How To Build My Own Shower Pan

How to Build Your Own Shower Pan

A sturdy and reliable shower pan is essential for keeping your bathroom dry and safe. Building your own shower pan is a great way to save money and get exactly the look you want. With careful planning and the right materials, you can create a shower pan that will last for years to come. ### Materials Needed * Shower pan liner: This is a rubber or plastic membrane that will create the watertight barrier in your shower pan. * Mortar mix: This will be used to create a bedding layer for the shower pan liner. * Concrete backer board: This will provide a solid base for the tiles in your shower pan. * Thin-set mortar: This will be used to secure the tiles to the concrete backer board. * Ceramic or porcelain tiles: These will be the final surface of your shower pan. * Drain: This will be used to drain water from the shower pan. ### Step 1: Prepare the Subfloor Start by preparing the subfloor where the shower pan will be installed. Make sure that the subfloor is level and sturdy. If the subfloor is not level, you will need to level it with a self-leveling compound. ### Step 2: Install the Shower Pan Liner Once the subfloor is prepared, you can install the shower pan liner. Cut the liner to the desired size, making sure that it extends at least 6 inches up the walls. Apply a layer of mortar mix to the subfloor, then press the shower pan liner into the mortar. Smooth out the liner so that there are no wrinkles or creases. ### Step 3: Install the Mortar Bed Once the shower pan liner is installed, you can install the mortar bed. The mortar bed is a layer of mortar that will create a solid base for the tiles. Mix the mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply it to the shower pan liner. Use a trowel to spread the mortar evenly, making sure that it is at least 1 inch thick. ### Step 4: Install the Concrete Backer Board Once the mortar bed is installed, you can install the concrete backer board. Cut the backer board to the desired size, then apply a layer of thin-set mortar to the mortar bed. Press the backer board into the mortar, making sure that it is level. ### Step 5: Install the Tiles Once the concrete backer board is installed, you can install the tiles. Choose tiles that are slip-resistant and easy to clean. Apply a layer of thin-set mortar to the back of each tile, then press the tile into place on the backer board. Use a level to make sure that each tile is level. ### Step 6: Install the Drain Once the tiles are installed, you can install the drain. Cut a hole in the shower pan liner and the concrete backer board where the drain will go. Insert the drain, then secure it in place according to the manufacturer's instructions. ### Step 7: Grout the Tiles Once the tiles are installed, you can grout the tiles. Choose a grout that matches the color of your tiles. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions, then apply it to the joints between the tiles. Use a grout float to spread the grout evenly, making sure that it fills all of the joints. ### Step 8: Seal the Shower Pan Once the grout is dry, you can seal the shower pan. Apply a sealant to the joints between the tiles and the shower pan liner. This will help to prevent water from leaking out of the shower pan. ### Conclusion Building your own shower pan is a great way to save money and get exactly the look you want. With careful planning and the right materials, you can create a shower pan that will last for years to come.