| |
|
How to Frame a Shower Pan Base
A Custom Ceramic Tile Shower Starts with a
Well Framed Shower Pan Base
By Mark J. Donovan
|
|
A properly framed shower pan base is
critical for a building a leak free mortar shower pan. Mortar shower pans are
commonly used in custom ceramic tile showers when the shower floor is tiled.
To frame a shower pan base, first
build up the shower walls using 2x4s. The wall studs should be on 16” centers
wherever possible. In some cases this may not be possible, such as in the case
where the shower wall studs may impede upon the plumbing supply and drain lines.
As a result you may have to adjust the location of some of the shower wall
studs. |
|
|
After framing the shower wall
studs, it is important to install 2x6 blocking in between each wall stud to
frame the shower pan base area. The 2x6 blocking should be positioned in
between the shower wall studs such that a smooth shower base well is
created. The 2x6 blocking acts as a form for the mortar shower pan, as well
as a nailing surface for attaching the flexible shower pan membrane liner to.
The shower pan membrane liner is sandwiched in between two layers of mortar
to form the finished shower pan base. |
Photo by Mark Donovan |
|
|
In addition to framing in the shower
wall studs and 2x6 blocking, it is important when framing a shower pan base to
have a strong and stable subfloor surface. Typically a subfloor is created out
of ¾ inch tongue and groove plywood. It is wise to install another ½ inch or ¾
inch exterior grade plywood over the subfloor to create a 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inch
thick subfloor surface. Including additional plywood over the subfloor material
when framing a shower pan based is even more critical if the existing subfloor
has been structurally compromised, such is often the case when plumbing drain
pipes are installed.
|
|
Finally, it is important to include a
shower pan curb on the outside edge of the custom ceramic tile shower unit. You
can either use a length of 4”x4” material or simply laminate 2 or 3 lengths of
2”x4”s together to create the shower pan curb. Make sure the shower pan curb is
fastened securely to the subfloor using either long screws or 16 penny nails.
With the shower pan curb installed
the framing in of the shower pan base is complete. You can then move on to the
next stage of building your custom ceramic tile shower, installing the mortar
shower pan.
|
Photo by Mark Donovan |
See
My Shower Pan Ebook for More Details on How to Install a Mortar Shower Pan: For a more detailed set of
instructions on building a shower pan, including pictures and a detailed
cross-sectional view of the make-up of a shower pan, see my “Shower Pan Membrane
Liner Ebook”.
|
Find a Qualified Ceramic Tile Contractor in Your Area |
|
Get Free Quotes. Easy, Quick and No
Obligations!
For the home improvement or home remodeling project that is
too big for you, check out our partner
NeedContractor. They are a national
resource for finding pre-screened, insured, and licensed home improvement and remodeling contractors in your local area.
|
|
|
Get Matched in 48 hours with Ceramic Tile
Contractors! |
How to Finance your Home Improvement Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Additional Framing and Carpentry Resources
Framing and Carpentry Tools from Amazon.com
|
| |
|
