Shower Tray Installation

If you are remodeling your bathroom, installing a shower tray is recommended. A shower tray when installed prevents water from leaking out and also prevents the build-up of mold and mildew. You can pick up a waterproof shower tray form any hardware store and install it yourself. With the right tools and this guide you will be able to install the shower tray and save some money. Here’s how you do the job.

Step 1 – Take Measurements

Take the measurements of the floor of your shower. Don’t worry about the availability of the shower tray as you can get them in various sizes.

Step 2 – Decide the Shape

While taking the measurements, choose the shape that best fits your requirements. You can get a tray in rectangular, square, or round shape.

Step 3 – Purchase the Tray

Depending on the measurements and the shape that you decided, purchase the shower tray. You can choose color that matches the color theme of your shower.

Step 4 – Prepare the Base

Place two 2-inch layers each of sand and cement on the shower floor. First, place the sand layer and then cement layer on top of it.

Step 5 – Smooth-out the Base

Smooth out the layer using a towel. So now you have an even base to place the shower tray. In addition, all the leaks, if any, on the floor will be sealed.

Step 6 – Let the Cement Dry

Take care to keep the cement and the sand away from drain. As cement needs some time to dry, don’t touch the layer for a day.

Step 7 – Prepare Thinset Mortar

The next day, prepare thinset mortar from cement, sand and water. The amount of thinset prepared should be sufficient to make a ¼-inch layer on the base.

Step 8 – Apply the Thinset

Ensure that the cement has dried up and then apply the just prepared thinset mortar to make a 1/4-inch layer. This will act as an adhesive for holding the tray in place.

Step 9 – Drill Holes

Drill two holes in the lip on all the sides of the tray. The holes should be spaced evenly.

Step 10 – Install the Tray

Now lay down the shower tray on top of the base that you just prepared lining it up with shower drain.

Step 11 – No Need for Slope

Generally, the trays have slope built in them, to ensure that water runs to drain, already so that you don’t need to angle it when you set it on the base.

Step 12 – Insert Screws

Use pan-head screws in the holes made in step 9 to secure the shower tray in place.

That’s it; your shower tray is in place and ready to use once the mortar is dry.