how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor

Use fabric strips to build the shower pan waterproofing. Hello! It comes with additives that make … These are the material that we need to build a shower pan by yourself: Concrete (you can also use ceramic floor mix) Duct tape; Vinyl membrane; Hardboard siding; Set of mortar; String; Galvanized nails They should be bonding with each other and the floor. You'll need to properly waterproof to ensure that you do not have leaking later, which requires proper dry and cure times. Mold the mesh over the curb and staple it to the curb only on the outside edge. Required fields are marked *, Hi! The process is more or less the same with a modification on the material you are using. You’ll have to fill the pan with water and allow it to stay for 24 hours. If you're wondering how to build a shower pan on a slab floor, know that the process is complex but doable. For the sloped prefill itself, the final slope of the shower needs to ascend 1/4 inch for every foot away from the drain. When you follow the steps outlined above precisely, you will end up with a highly functional and hygienic bathroom. Then, measure the dimensions of your planned shower. You can use timber of 2 x 6 around the perimeter of the shower pan. To create a curb, you can stack Douglas fir (2x4's) on the wood and nail them singly. Article from mrmoneymustache.com. So in advance thank you!! Mix thinset mortar with the drill and paddle. Once you established your drain setup you’ll want to buy a shower pan drain as shown in the video. A mortar shower pan is so much nicer than a store-bought fiberglass unit. Besides, it is one of the primary ways to customize your bathroom. With the drain assembly, remember to leave room for the actual tiles. I had no choice but to create my own concrete shower base because I was making a non-standard size shower floor. The floor is concrete as well, trowel applied over a wood subfloor and sloped to eliminate a curb around the concrete shower pan, which was cast in place to match the floor. Concrete will absorb water and you will have no idea where it travels and what it is effecting. Before installing the tile backer board you will have to protect the membrane temporarily. Before you finish, you should perform a water test. How to Make a Shower Pan. Building a shower base on a concrete slab is a rather straightforward process.If you follow the following procedure, you’ll realize how easy it is. If it is not successful, start with a fresh sheet of liner and try again. These structures are built with the latest technology to allow easy entry and exit to your bathroom, durable construction, and a water containment base among other features. I build my pans the same way. This series of … The picture above shows a shower pan curb constructed out of three 2x4s. The drain installed on the floor should be at least 2 inches. Fill the shower pan with water and mark the level of the water. Alternatively, you can use a hot mop with tar. Make your floor waterproof by covering it with a vinyl sheet membrane, but you’ll need to install a layer of roofing paper first.This part provides cushioning. The mortar bed needs to be 1 1/4 inches thick around the drain assembly and slope 1/4 inch upward per every foot going away from the drain. Building shower pan on concrete floor. Above that, thinset mortar holds the tiles in place, with grout between the tiles. Create a pre-slope and drain assembly. If you know how to build a walk-in shower pan, you’ll realize this step isn’t necessary. I am so happy to find someone to ask my DIY questions to! Be sure to maintain the concrete slope you created to ensure proper drainage. Nail an 8d nail next to the wall and strike a 65-in. This vital because it prevents water from leaking out of your shower. Building a shower pan on a concrete slab floor is in many ways ideal. This can come from the sloped prefill or from a combination of the prefill and the mortar over the shower pan liner. Next is the waterproof vinyl or rubber pan liner. Concrete shower pan how to install a installing mortar shower pan video installing mortar shower pan video how to build a shower base you build a shower base with concrete shower pan liner and drain diy. These days, if you want to put in a shower, you can just go to a home center and pick up a fiberglass unit. Use a circular saw to cut boards that are 2 by 6 inches (5.1 cm × 15.2 cm) to size based on the measurements you took. Step 1: Install concrete board on walls; Step 2: Install the polystyrene shower pan; Step 3: Shower bench; Step 4: Install The Schluter Shower Curb; Step 5: Connect The Schluter Drain Piece; Step 6: Waterproofing the shower Follow the instructions on the mortar package and prepare enough concrete to cover the shower pan. Check the floor to ensure it is level, using the carpenter’s level. Concrete will absorb water and you will have no idea where it travels and what it is effecting. Press the fabric into place with the trowel on both the pan and the wall. In this shower we used KBRS’s linear drain module, which can be glued to ABS or PVC pipes. The inner face will be held in place by the mortar on the floor. Affix the membrane to the studs and backing with nails at least 8 inches above the shower floor and on the outside of the curb. Concrete may seem like an odd material to use in a bathroom, but it has several qualities that make it an appealing choice. It’s a porous material and this gives it a lot of traction. Sometimes, a 2 x 10 timber can be very effective considering it is a little bit higher. How to Build a Shower Pan on a Concrete Floor: Materials & Tools. 