How to Build a Shower Base for Walk-in Shower?

Do you want to build a shower base for a walk-in shower but don’t know the exact method?

On the internet, you can find different ways to build a shower base but it is important, to begin with, the basics if you want to succeed in this work.

A walk-in shower is not attached to the bathtub and is often covered with a glass door so that it stops spillage and flooding. With the right tools, you can make this happen without any assistance.

By following the below-mentioned steps, you will be able to learn how to do this installation.

 

Tools and Materials

Here are those important tools that must be by your side before starting this installation to save your time. They include:

• Shower arm
• Faucet
• Shower head
• Sloping shower tray
• A shower drain
• water-proof materials
• optional curb
• Adhesives
• Primer

Once you get your hands on all these important tools, you can proceed with the work.

Building a Walk-in Shower Base

If you have been searching for the right and easiest installation method, you are in the right place. It is DIY work and can be done without any pro. The steps that you must follow in this regard are:

1. Gather the Right Kit

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There are two types of kits that you will require in this process including a shower kit and a shower tray. In the shower kit, you get different accessories including a hand-held showerhead, a shower head, Faucets, and a shower arm.

In a few shower kits, you also get corner beads, soap dishes, and shower walls. Shower tray kit, the accessories you get are an optional curb, a shower drain, a sloping shower tray, a few materials that are waterproof, and some adhesives.

The two most popular shower and tray kits that you can consider for installation are KBRS and Fundo Lingo. Lingo kits are easy to apply while KBR’s kits have comprehensive bundling so you can opt for the one that suits your requirements.

2. Collect all the Supplies and Tools

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In this installation work, you need to do a lot of drilling, drying, cutting, and gluing so this process can’t be windup within a dry. Moreover, a few steps require overnight drying so be cautious about those steps because if you do not give enough time to dry, you might ruin the entire work.

You also have to examine whether your shower floors leak or not. A few supplies and tools you will need during this entire process are:

• Optional hole cutter that will help you in draining.
• A Circular saw will be used for cutting.
• An angle grinder will help you create different angle sections.
• Ensure to get scissors to cut different things.
• Spirit level that will make a flat surface.
• Hammer will be used to keep wooden places in an accurate position.
• For straight lines, you will also need caulk lines.
• Do not forget a tape measure for exact measurements.
• Purple primer will be used for draining.
• A trowel will be available in the kit.
• Palette knives and brushes are also vital.
• Get finishes and shower tiles as per the requirements.
• Thin-set mortar is also important for shower tray, tiles, and drain.

3. Examine the Shower Floor’s Status

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Now you have to make a cut in a shower floor in order, to begin, the process of installing a shower base. The floor comprises of Oriented Strand Board. Ensure to cut the accurate squares of the shower floor that fits with the shower tray size.

Do not forget to examine the condition of the floor because there should not be any bumps or nails. With the help of a spirit level, check the flatness. To make a sunken part, get your hands on some nail boards and screw them.

Later, to create a base, screw some plywood at the top. Ensure the location of the drain. Now place the subfloor of OSD back and start making holes of accurate shape and size for your drain.

If you have gotten your hands on KBR’s kit, the tray should never be below the shower floor. Now use primer on all parts of the drain that will also help to clean the surface and it will also make the PVC drain soft.

Apply sealant around the drain and push it to the exact place. With hands, you can make the nuts tight. Now let the sealant dry during which you have to keep pushing the drain so that it completely fits on the location.

4. Use Even Layer of Thin Set

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There must be a lot of dust on the subfloor which you have to remove first before proceeding to the next step. If you do not clean the surface, the floor might wobble.

Now get your hands on a thin set and with the help of a palette knife, start applying the thin layer to the subfloor. Once you are done applying the thin set, carefully put the shower tray and press it down.

You will notice a few excess splashes of thin-set that you have to remove with a palette knife. Let the shower tray dry for which you have to wait at least half an hour. Now comes the installation of shower walls.

If you have bought a Ligno shower tray, you must have also gotten different channels that you have to carve into the wall. However, if you have purchased KBR’s shower tray, you have to screw the wall panels with the help of a power drill.

5. Install the Curbs

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Walk-in showers do not contain curbs so you have to install them. With these curbs, there will be less mess in the shower. It will also prevent you from slipping by making the place less slippery so do not take it for granted.

KBR’s shower tray contains these curbs so it will be easy for you. Measure the size of the curb so that it easily fits the shower. If the size is too long, you can cut it according to the accurate size of the shower with the help of a chalk line.

With the help of a circular saw, you can cut it in equal dimensions. With the help of a caulking gun, put sealant on the curb’s sides. Now use a thin set so that the curb easily sticks to the floor. Let it dry.

6. Apply Liquid Waterproofing

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With the help of a paintbrush, start applying liquid waterproofing and ensure to cover every spot and edge. Liquid waterproofing is easy to apply and it also takes less time to be dried as compared to others.

You can also use rollers to cover every wall. The waterproofing layer must be even. You can also leave the paint overnight so that it completely dries. Once you are done applying, check for any leaks by filling the shower floor with water.

Do not forget to examine the drains because there should not be any gaps. Now lay down your selected tiles and then install faucets and shower heads and you are all done.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

Are you still confused about this DIY walk-in shower installation process? Let’s have a look at some frequently asked questions in order to make things more clear for you.

Do You Need a Shower Pan to Build a Shower Base for Walk-in Shower?

Yes, it is important to install a shower pan because it stops the water from reaching unnecessary places in the bathroom so you can not avoid it.

Can I Build a Shower Base?

Building a shower base will let you customize it according to your needs and requirements. Building a walk in shower with the right tools and supplies at home is easy and can be done without anyone’s assistance.

What Can I Use for the Shower Floor Base?

The four best shower base flooring options you can get include Tile shower bases, Molded stone shower bases, Acyclic shower pans, and fiberglass shower pans.

Conclusion

To build a shower base for the walk-in shower is not a complicated process. If you know the basics, you can do this work easily at home. This task is usually performed once you are done with installing a walk-in shower in your bathroom,

Before starting the installation process, it is important to get your hands on all tools and equipment so that it consumes less time and you do not need to give pause. Also, keep in mind that this process takes some days.

You can also ask a professional for this work but better do this DIY work so that you are able to do it yourself in the future. I have mentioned each step in the simplest way possible so that it doesn’t confuse you and you get the main concept.