What is the common slope for a shower subfloor measured from the wall framing to the edge of the drain base?

The common slope for a shower subfloor is 1/4 inch per foot, which facilitates effective drainage toward the drain base. This specific slope ensures that water does not accumulate in the shower and flows efficiently into the drain. The 1/4 inch per foot measurement is a standard within plumbing codes, and it is designed to balance efficient drainage without causing an uncomfortable steep incline in the shower floor.

A slope of 1/8 inch per foot may not provide sufficient drainage for showers, potentially leading to standing water in the enclosure. Conversely, steeper slopes such as 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch per foot could create a shower floor that is uncomfortable to stand on and may also lead to complications in tiling and water distribution. Therefore, the 1/4 inch per foot slope is the ideal balance for proper drainage and user comfort.