Installing A Tile Shower Pan On A Sub Floor

Waterproof the shower pan.

Installing a tile shower pan on a sub floor.

The key to a successful installation lies in the use of a chlorinated polyethylene cpe or pvc membrane tough but flexible plastics that form the pan of the enclosure and make the floor waterproof. When installing a tile shower whether it be ceramic marble travertine or any other tile product. Keep the type of shower door in mind when deciding on the right shower pan size. Have a professional install a shower membrane and shower pan appropriate for the space.

If your next bathroom remodel includes a tub or prefab fiberglass shower base then the installation is going to be pretty straightforward. Mark the outline of the shower pan on the subfloor using pencil or a chalk line. Once demolition of the old tile is complete install a cement backer board in the shower area image 1. In our project the shower pan is poured concrete image 2.

Over the membrane a mortar bed floor supports the tile. But if you re thinking of installing a tile shower floor you ve got some decisions to make when it comes to your method of installation. A mortared shower pan allows you to custom fit a shower enclosure. The standard installation of a tile redi polyurethane shower pan starts with a framed in shower alcove that is sized for the shower pan.

While prefabricated pans are faster and easier to install if you want to use tile instead of an acrylic or fiberglass enclosure you need this tailor made option. If you use a sheet membrane you will have to install a layer of roofing paper first and then install the vinyl membrane. The roofing paper provides cushion between the concrete and the vinyl membrane which is critical. Lay out the shower on the subfloor using your finish materials in this case tile and glass block to help define its size and shape for shower pan installation.

3 popular choices for a custom shower pan. Mark the center of each wall stud on the shower pan rim. Depending on local building code you can use a vinyl sheet membrane or hot mop with tar. This is necessary for durability style and so the pan is the exact size and shape for your new shower.

After you have put down a double layer of plywood to provide the base for a custom walk in shower pan you need to cover the subfloor with a layer of tar paper in this case referred to as a vapor. You will later screw the shower pan into the wall studs. Pre drill holes through the shower pan rim at the marked locations. If the subfloor is wood it should receive a layer of cement board to protect the wood from the mortar bed under the pan.

These days if you want to put in a shower you can just go to a home center and pick up a fiberglass unit.