How to Level a Shower Floor

by DoItYourself Staff

what you'll need

Pre-mixed Thin-set Mortar
Smooth-edge & Notched Trowel
Level
Cement Board
Levelling Shims
2 1/2 " Deck Screws
Drain Extension

If you have an uneven shower floor, you'll need to know how to correct the mess as soon as possible. An uneven shower floor can prevent proper draining, and dips in the flooring can cause puddling or potential wicking hazards. This article explains the simple steps you can take to level your shower floor and prevent further damage. Hopefully, your tiling hasn't been laid on an uneven bed, but if it has, you'll need to pull it up. This is crucial, as you need to have a surface that won’t release your freshly-laid mortar bed (mortar applied on top of ceramic tile will release in no time).

Step One - Applying the Mortar

Pre-mixed thin-set mortar is available in most home improvement and hardware stores and is substantially inexpensive. Pre-mixed mortar will also be the quickest, hassle-free route to levelling your shower floor. This thin-set mortar is the best choice for your shower. Don't be persuaded into getting cheaper mortars, such as brick mortar, that could lead to mildew or mold build-ups. Also, be weary when laying your mortar that it doesn’t go down your drain, or you could do more harm than good.

When you're ready to apply the mortar, start by spreading it around the entire surface using a smooth-edge trowel, ensuring it reaches all the nooks and cracks in the area (too much is better than not enough). Next, rake over the surface with the notched trowel, thus creating a gripping, adhesive surface. After allowing it to dry, use your level to correct any neglected areas.

Step Two - Laying Cement Board

If you're still wary about the evenness of your shower floor, you could use cement board to guarantee a level surface. This is accomplished by cutting your cement board into the shape of the desired surface. Once this has been done, you can use the shims to place the cement board. Although the shims aren’t necessary, they help to prevent problem areas. It is crucial that the mortar is not dried when you complete this process. The mortar must still be wet and spread in a level pattern. Once the mortar has dried after laying the board, you may remove the shims. Use your 2 ½” deck screws to lock the cement board to the mortar.

Step Three – Small Adjustments

One simple adjustment you may (or may not) have to do, is extend your drain. If you’ve applied enough mortar to raise the level of your flooring, your drain may be sunken down in comparison to your floor. This is easily aided by using a drain extension which fits securely into the drain and can be found at any hardware store.

Step Four – Commence Tiling

Now that you’ve just made a sturdy, level, and secure shower base, you may now continue on to re-tiling your shower floor. Once finished, you can move on to enjoying your functional and relaxing home improvement.