How to Build a Shower Pan on a Concrete Floor
Building a shower pan on a concrete floor is a great way to create a custom shower that fits your exact needs. It’s a challenging DIY project, but with careful planning and execution, it can be a rewarding experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Preparation
a. Gather Materials
You'll need:
- Concrete floor: Ensure it is level and smooth.
- Shower pan liner: PVC or rubber liner, ensuring it's at least 12 mil thick.
- Mortar: Portland cement mortar mix for setting the pan liner.
- Waterproof membrane: For extra waterproofing, use a liquid membrane like RedGard.
- Backer board: Cement board or other waterproof backer board for the shower walls.
- Drain: Choose a shower drain that fits your pan design and meets local plumbing codes.
- Grout: For sealing the joints between the backer board and the pan.
- Tools: Level, trowel, utility knife, tape measure, hammer, drill, and other construction tools.
b. Prepare the Floor:
- Clean the floor: Remove any debris, dirt, or loose materials.
- Level the floor: Use a self-leveling compound if necessary to ensure a smooth and level surface.
- Install the drain: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for setting the drain into the concrete floor.
2. Laying the Shower Pan Liner
a. Cut and Position:
- Measure and cut: Measure the shower area and cut the liner to size. Add extra overlap for the sides and the drain.
- Position the liner: Place the liner over the drain, ensuring it's centered and the drain opening is aligned.
b. Securing the Liner:
- Mortar bedding: Use mortar to create a bedding layer for the liner, ensuring it’s thick enough to support the weight of the shower.
- Secure the edges: Use mortar or a waterproof adhesive to secure the liner to the floor and walls.
- Create a slope: Use mortar to create a slope toward the drain, ensuring proper drainage.
3. Waterproofing and Backer Board Installation
a. Waterproofing:
- Apply membrane: Apply a waterproof membrane like RedGard over the entire shower pan area, including the liner, drain, and the wall area.
- Let it cure: Allow the membrane to cure completely as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
b. Installing Backer Board:
- Cut and install: Cut the backer board to size and install it over the waterproof membrane, ensuring it’s securely fastened to the walls and floor.
- Joint sealing: Use a waterproof grout or sealant to fill in any gaps or seams between the backer board and the pan.
4. Finishing Touches
a. Grouting:
- Grout the pan: Apply grout to the joints between the pan liner and the backer board.
- Clean the grout: Wipe away excess grout and allow it to cure.
b. Tile Installation:
- Install tile: Install the shower tile according to the desired pattern and layout.
- Caulk: Caulk the gaps between the tile and the pan, ensuring a waterproof seal.
5. Final Checks
- Water test: Thoroughly water test the shower pan for any leaks.
- Clean up: Clean the shower thoroughly after the water test.
Tips
- Follow instructions: Always refer to the manufacturer's instructions for each material used.
- Professional help: If you're not comfortable with DIY construction, consider hiring a professional plumber or contractor.
- Local codes: Check with your local building department for any specific codes or regulations related to shower pan installation.
Building a shower pan is a challenging but rewarding project. With careful planning, preparation, and attention to detail, you can create a custom shower that will last for years to come.
