Proper Procedure Of Installing A Walk In Shower Floor
Starting with the fundamentals and defining what a DIY shower is can be beneficial. A bathtub is a different structure from a DIY walk-in shower. To keep water from leaking out of the bathroom, it typically includes a glass door and a higher threshold. DIY walk-in showers can be a useful addition and give bathrooms a more open, contemporary appearance. Even a walk-in shower without doors is an option.
Tools Needed
- Utility Knife, Reciprocating Saw & Circular Saw
- Hole Cutter, Power Drill & Chalk Line
- Caulk And Caulking Gun
- Screws, Tape Measure & Hammer
- Palette Knife, Paintbrush & Sand Mix
- Thin-Set Mortar
Step 1: Demolition And Measuring
- You must first remove the prior things if you are adding a walk-in DIY shower where a bathroom or tub already exists. The new DIY walk-in shower should ideally be installed in the same location as your bathtub or shower. This typically implies that the plumbing may stay the same, keeping the job under budget.
- Disconnect the fixtures and turn off the water before starting to install your DIY shower. Then start removing the tile and drywall, and if there is a bathtub, remove it. Remove the shower door and wall panels. Around the bathtub, you will also need to take out any fasteners, fittings, and some drywall. You can start installing the walk-in shower once the area has been made clear and the bathtub has been removed.
- Measure your bathroom before purchasing supplies or a kit for the shower installation. This includes figuring out how far apart and where to put each item. Choose whether to install the do-it-yourself shower using the current plumbing and drain or whether to adapt it to meet the new bathroom.
Step 2: Choose The Right Walk In Shower Kit
- When creating a walk-in shower, a walk in shower installation kit can give you the equipment and supplies you need and make things much easier. No matter whatever shower installation kit you pick, you'll need faucets, a showerhead, a shower arm, and a hand-held shower. A shower pan or tray, a shower curb, sealants or screws, a shower drain, and waterproofing supplies are additional elements required when installing a walk-in shower.
- Built-in soap dispensers and shower walls are examples of optional components for walk-in shower installations. The components may also be purchased separately. Additionally, you should purchase these in advance if you plan to rebuild your walk-in shower or replace the shower fittings. If you have everything you need there, installing a walk-in shower will be much simpler.
Step 3: Install The Shower Floor
- You can select a shower tray that fits your existing drain hole because many of them are pre-cut, or you can drill your own hole in the floor.
- For your DIY shower, you will need an Oriented Strand Board if you decide to cut your own drain hole. For the new hole to be in the proper location, make sure to measure and locate the drain hole. The shower tray should then be placed on the shower floor. Before attaching plywood on top to create the base, make sure the board is flat.
- To successfully install your DIY walk-in shower, first fill the drain hole with primer and sealant. Then, press the drain into position.
- Finally, apply pressure for a few seconds while tightening the nuts.
Step 4: Clean The Area
- Cleaning the area is the next stage in installing a walk-in shower. Wipe up any primer or sealant that may have dripped from the floor. A new walk-in shower tray that has dried drips of primer or sealer on the bathroom floor may be uneven.
- Then, clean off any dust or debris that may have accumulated close to the walk-in shower's drain cover. The removal of any surplus materials may also benefit from the use of a palette knife. Lay out several large objects on the ground to dry for at least an hour.
Step 5: Install The Shower Walls
- When installing a walk-in shower with a DIY shower kit, the shower tray will probably have divets where you may position the walls. You may or may not need to drill the walls into the proper place depending on the shower DIY kit. They might also need to be mounted to the wall studs. You must screw them into the wall studs of your DIY walk-in shower if you're putting up new drywall.
- It can be useful to measure and cut a hole for each DIY shower fixture before putting up each wall. Consider any additional items, such as a shower dish or your showerhead. In your DIY walk-in shower, be sure to accurately line up each hole and measure for piping as well.
Step 6: Install The Shower Curb
- Choose if you want a shower curb and how high off the floor you want it. This tiny lip is what divides the walk-in shower from the bathroom floor. It stops water from entering the bathroom through leaks.
- Curbless walk-in shower designs can be a little trickier to implement when installing or upgrading. However, they can create a more open and contemporary atmosphere overall in the room. You can elevate or lower the shower pan to make it level with the shower floor if you prefer a curbless design for your do-it-yourself shower. A drainage slope will also need to be taken into consideration.
- If you decide to use a shower curb when installing a walk-in shower, you must select one that fits your wall length specifications. Measure the line with chalk, and then apply it to the shower floor with thin-set adhesive. Check how simple it is to enter and exit the area, then remove any extra thin-set sealant from the curb.
Step 7: Waterproof The Room
- You want your walls to be watertight, no matter what kind you pick. Apply liquid waterproofing to the cement board with a paintbrush before tiling your DIY walk-in shower.
- To make the entire space waterproof in the DIY shower, you may also use waterproof tape around the corners. Give it at least an hour to dry.
Step 8: Add Fixtures
- The next step in creating a walk-in shower is to add fixtures! Screw the shower fixtures firmly into the plumbing that already exists. When installing a DIY shower, you can keep the original fixtures or replace them with newer ones to give the area a fresh appearance. Check their functionality and the water flow in your walk-in shower after installation.
Step 9: Install The Tiles
- You can design a room using tiling in a variety of styles and looks to suit your tastes. Additionally, it is essential for your walk-in shower installation's aesthetics and design.
- Select a tile pattern that blends well with the DIY shower, the room's flooring, and the room's general décor. Make sure to purchase a thin set that is designed for the tile size you decide on. To fit the area surrounding the DIY walk-in shower accessories, you will need to measure and cut the tile. The shower head and controls are part of this.
- Match the tiles to the other fixtures in the room, such as the sink or faucet, to create a cohesive look for your DIY walk-in shower. In the DIY shower, you may also put in tile up to a specific height or from the floor to the ceiling.
- To fix the tile to the wall of your walk-in shower, use thin-set. After that, carefully arrange the tiles to get your desired design. Wipe off any thin-set that leaks off the tile with a damp cloth.
Step 10: Install The Glass Enclosure
- The DIY walk-in shower enclosure is finished off with a piece of glass. It keeps water from spilling onto the floor and offers the restroom a clean, contemporary look. Restarting the water supply will allow you to check that everything is installed properly and test the functions, including the DIY shower head and drain. You might be able to use extra thin-set to seal any leaks in the showerhead or drain.