Installation of a personalized shower tray, easily and practically with us. As a homeowner, building a custom shower pan can increase the value of your home.
It offers a unique look and seamlessly integrates the shower base into your bathroom floor. If you're a DIY renovator, this tutorial will help you understand the scope of work involved.
How to install a personalized shower tray
What is a mortar shower tray?
A mortar shower tray (or clay shower tray) is a handmade shower tray constructed from dried mortar.
Once finished, the shower tray forms the shower floor which contains the drain.
Shower trays are usually sloped towards a central drain and finished with a tiled surface.
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Instructions
Step 1: Build your curb
Build your curb at the entrance to the shower stall. Make your curb out of 2x4.
However, the first piece, which is anchored into the concrete with 2 1/2-inch masonry screws, must be pressure-treated wood, since it is resting directly against the concrete slab.
You can stack the regular Douglas Fir 2x4s on top of the pressure treated piece and join them together one by one. You shouldn't need more than a stack of four pieces to get the height you need for the curb.
Step 2: Install the backrest around
Install the backrest around the bottom of the shower stall.
In the image above, you will see 2x6 pieces secured between the posts around the entire perimeter of the shower pan.
I usually use 2x10's to make sure I have the backing to allow the membrane to go up 9 1/2" to the wall.
Step 3: Install the pre-slope
Install the pre-slope.
Pre-sloping is required to allow water collected on the shower membrane to drain into the drain holes of the shower drain assembly.
Remember, tile and mortar are NOT waterproof.
Using a concrete mix, create a slope of 1/4" per foot on the shower drain.
Step 4: Waterproof the shower tray
Waterproof the shower tray.
Depending on local building code, you may use a sheet vinyl membrane or a hot tar mop.
If using a sheet membrane, you will need to first install a layer of roofing paper and then install the vinyl membrane.
Roofing paper provides cushioning between the concrete and the vinyl membrane, which is essential.
Step 5: Install a mesh
Install diamond mesh around your curb as reinforcement for the mortar.
Diamond mesh will be used only for the curb.
It is used because it is moldable and will have shape. This will allow you to staple only one side of thethe curb;
The side that faces the outside of the shower cabin.
The interior face will stay in place next to the shower floor mortar bed.
Step 6: Perform a test
Perform a water test 24.
Fill the tray with water and, using yellow or orange chalk, mark the water line in places.
Since it's on a concrete slab, you won't know if it's leaking unless the water falls below the chalk lines.
If you think you see a small difference, allow the test to run for another 24 hours and then the difference in the water level compared to the chalk lines will be obvious.
Step 7: Install Concrete Reinforcement Board on Walls
Install the concrete reinforcement board on the walls.
Be sure to cover your membrane with temporary protection before installing the backer board.
Typically, I use Durock and it performs very well.
It is important to note that you staple sheets of vinyl plastic to the wall studs before installing the backer board.
It is the only way to ensure the long-term integrity of your wall studs behind your shower walls.
Step 8: Install tiles
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