November 6th, 2006
Building a Custom Shower
1. Because of the odd angles upstairs, a simple square shower was out of the question. Here’s the basic shape. There will be glass between the shower and the tub. The rest will be tile.
2. After you’ve plumbed and framed and sheeted the floor, add a layer of felt (tar) paper to the bottom of your shower pan.
3. Over the top of the felt paper goes metal lath.
4. And then a layer of mortar, making sure to slope it toward the drain. (And make sure to protect your drain! You don’t want concrete in it!) Let dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Next, your rubber-like shower liner goes in. You glue this down with special glue, made for vinyl products. After the shower liner has dried (follow package instructions) test for water tightness. Fill the liner with several inches of water and let stand for four hours. If there’s no leaks, you’re good to go. If you have a leak, don’t ask me what to do. We didn’t, and I don’t know.
6. Fasten sheets of Durock/cement board/hardibacker to walls, and then you’re ready to add another layer of mortar, making sure to slope it toward the drain.
7. Before mortar dries, lay another layer of metal lath over the surface.
8. Immediately add another layer of mortar, again making sure to slope it toward the drain. As this is your final surface before tile, spend the time to smooth and slope it well. Let cure for at least 24 hours.
9. Congratulations! You’re ready to tile. If you buy porcelain tile, be sure to buy porcelain mortar for it. Most other types of tile, including ceramic and stone, will use regular mortar. Tip: Buy mosaic tiles for the floor. They come in 12×12 sheets and are easier to cut around the drain. Tip 2: Buy a slightly rough surfaced tile for shower floors. You don’t want anything too slippery to stand on.
10. After setting tile, let it cure for 24 hours before grouting. We have not finished this step yet. Follow package directions on grout for best results. Tip: Often you can find caulking to match your grout. Buy a couple tubes to seal around the tub and other surfaces that may need it. Tip 2: Notice our metal finishes. These are in lieu of fancy tile pieces designed to hide the rough tile edges. You can buy them in several finishes and sizes.
Filed Under: Remodel Projects |
2. After you’ve plumbed and framed and sheeted the floor, add a layer of felt (tar) paper to the bottom of your shower pan.
3. Over the top of the felt paper goes metal lath.
4. And then a layer of mortar, making sure to slope it toward the drain. (And make sure to protect your drain! You don’t want concrete in it!) Let dry for at least 24 hours.
5. Next, your rubber-like shower liner goes in. You glue this down with special glue, made for vinyl products. After the shower liner has dried (follow package instructions) test for water tightness. Fill the liner with several inches of water and let stand for four hours. If there’s no leaks, you’re good to go. If you have a leak, don’t ask me what to do. We didn’t, and I don’t know.
6. Fasten sheets of Durock/cement board/hardibacker to walls, and then you’re ready to add another layer of mortar, making sure to slope it toward the drain.
7. Before mortar dries, lay another layer of metal lath over the surface.
8. Immediately add another layer of mortar, again making sure to slope it toward the drain. As this is your final surface before tile, spend the time to smooth and slope it well. Let cure for at least 24 hours.
9. Congratulations! You’re ready to tile. If you buy porcelain tile, be sure to buy porcelain mortar for it. Most other types of tile, including ceramic and stone, will use regular mortar. Tip: Buy mosaic tiles for the floor. They come in 12×12 sheets and are easier to cut around the drain. Tip 2: Buy a slightly rough surfaced tile for shower floors. You don’t want anything too slippery to stand on.
10. After setting tile, let it cure for 24 hours before grouting. We have not finished this step yet. Follow package directions on grout for best results. Tip: Often you can find caulking to match your grout. Buy a couple tubes to seal around the tub and other surfaces that may need it. Tip 2: Notice our metal finishes. These are in lieu of fancy tile pieces designed to hide the rough tile edges. You can buy them in several finishes and sizes.
Filed Under: Remodel Projects |
