|
|
A custom ceramic tiled shower
will add charm and beauty to your bathroom, not to mention increase the
value of your home. However, before embarking on the installation of a
custom tiled shower you first need to build a shower base. Building a shower
base involves sandwiching a flexible shower membrane liner in between two
layers of mortar.
It is critical to build a shower base properly to ensure a leak free shower.
|
|
|
If done improperly water will
slowly work its way through the shower floor onto lower level ceilings.
In addition, a leaky shower base
will lead to mold and mildew growth, and rot surrounding framing lumber.
Far too often I hear of stories where remodeling contractors build a shower
base by simply pouring one layer of mortar in the base of a shower stall.
This is a recipe for disaster.
|
 |
|
|
How to Build a
Shower Base Correctly
To build a shower base a
pre-slope layer of mortar needs to be first installed into the base of the
shower stall area.
However, prior to installing the
pre-slope mortar layer you need to make sure that the existing subfloor is
rigid, with little to no deflection. In addition, you need to install an
adjustable shower drain and adjust its height to the final height of the
shower base, including the thickness of the tiles.
|
Also, a sheet of felt paper and
metal lath need to be installed into the base of the shower floor prior to
pouring the mortar.
After pouring a pre-sloped mortar
bed, and allowing time for it to cure, the next stage in building a shower
base is to install the flexible shower membrane liner. It needs to be folded
and nailed or stapled onto the shower stud walls and over the shower curb.
In addition, an opening over the shower drain needs to be cut out for water
to drain from the shower base.
|
 |
When nailing the membrane liner to
the wall studs it is important to nail it up near the top edges of the liner.
The next step in building a shower base is to install the cement backer board
along the shower walls. Lay some cardboard over the shower liner to prevent
damaging it when installing the cement backer board.
Next, hand shape some metal lath and install it over the shower curb area. Nail
to the outside edge of the shower stall. |
Once the backer board and curb metal lath have been installed, the final
layer of mortar can then be poured into the shower base. It is important to
make sure that the shower base slope is maintained towards the drain when
troweling in the final layer of mortar.
Finally, trowel mortar over the curb and shape it into a rectangular shape.
Once the mortar has set up, you can then begin the process of tiling your
custom ceramic tiled shower.
See
My Shower Pan Ebook for More Details: 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”.
For more
information on tiling a custom ceramic tile shower, see the
How to Tile a Custom Ceramic Tile Shower Ebook
from HomeAdditionPlus.com. It provides detailed instructions for every
step in the process of tiling a custom ceramic tile shower and is loaded with
instructional pictures!
|
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! |
See HomeAdditionPlus.com's
Ceramic Tile Calculator
How to Finance your Home Improvement Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required.
Related Ceramic Tile
Information
Additional Ceramic Tile Resources from Amazon.com
|
