When Portland-area homeowners ask CountBricks how much a new shower pan liner will set them back, they really want two numbers:
• An upfront, reliable estimate they can trust
• The final invoice that won’t surprise them when demolition debris is hauled away
Both figures begin with an accurate takeoff, and that is exactly what CountBricks.com delivers in seconds through voice-driven AI estimation. Below we break down every cost driver, show typical Portland marketplace ranges, and explain how CountBricks helps you keep each dollar transparent.
A shower pan liner is a waterproof membrane installed beneath tile or stone to keep moisture from migrating into the subfloor. Because the liner becomes inaccessible once tile is set, quality materials and correct installation are non-negotiable in residential construction.
• PVC: Most budget-friendly, flexible, easy to weld
• CPE: Higher chemical resistance, slightly higher cost
• Sheet-applied membranes: Premium pricing, fast install
• Liquid-applied membranes: Labor intensive but seamless
1. Standard 32" × 60" alcove
2. Neo-angle or custom bench configuration
3. Curbless, ADA-compliant wet-room conversion
Larger, odd-shaped pans require more liner and more seam welding, increasing both materials and labor.
• Sloping the mortar bed to 1/4" per foot
• Addressing rot or uneven joists
• Adding a preslope layer in remodel situations
• Three-piece clamping drain (standard)
• Bonded flange drain (modern membranes)
• Linear slot drain (high design, high price)
Residential tile setters in Portland average $55-$85 per hour. CountBricks calibrates those numbers in real time with regional labor indices, so your quote reflects today’s market, not last season’s averages.
• Basic PVC liner in a 32" × 60" alcove: $420-$660 installed
• CPE liner in same alcove: $540-$780 installed
• Large custom curbless shower with linear drain: $1,450-$2,300 installed
These figures include liner material, drain assembly, mortar bed, and waterproof flood test but exclude tile finishes. CountBricks AI pulls live material pricing from partnered suppliers, so when PVC spikes or labor dips, your estimate updates instantly.
An overlooked corner fold or an extra foot of liner waste may seem trivial until a leak shows up inside a finished wall. CountBricks blueprint takeoffs measure every angle and penetration from your uploaded PDF or voice-guided dimensions, eliminating guesswork that drives costly callbacks.
• Live material and labor pricing synchronized to Portland zip codes
• Voice conversation captures site conditions while you walk the project
• Automated scope of work formatted into client-ready proposals
• One-click export to invoices when the job is complete
1. Demolition and disposal of existing pan: $1.50-$2.25 per square foot
2. Subfloor repair and preslope mortar: $2.10-$3.00 per square foot
3. Liner material and welds: $3.25-$4.75 per square foot
4. Drain assembly and flood test: $150-$275 lump sum
5. Final mortar bed and inspection: $2.75-$4.00 per square foot
CountBricks itemizes each line in your quote, letting homeowners accept or decline optional upgrades (such as linear drains) before the first hammer swings.
• AI compares projected liner waste against standard roll widths to cut over-ordering
• Built-in change order tracking alerts you when scope changes threaten budget
• Cloud-based checklist verifies slope, liner folds, and flood test results before tile sets
• For rental properties, PVC liners provide durability at the lowest cost
• Curbless designs demand sheet membranes or liquid systems to achieve level entries
• Steam showers benefit from CPE liners combined with vapor-rated insulation
CountBricks recently helped a homeowner convert a 1940s tub alcove into a tiled shower. Our AI estimate quoted $612 for PVC liner, drain, and mortar. Field conditions revealed minor subfloor rot; the software generated an on-site change order adding $138. Final invoice matched the updated quote to the penny, and the project passed inspection without revisions. See photos at CountBricks.com/portfolio.
Ready to see numbers tailored to your blueprint? Simply open the CountBricks app, speak your room dimensions, and receive a detailed cost breakdown—including shower pan liner cost—in under two minutes. For personalized support, schedule a consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation.
A standard liner can be installed and flood-tested in two days. CountBricks scheduling tools sync labor calendars so your tile crew knows exactly when to mobilize.
We recommend professional installation. The savings from a DIY attempt are quickly lost if a leak appears. CountBricks connects homeowners with vetted installers who guarantee workmanship.
Yes. Most municipalities, including Portland, require a 24-hour flood test. CountBricks automatically includes this in your scope and cost.
Understanding shower pan liner cost is the first step toward a leak-free, beautiful shower. With CountBricks automating measurement, pricing, and documentation, you gain clarity before demolition day and confidence long after the tile is sealed.
Even with a precise estimate, surprises can lurk behind the backer board. CountBricks tracks four commonly missed cost drivers and flags them inside the app so you can address them before they derail your timeline.
• Elevated readings require additional drying time or a self-leveling moisture barrier, adding $1.25-$1.75 per square foot
• Moving a drain more than 6" triggers code upgrades such as trap primers, often increasing labor by $280-$460
• Older homes with 2×8 joists routinely need blocking to support the new mortar bed. Expect an extra half-day of carpentry at $65-$85 per hour
• Portland’s combined plumbing and structural permit for a shower conversion averages $185. CountBricks auto-populates these fees based on your project zip code, ensuring your initial quote remains accurate
• Order liner rolls in full-width sections to reduce seam welding time
• Opt for a bonded flange drain if your tile setter charges hourly—installation is quicker, offsetting the higher material price
• Schedule the flood test to coincide with other trades to avoid unproductive labor hours
A recent West Linn remodel illustrates the power of proactive cost management. The original estimate for a curbless shower pan liner was $1,820. During demolition, the crew discovered 3/8" sag in the subfloor. Because CountBricks had already flagged possible structural issues, the contingency line item covered the $260 repair with no change order required. The project finished on budget and two days ahead of schedule, proving that detailed forecasting saves both money and time.
If you’re drafting plans or standing in a gutted bathroom right now, open CountBricks.com/services and launch a voice estimate. Within moments you’ll have a transparent shower pan liner cost, a material list ready for purchase, and a labor schedule that keeps your remodel on track.