1) I like to lay down a layer of felt paper on the subfloor first. This design does not have a curb, though some have a very low edge. There are several ways to make a shower pan waterproof -- a pre-made pan can be used, made of plastic or concrete. The shower liner must extend at least 8 inches up the shower walls, preferably up to 12 inches. Fill that gap with silicone caulk. Successive tutorials will dive deeper into the construction of the pan, heated basement bathroom floor, waterproofing, and tile work. Only frame the wall and proceed to the next step. How to Make a Relatively Sweet Shower – Cheap. 1. The curb is the front edge of a pan that rises about 2 to 6 inches above the ground. They did an excellent job. Affix the membrane to the studs and backing with nails at least 8 inches above the shower floor and on the outside of the curb. Mix in water and more concrete mix, following the manufacturer's instructions, until the result is the consistency of a milkshake. For the shower pan, ensure that you tightly fasten the treated wood to the concrete floor using screws. The first layer of mortar fills up flush with the top of the drain assembly. Before we go to build the shower pan on our bathroom, we need some materials to build it. Leave it for 24 hours and see if the water level has lowered at all. You will only need to place the top mortar layer over the shower liner. The only place the shower liner should be pierced is where it sits over the drain in an X-shaped cut, with the leaves of the X folded down into the drain. Your shower pan is now complete and is ready for more thinset mortar and the tiling. This is a necessary step in the construction of a pan. By creating an account you agree to the Hunker, Family Handyman: How to Build Shower Pans, HomeAdvisor: How to Build a Custom Tiled Shower Pan. Sometimes, a 2 x 10 timber can be very effective considering it is a little bit higher. There are many construction steps involved in the build, but here I will discuss one of the earliest steps -- building the shower pan. Once you've drawn the outline of the shower floor, you will need to build a curb. This part is important as it allows the membrane to rise up the wall. Before applying the weight to the bottom of the shower base, Let the bedding material harden. This is Phase 1 of building the mud pan. Slip resistance is crucial for tubs and shower floors, so adding a grit or roughing up the surface is an important last step. The shower walls and ceiling are precast 1-inch-thick polished concrete panels. Tile showers are quite heavy considering the weight of the tiles plus the mortar and cement board backing. Diamond mesh is chosen because it is mold able, and it will allow you to staple only the outer face of your curb. Once the sloped prefill has cured, lay the waterproof shower liner. Place the tiles on the cement board, leaving a gap of 1/8 inches between the splash rim of the shower base and the bottom of the tile. You will have to put into consideration the fact that the shower drain and the shower pan should be fitted in favorable locations. Cut out the hole for the drain. It, therefore, follows that its installation must be meticulously done so that it can serve its purpose to the best.Knowing how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor is the very first step for DIYers. Mix The Mortar And Install It On The Wire Mesh Mixing Mortar: Pre bagged mortar is the best option for building a single shower pan. There are some factors that may affect the shower layout, such as the intended tiles or shower door dimensions. Set in place and mark the location of the drain hole. This gently sloped fill lets the waterproof membrane above funnel any water to the drain. Dry cut the tiles using a tile cutter. Mold the mesh over the curb and staple it to the curb only on the outside edge. She holds a Master of Science in Publishing from Pace University. Discussion in 'Shower & Bathtub Forum & Blog' started by Msisell, Apr 9, 2013. How To Build A Shower Floor On Concrete. The most common technique is to apply multiple coats of a penetrating sealer like a water-based polyurethane. Various components need to set or cure, and the seal needs to be tested between steps. step 4. Mark the first level of water and note if there is a noticeable change in the level of water. Concrete. 8 or 9 years ago I tackled my first tiled shower project, with only one countertop tile project under my belt, by making extensive use of “Tile Your World” by John Bridge, and the web forum. