap. Concerned about slips? The textured surface reduces slippage and pairs well with grab bars for safety. Think the left-hand drain won’t match your rough-in? Measure first; swapping drain sides usually requires a new base or plumbing work.
Installation worries? Prefab bases speed up tile-free installs, reducing complexity for DIYers and contractors alike. Maintenance anxiety? Acrylic avoids grout lines and is easier to maintain than tile floors.
Swiss Madison’s Voltaire base is a straightforward way to get a low-threshold, easy-to-clean acrylic shower pan with a left-hand drain—ideal for many 60 x 32 remodels. If you want faster installation, safer entry, and less grout work, this base does the heavy lifting.
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