How To Make My Own Shower Base

How to Make Your Own Shower Base

### Introduction Remodeling a bathroom can be a daunting task, especially if you're on a tight budget. However, there are some projects that you can tackle yourself to save money, such as building your own shower base. This project is relatively easy and can be completed in a weekend with the right tools and materials. ### Step 1: Plan Your Shower Base The first step is to plan your shower base. Decide where you want it to be located in your bathroom and what size you want it to be. You'll also need to decide what material you want to use for the base. Some popular options include tile, fiberglass, and acrylic. ### Step 2: Gather Your Materials Once you have a plan, you can gather the materials you need to build your shower base. Here is a list of the basic materials you'll need: * Shower base kit (includes drain, liner, and adhesive) * Cement board * Thinset mortar * Grout * Tile (if you're using tile) * Safety glasses * Gloves * Dust mask * Level * Tape measure * Utility knife * Trowel * Notched trowel * Grout float * Sponge ### Step 3: Prepare the Subfloor The first step is to prepare the subfloor for your shower base. Make sure the subfloor is level and free of any debris. If the subfloor is not level, you'll need to level it using a self-leveling compound. ### Step 4: Install the Shower Base Kit Once the subfloor is prepared, you can install the shower base kit. Follow the instructions that came with the kit to properly install the drain, liner, and adhesive. ### Step 5: Install the Cement Board The next step is to install the cement board. Cut the cement board to size and then install it over the shower base kit using thinset mortar. Make sure the cement board is level and secure. ### Step 6: Tile the Shower Base If you're using tile for your shower base, you can now tile it. Spread thinset mortar over the cement board using a notched trowel. Then, press the tiles into the mortar. Make sure the tiles are level and evenly spaced. ### Step 7: Grout the Shower Base Once the tiles are installed, you can grout them. Mix the grout according to the package directions. Then, apply the grout to the joints between the tiles using a grout float. Make sure to press the grout into the joints firmly. ### Step 8: Clean Up Once the grout is dry, you can clean up the shower base. Remove any excess grout from the tiles and wipe the tiles down with a damp sponge. ### Conclusion Building your own shower base is a relatively easy and inexpensive project that can be completed in a weekend. By following the steps in this article, you can create a beautiful and functional shower base that will last for years to come.