How To Build A Custom Shower Floor

Materials Needed

Concrete mix
Sand
Gravel
Rebar
Plywood
Nails
Sealant
Tile
Grout

Tools Needed

Shovel
Wheelbarrow
Concrete mixer
Trowel
Level
Hammer
Saw
Tape measure
Safety glasses
Gloves

Steps

Prepare the area. Start by removing any old shower floor or fixtures. Then, dig a hole that is at least 6 inches deep and wide enough to accommodate your new shower floor.
Install the gravel. Pour a 2-inch layer of gravel into the hole. This will help to drain water away from the shower floor.
Install the sand. Pour a 2-inch layer of sand over the gravel. This will help to level the surface and provide a stable base for the concrete.
Install the rebar. Cut the rebar into pieces that are long enough to span the width of the shower floor. Place the rebar pieces in the sand, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
Build the form. Build a form around the perimeter of the shower floor. The form should be made of plywood and should be at least 4 inches taller than the desired height of the shower floor.
Mix the concrete. Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer's instructions. Once the concrete is mixed, pour it into the form.
Level the concrete. Use a trowel to level the concrete. Make sure that the concrete is smooth and free of any bumps or divots.
Let the concrete cure. Allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before proceeding.
Install the tile. Once the concrete is cured, you can install the tile. Start by applying a layer of sealant to the concrete. Then, press the tiles into the sealant. Make sure that the tiles are level and evenly spaced.
Grout the tiles. Once the tiles are installed, you can grout them. Apply the grout to the joints between the tiles. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly. Once the grout is dry, you can seal it to protect it from water damage.

Tips

When mixing the concrete, be sure to use the correct ratio of water to cement. If you use too much water, the concrete will be weak and crumbly. If you use too little water, the concrete will be difficult to work with and may not set properly.
When leveling the concrete, be sure to use a level. This will ensure that the shower floor is level and free of any bumps or divots.
When installing the tile, be sure to use a sealant. This will help to prevent water from seeping into the concrete and causing damage.
When grouting the tiles, be sure to use a grout float. This will help to spread the grout evenly and ensure that the joints between the tiles are filled.

Conclusion

Building a custom shower floor is a great way to add a personal touch to your bathroom. It's also a great way to save money, as you can often find materials for less than the cost of a pre-made shower floor. By following the steps in this article, you can easily build a custom shower floor that will last for years to come.