How I Made My Own Shower Pan

When I decided to renovate my bathroom, I knew that I wanted to install a new shower. However, I quickly realized that purchasing a pre-made shower pan would be both expensive and limiting in terms of size and design. That’s when I decided to make my own shower pan from scratch. Here’s how I did it.

What is a Shower Pan?

A shower pan is the base of a shower that collects and drains water. It’s typically made of a waterproof material, such as fiberglass or tile, and is sloped towards the drain to ensure proper drainage.

Why Make Your Own Shower Pan?

Making your own shower pan allows you to customize the size, shape, and design of your shower. It can also save you money, as pre-made shower pans can be expensive. Additionally, making your own shower pan can be a rewarding DIY project.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure the area where the shower will be installed.
2. Build a base for the shower pan using 2x4s and plywood.
3. Cover the base with a layer of roofing felt, making sure to overlap the edges.
4. Apply a layer of mortar to the roofing felt, sloping it towards the drain.
5. Place a layer of wire mesh over the mortar, making sure to overlap the edges.
6. Apply a second layer of mortar over the wire mesh, sloping it towards the drain.
7. Install the drain and connect it to the plumbing.
8. Allow the mortar to dry completely before tiling the shower walls.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

• Use a pre-sloped shower pan kit for easier installation.
• Consider using a waterproof membrane instead of roofing felt for added protection against leaks.
• Make sure to slope the mortar towards the drain to ensure proper drainage.
• Use a level to ensure that the base is even before applying the roofing felt and mortar.
• Consider adding a bench or niche to your shower design.
• Use a tileable shower drain for a seamless look.
• Consider using a pebble tile floor for added texture and slip resistance.
• Use large format tiles on the shower walls to create a clean and modern look.
• Consider adding a decorative tile border or accent to the shower walls.
• Allow plenty of time for the mortar to dry before tiling to prevent shifting or cracking.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Customizable size and design.
• Potentially cost-saving compared to pre-made shower pans.
• Can be a rewarding DIY project.

Cons:

• Requires time and effort to complete.
• Sloping the mortar towards the drain can be tricky.
• May require additional waterproofing measures to prevent leaks.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Making my own shower pan was definitely a challenging DIY project, but it was also one of the most rewarding. I was able to customize the size and shape of my shower to fit my space and design preferences. However, I did encounter some issues with sloping the mortar towards the drain, and had to make some adjustments to ensure proper drainage. Overall, I would highly recommend making your own shower pan if you’re up for a DIY challenge and want a truly custom shower.

FAQs

Q: What materials do I need to make a shower pan?

A: You will need 2x4s, plywood, roofing felt or waterproof membrane, mortar, wire mesh, and a shower drain.

Q: How long does it take to make a shower pan?

A: The process can take several days, as you will need to allow time for the mortar to dry before tiling the shower walls.

Q: Is it difficult to slope the mortar towards the drain?

A: It can be tricky, but using a level and taking your time can help ensure proper slope and drainage.