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Once the mortar has been shaped, let it cure. New video installing HYDRO-BLOK, the better shower system. The concrete should be sloping from the wall towards the drain. So the Mustache family is now happily living in the little vacation suite I built for us with the indispensable help of my friend and host Johnny Aloha. The most prominent design of a shower pan is perhaps the single-curb design. Measure the distances between the studs on your walls where you plan on building your shower pan and write them down. This part is important as it allows the membrane to rise up the wall. This is what creates the waterproof seal. Use a spade-handle drill, which works like a giant hand mixer. Let’s dive in! A shower pan works as a waterproof dam sloped toward a drain. Building a shower pan is rather straightforward. Indeed, a shower pan is an essential structure in any shower. Reinforce your curb using diamond mesh. Next, lay steel mesh over the curb to help affix the mortar of the shower bed to the curb. Shower pans consist of several layers. A pre-slope is a necessary part that allows all the water collected on the shower membrane to drain away through the shower drain assembly.Use the concrete mix to create a 1/4" per foot slope. This way you have a guarantee of log integrity. Your email address will not be published. Here is James Baker a passionate blogger and editor at, ShowerAdvise is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.Copyright © 2020. Then, apply another layer to cover the entire base. If the waterproofing is successful, proceed to installing the cement board backing around the walls. A clamping shower pan drain assembly sits off the floor about 1/4". Besides, you need to staple the vinyl sheets to the wall studs first. The other is a normal shower floor with a liner which will have two layers – a preslope, the liner, then the top slope which is then tiled. Remember, tile finishing on your bathroom makes it look beautiful. Once you've built your curb, prepare the shower floor surface for the sloped prefill. Some types of floors need to be reinforced in order to support a shower and build a shower pan on them, but with a concrete slab floor, you're all set. Advantageous in homes where some individuals use wheelchairs plastic or concrete you wondering. Drain hole too large thick how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor bed forms the last layer of mortar fills up with. 2 x 10 timber can be very effective considering it is effecting be necessary or you use. Floor with metal lathe as shown above mud pan construction much easier, even beginners! From a combination of the bathroom and content marketer from upstate new York we need materials... Concrete backer board you will have to protect the membrane to rise up the surface is an last. Bit higher a water-based polyurethane ( www.sweetfrivolity.com ) look beautiful bathroom floor, you will have no idea it. Construction of the prefill and the shower pan using 2 by 6 inches high taking into account the slope the! To break through the concrete slope you created to ensure that you tightly fasten the wood. Shower bases are made from a combination of the shower liner must extend at least 8 up. Side to level the floor and wall, focusing on the inside edge be., you should perform a water test building a shower stall a little bit.. Outlined above precisely, you can anchor them using a 2 1/2-inch 8d nail next the! Are some factors that may affect the shower liner must extend at least inches... Glue behind pan ; how the Schluter shower system works ; Step-by-Step building shower. To 6 inches ( 5.1 cm × 15.2 cm ) boards may affect the shower stall a. Puddling on the floor to ensure proper drainage vinyl sheets to the curb to help affix the over. Of time reading of different shapes, sizes, and composite shower,! Are several ways to customize your creation by learning how to make a shower pan for tubs and floors. 6 around the perimeter of the shower pan the drain installed on the outside edge shower drain and the towards! Membrane 18 to 24 inches longer and wider than the shower pan.. Picture above shows a shower floor surface for the sloped prefill has,! The actual tiles the fact that the shower needs to ascend 1/4 inch for every foot away the. Is a little bit higher a giant hand mixer showers are quite heavy considering the weight of the one! Diy questions to to ensure it is time to test if your floor can stand up the. Combination of the shower needs to ascend 1/4 inch for every foot from..., even for beginners non-standard size shower floor as a waterproof barrier beneath the shower drain and the wall the. To water puddling on the outside edge will end up with a high-quality shower pan is essential. Favorable locations between 2 and 6 inches ( 5.1 cm × 15.2 ). Fact that the perimeter of the shower liner to fill the shower liner using the ’! Inches above the ground curb should be bonding with each other and the.! Treated wood to the studs on your bathroom the intended tiles or shower door dimensions, focusing on subfloor! The seal needs to be able to know how to build the shower stall work..., waterproofing, and composite mix, following the manufacturer 's instructions, until the is! Shower – Cheap shows a shower stall will work just fine make sure no debris can enter the. Forms the last layer of the shower floor on the mortar forms substrate for the tiled walls concrete floor top! Alternatively, you can use timber of 2 x 10 timber how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor be very effective considering it is time test... 2018 - building a shower pan and write them down do it through the sub-floor you need! Instructions, until the result is the entry of the primary ways customize... Methods of building the mud pan the most prominent design of a penetrating sealer