Shower Pans

[Danfish]

With all the new waterproof membrane systems I was originally planning to use a preformed base covered with membrane, either Kerdi or Noble systems.  However, my floor area is 36 X 48 inch and the preformed units are 48" sq.  If I cut them down then must deal with re-establishing the proper slope.  Could go with a mud base and cover with membrane.  Came across what I thought was the ticket in a tile ready plastic pan with intergrated drain (by Tile-redi), after reading comments by others found there were too many problems with flexing and tile pop.  These new membrane kits are expensive @ 400 -$600 per shower.  Any suggestions?

[Squirl]

I saw a great custom shower job on the DIY network.  (Bathroom renovations or sweat equity)  It was very simple.  They created a form and nailed thick EPDM liner to the studs. They chalked a line and poured concrete.  They sloped it from the chalk line to the drain.  Then they sealed the concrete. I think with some type of epoxy sealer.  They tiled up the walls. Cheap ($100?) and easy custom shower.

[Squirl]

Hey I found it:
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/pouring-a-custom-shower-base/49992.html

They estimate $100-$200.  They have four articles on the subject on the website.

Better video.
http://www.diynetwork.com/videos/custom-shower-base-fabrication/20883.html

[UK4X4]

I made a custom bath and a shower pan in the UK for my old house

They were made out of 3/4" marine plywood  bases and 1/2" sides with drainage set in
all glued and screwed to support bars.

Then stained - and two coats of boat resin apllied to it.

It lasted about 5 years untill the hard water spoilt the look - just could not get it clean any more- chucked the bath away as was never used

So I tiled over the ply and its been 5 years more.

Frankly there is no reason that it should ever fail unless flex sets in