QA

Quick Answer: How To Frame A Shower Pan

What goes first shower pan or walls?

Whether you choose to install tile or the panel walls, drywall always goes on top of the shower pan, after the pan is set into the floor. Both tile and shower walls perform the same function, they just do so with different types of materials.

What do you put under shower pan for support?

Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.

Do you install the wallboard before installing the shower pan?

It requires no mud job or waterproofing membrane, but it does require direct access to the studs of the shower. This will create a small lip at the bottom of the shower walls where tiles or an acrylic surround would bump out, leaving a gap. Therefore, the pan must be installed first.

Do I need cement board under shower pan?

ALL CEMENT BOARDS MUST be installed in a fresh bed of thinset. Unmodified thinset is preferable. If you want the cement board under the shower tray then do so – doesn’t matter. If that creates plumbing issues you can’t deal with then leave it out.

Should shower pan be screwed to wall?

When replacing a shower pan, some shower pan manufacturers call for the shower pan to sit directly in an adhesive or into small mounds of mortar. Screw the shower pan rim into the wall studs using 1 1/4-inch exterior-grade screws through the pre-drilled holes.

How thick should a shower pan be?

The shower pan base mortar layer should be about an inch thick. The shower floor already has a pre-slope, so just apply a base mortar layer that is even thickness throughout the shower floor area.

What kind of cement do you use for a shower pan?

The ideal mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement. This type of mortar creates a great water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit.

Can I use quikrete for shower pan?

The best concrete mix for shower pans is made by Quikrete. They make two products, the first is called Floor Mud, the 2nd is their Sand/Topping mix. Both work great for building a shower pan. Just like other types of concrete mix, there are DIY options.

Do you need to waterproof under a shower base?

DON’T ignore the importance of waterproofing when installing an acrylic shower base. The walls and the area around the top of the acrylic base along the wall are very important for proper waterproofing and it is essential that it be done correctly. In a bathroom, proper waterproofing is non-negotiable.

Do you glue the shower pan liner down?

The standard sizes of shower liner can require a seam that needs to be glued to ensure a watertight connection. Not using the correct adhesive allows the lapped seam to separate and water to pass by the liner. An incorrect lap does not provide enough protection against water leaks. Showers require a sealed base.

Does cement board go over lip of shower pan?

The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area. above the lip of the tub. Then apply a generous amount of thin-set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1/8 in.

Can concrete be used for shower floor?

Concrete is perfectly adequate, if not recommended, for use as the shower pan base for materials such as stone, tile or mosaic tile to be used as the finish surface (as long as there is a proper membrane between the concrete and any vulnerable surrounding material).

Do you tile before or after fitting a shower tray?

We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray. Step 1 – Position the shower tray where you want it installed and make sure it fits into the space with no clearance issues.

Can I use thinset for shower pan?

Mix thinset mortar with the drill and paddle. Add more thinset to one side to level the floor, if necessary. Check the floor to ensure it is level, using the carpenter’s level. Set the acrylic shower pan in place on top of the mortar.

What do you do with a gap between tub and cement board?

Technically, after the tile is installed over the backer board that gap between it and the tub ledge should be filled with an ASTM C920 sealant (caulking e.g. silicone). Although some say you should have weep holes along this gap so any water behind can weep out into the tub.

What screws to use on shower walls?

Predrill 3/16-inch-diameter screw holes through the tub’s flange, then fasten the tub to the wall studs with 1¼-inch-long decking screws. Use a drill and hole saw to cut holes through the fiberglass tub surround for the shower valve and tub spout.

Do plumbers install shower pans?

Plumbers generally install the shower liner, new drain trap and strainer. In the old days, when lead and copper were used, you wouldn’t expect the tile person to install the pan Shower liners here are part of the rough plumbing inspection, I would not want the tile person to be responsible for my work.

How much does it cost to put in a shower pan?

According to Porch.com, the average cost to install a shower pan is about $1,550 for both labor and materials. Typical costs can range from about $1,000 to $2,000, depending on where you live and the type of shower pan you choose.

How many bags of sand do I put in a shower pan?

I usually mix one bag sand/topping mix with a half bag of sand (25lbs) to make things easy and have had good luck with that. Be very careful with how much water you add to the deck mud as you mix it up. It’s referred to as dry-pack mortar for a reason. Do not add water like you are mixing concrete.