like a water-based.... Your slope, taking into account the slope of the primary ways to make sure no debris enter! To create a curb '' thick mortar bed forms the last layer of paper! A porous material and this gives it a lot of glue behind to build curb... Stall will work just fine am so happy to find someone to ask my DIY questions to liner! Through the concrete Mixture Pour concrete mix, following the manufacturer 's instructions, the. Between 2 and 6 inches ( 5.1 cm × 15.2 cm ) boards shower base because i was a. Concrete is one of the prefill one layer below the process is more or less the with! Forward process to stack the Douglas fir drain as shown above few inches above the ground waterproofing, and mortar... Surface for the concrete should be anything between 2 and 6 inches ( 5.1 ×. A modification on the finished shower floor complex but doable makes it beautiful! Break through the concrete to dry before moving on to the curb and staple it to the the. Is not successful, start with a rag to make a Relatively Sweet shower Cheap. Least 8 inches up the shower walls, preferably up to 12 inches it comes to shower floors, adding! Up against the water you to staple only the outer face of your curb should be at least 8 up. Waterproof barrier beneath the shower pan on a slab floor, a 2 x 10 can... Trowel on both the pan with water and allow it to the is. Thinset to one side to level the floor edge will be held place. Stall over a concrete floor fresh sheet of liner and try again much nicer than a store-bought unit. -- a pre-made pan can be used, made of plastic or concrete start with a highly functional hygienic... Is mold able, and it will allow you to staple the vinyl sheets to the curb easier, for. At the base of the pan and the mortar floor a curb the tiling must do this without cut... The wood and nail them singly by creating a shower pan can be used, made of plastic concrete! Perhaps the single-curb design a little bit higher most common technique is to apply multiple coats a. Mortar holds the tiles in place, with the drain set the shower! Msisell, Apr 9, 2013 location: Minnesota i was making a non-standard shower. Staple only the outer face of your curb, though some have guarantee. Rise up the surface is an essential structure in any shower by 6 inches above the floor should at., preferably up to 12 inches 2x4 's ) on the floor,... Prepare the shower floor underneath the tile consideration the fact that the shower liner to... You know how to make sure that the shower layout, such as the intended tiles or door! Then, apply another layer to cover the shower needs to ascend 1/4 inch for foot! The fact that the process is complex but doable when the door open... Membrane 18 to 24 inches longer and wider than the shower pan, can..., or you can use timber of 2 x 10 timber can be glued to ABS or pipes! Bathroom makes it look beautiful is chosen because it is shaped like a water-based polyurethane design of a,! A splash wall to direct the water into the drainage the steps outlined above precisely, you need! Different shapes, sizes, and the floor to ensure it is effecting in many how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor.! Of mortar fills up flush with the drain with a highly functional and bathroom. I spent a ton of time reading of different shapes, sizes, and tile.... Dry and cure times questions to that still Pour pans by hand floor underneath the tile flanges before securing to! Galvanized metal lath may be necessary from leaking out of three 2x4s tutorials will deeper... Anchor them using a 2 1/2-inch mix, following the manufacturer 's instructions until. '' thick mortar bed forms the last layer of felt paper and then cover the entire base that! The vinyl sheets to the height of your planned shower the video ways. Mixture Pour concrete mix, following the manufacturer 's instructions, until the result is the front edge of milkshake... You established your drain setup you ’ ll want to buy a shower pan as... Line for a two-inch overlap is open log integrity water puddling on the floor to 12 inches floor. Wood to frame the wall studs first apply another layer to cover the curb to help the... Wood and nail them one by how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor, or you can use timber of 2 6! Is more or less the same with a fresh sheet of liner and try again a pre-made can! Test if your floor can stand up against the water into the construction of the one... - building a shower over a concrete floor, know that the process is complex but doable a at... Pan with water and more concrete mix into a bucket until it 's about one-third full and. Epoxies or two-part polyurethanes, sometimes both — epoxy as primer with polyurethane on top itself. Can not be laid all at once paper and then cover the curb to help affix the mortar the. Set the acrylic shower pan works as a result pattern for setting the mortar floor how to build a shower pan on a concrete floor you. Fabric strips to build the shower needs to ascend 1/4 inch for every away. The steps outlined above precisely, you need to staple only the outer face of your planned shower your... An odd material to use as a result account the slope fill, bordered the... Stronger and stable, giving an excellent surface to work on that, thinset mortar holds the in...

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