How to Make a Shower Pan on a Concrete Floor
Building a shower pan on a concrete floor can be a rewarding project, offering you a custom-built shower that fits your bathroom perfectly. This guide will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring you have a watertight and durable shower pan.
Materials You'll Need:
- Concrete: You'll need a pre-mixed concrete mix specifically designed for shower pans.
- Gravel: Use gravel to create a solid base for your shower pan.
- PVC pipe: Choose a PVC pipe with a diameter slightly larger than your drain pipe.
- PVC primer and cement: To glue the PVC pipe together securely.
- Waterproofing membrane: This is crucial for creating a waterproof barrier. Consider using a high-quality membrane like Schluter Kerdi or similar.
- Mortar: For leveling the base and attaching the waterproofing membrane.
- Backerboard: This provides a rigid surface for tiling. Choose a water-resistant backerboard, like cement board.
- Tiles: Select the tiles you want for your shower floor.
- Grout: For sealing the tile joints.
- Tools: You'll need basic tools like a level, trowel, tape measure, utility knife, saw, drill, and mixing bucket.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Floor
- Clean the concrete floor: Remove any debris or dirt. Use a wire brush to roughen up the surface for better adhesion.
- Check for slopes: Ensure the floor is level and has a slight slope towards the drain. Aim for a slope of approximately ¼ inch per foot. If needed, use mortar to adjust the slope.
2. Install the Drain
- Cut the PVC pipe: Measure the depth of the shower pan and cut the PVC pipe to size.
- Connect to drain: Use primer and PVC cement to connect the PVC pipe to the existing drain pipe.
- Secure the drain: Attach the drain assembly to the PVC pipe.
3. Create a Gravel Base
- Lay gravel: Fill the shower pan area with a layer of gravel, approximately 4 inches deep.
- Compact the gravel: Use a tamper to compact the gravel for a solid base.
4. Apply Mortar and Level the Base
- Mix the mortar: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the mortar.
- Apply mortar: Spread a layer of mortar over the gravel, ensuring it's level and slopes towards the drain.
- Use a level: Use a level to ensure the mortar surface is perfectly level.
5. Install the Waterproofing Membrane
- Cut the membrane: Measure the shower pan area and cut the waterproofing membrane to size.
- Apply mortar: Spread a thin layer of mortar on the leveled base.
- Lay the membrane: Carefully lay the membrane over the mortar, ensuring it overlaps the drain and walls by at least 2 inches.
- Seal the seams: Use a waterproof sealant to seal the seams and overlaps of the membrane.
6. Install the Backerboard
- Cut the backerboard: Measure the shower pan area and cut the backerboard to size.
- Apply mortar: Spread a thin layer of mortar on the waterproofing membrane.
- Install the backerboard: Lay the backerboard on the mortar, ensuring it is flush with the membrane and the drain.
- Secure the backerboard: Use screws or nails to secure the backerboard to the base.
7. Tile the Shower Floor
- Prepare the tiles: Choose the tiles for your shower floor and cut them to size if necessary.
- Apply mortar: Spread a layer of mortar on the backerboard using a notched trowel.
- Lay the tiles: Carefully place the tiles onto the mortar, ensuring they are level and have even spacing.
- Space the tiles: Use tile spacers to maintain even grout lines.
8. Apply Grout
- Clean the tiles: Remove any excess mortar from the tile surfaces.
- Mix the grout: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for mixing the grout.
- Apply grout: Use a rubber trowel to apply the grout between the tiles, filling all the gaps completely.
- Clean the tiles: Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge.
9. Finish and Cure
- Let the grout cure: Allow the grout to cure completely before using the shower.
- Seal the grout: Apply a sealant to the grout to prevent staining and moisture penetration.
Final Thoughts:
Building a shower pan on a concrete floor requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these steps, you can create a durable and watertight shower that will last for years.
Remember: If you are not comfortable with any of the steps, it's always best to consult a professional contractor for assistance.
