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I think that the physical hardness of birch depends on where it has grown. Harder will equate to further north where the growing season is shorter and the climate is drier for a larger part of the year - the grain structure is tighter. The birch that I cut for firewood in SE England is soft by comparison with the stuff from the Baltic. In my part of the world, birch is not a longlived species because of our damp maritime climate which engenders rot - I think in most climates it's considered a 'pioneer species' as it establishes a canopy and then gives way to pine or oak. From the point of view of rot under a shower tray, all wood - unless you're planning to use greenheart or something - is pretty much the same. The key is to use defensive detailing - take great care to prevent moisture getting where it shouldn't and to minimise the risk of damage when it inevitably does - especially to floor joists.