Can You Make Your Own Shower Pan

Can You Make Your Own Shower Pan?

A shower pan is a watertight barrier that is installed on the floor of a shower to prevent water from leaking through. Shower pans can be made from a variety of materials, including acrylic, fiberglass, and tile. If you are considering making your own shower pan, it is important to understand the process and the materials involved. ### Benefits of Making Your Own Shower Pan There are a few benefits to making your own shower pan. First, it can save you money. A pre-made shower pan can cost hundreds of dollars, while the materials to make your own shower pan will typically cost less than $100. Second, you can customize your shower pan to fit your specific needs. You can choose the size, shape, and color of your shower pan, and you can add features such as a built-in seat or a shower niche. Third, making your own shower pan can be a fun and rewarding project. ### Materials Needed to Make a Shower Pan The materials you will need to make your own shower pan include: * A piece of plywood that is at least 1/2-inch thick * A roll of roofing felt * A roll of fiberglass mesh tape * A gallon of liquid waterproofing membrane * A trowel * A utility knife * A pair of safety glasses * A dust mask ### Steps for Making a Shower Pan 1.

Prepare the plywood.

Cut the plywood to the desired size of your shower pan. Make sure the plywood is level and smooth. 2.

Install the roofing felt.

Roll out the roofing felt over the plywood. Make sure the roofing felt overlaps the edges of the plywood by at least 6 inches. 3.

Apply the fiberglass mesh tape.

Cut the fiberglass mesh tape into strips that are about 4 inches wide. Apply the fiberglass mesh tape to the seams of the roofing felt, overlapping the edges of the tape by at least 1 inch. 4.

Apply the liquid waterproofing membrane.

Apply the liquid waterproofing membrane to the entire surface of the shower pan, including the seams of the roofing felt and the fiberglass mesh tape. Use a trowel to spread the liquid waterproofing membrane evenly. 5.

Allow the liquid waterproofing membrane to dry.

Allow the liquid waterproofing membrane to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 24 hours. ### Tips for Making a Shower Pan * Make sure the plywood is level and smooth before you install the roofing felt. This will help to prevent leaks. * Apply the fiberglass mesh tape carefully, overlapping the edges of the tape by at least 1 inch. This will help to create a strong and watertight seal. * Apply the liquid waterproofing membrane evenly and according to the manufacturer's instructions. This will help to create a durable and watertight shower pan. * Allow the liquid waterproofing membrane to dry completely before you use the shower pan. This will ensure that the shower pan is properly sealed. ### Conclusion Making your own shower pan can be a fun and rewarding project. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a shower pan that is both beautiful and durable.