DIY River Rock Shower Floor: A Guide to Natural Elegance
A river rock shower floor adds a unique, natural touch to your bathroom. It's both beautiful and practical, offering a non-slip surface and a spa-like feel. Creating a DIY river rock shower floor is achievable for those willing to tackle a moderately challenging project. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you transform your shower into a tranquil oasis:
Materials You'll Need:
- River Rocks: Choose smooth, rounded river rocks in a size that feels comfortable underfoot.
- Mortar: Use a high-quality, non-sanded mortar mix for best adhesion.
- Thinset Mortar: This is used to adhere the river rocks to the shower floor.
- Grout: Choose a grout color that complements your river rocks.
- Waterproofing Membrane: This protects the subfloor from water damage.
- Shower Pan Liner: This forms a watertight barrier within the shower area.
- Safety Glasses and Gloves: Protect yourself while working.
- Mixing Bucket and Trowel: For mixing mortar and spreading it evenly.
- Level: Ensure a level shower floor.
- Grout Float: For applying grout evenly.
- Sponge: For cleaning excess grout.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shower Floor:
- Remove Existing Flooring: Carefully remove any existing shower floor tiles or material.
- Clean the Subfloor: Thoroughly clean the subfloor, removing any debris or dust.
- Apply Waterproofing Membrane: Install a waterproofing membrane over the subfloor, ensuring it's properly sealed and overlapping any side walls.
- Install Shower Pan Liner: Position the shower pan liner, ensuring it's level and properly sealed against the walls.
2. Laying the River Rocks:
- Prepare Mortar: Mix the thinset mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Spread Mortar: Apply a thin layer of mortar to the shower pan liner, covering the entire floor area.
- Position River Rocks: Place the river rocks evenly on the mortar, pressing them firmly into place.
- Check for Level: Regularly check the level of the floor using a level. Adjust river rock positions as needed.
- Leave to Cure: Allow the mortar to cure completely according to the manufacturer's instructions.
3. Grouting the Floor:
- Prepare Grout: Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Apply Grout: Using a grout float, apply the grout between the river rocks, filling the gaps completely.
- Remove Excess Grout: Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge.
- Clean Grout: Allow the grout to dry slightly before using a damp sponge to clean any remaining residue.
4. Sealing and Finishing Touches:
- Seal Grout: Apply a sealant to the grout to protect it from staining and moisture.
- Clean Shower Floor: Clean the shower floor thoroughly with a damp cloth.
- Install Shower Drain: Install the shower drain, ensuring it's properly sealed.
Tips for Success:
- Plan Layout: Consider the size and shape of your river rocks and plan a layout that maximizes visual appeal.
- Pre-Soak River Rocks: Soaking the river rocks in water for a few hours before installation helps prevent them from absorbing moisture from the mortar.
- Allow for Drying Time: Ensure adequate drying time between each step to prevent cracking or uneven setting.
Conclusion:
Creating a DIY river rock shower floor offers a unique and luxurious touch to your bathroom. While it requires patience and attention to detail, the result is a beautiful and functional floor that enhances the spa-like feel of your shower experience.
