We are remodeling a very small bathroom - 5' x 7.5'. We have removed the existing bathtub and have decided on a corner shower to open up the space some. Want something that we can accomplish, yet will be durable and not leak. (Reason for the remodel is leak that went undetected and has damaged subfloor.) We have researched pre-made but skeptical due to the amount of cracking/leaks reported with many of them. Have also researched tiling, but just not sure of our ability to do so (no experience) without any mishaps as it seems you have to be extremely precise in installation for it to work correctly. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Hello and welcom...

IMO a corner shower will be very small and you may not be happy... Go to the home store and look at them. Stand in them... Or a plumbing showroom store...

I would go square or rectangal and fit the biggest you can,,,

A good base and walls I like and use are the sterling brand made by kohler...

Additionally you will need to pipe a new drain because it needs to be 2"...

Let us know....

 

I firmly agree on going with as large a shower stall as your space will allow. I replaced a tiny corner unit in the last house we owned after using it just one time--didn't like bashing my elbows when I wanted to scrub my arm pits. And the wife just hates grimy arm pits!

I installed a 2-piece fiberglass (or acrylic?) unit made in Canada; I don't recall the brand name. But it went in like a breeze, with a horizontal leak-proof seam between halves, and worked extremely well. And being in 2 pieces meant that I didn't have to tear down half the house to get it into the place and installed.

I've installed one ceramic tile shower (but have inspected many that were improperly installed), and suggest that you don't try it if you've never laid up tile or built a shower pan before. Lots of places to make mistakes, some of which will come back to haunt you--such as rotten wall studs and floor plates because you closed off the drain weep holes while managing to puncture the rubber membrane.

 

A Precast base with a compression fitting drain body will be the most DIY friendly type of install in my opinion. You then have the option of either tiling the walls or installing a multi-piece surround. Agree with the others that a corner unit will confine you.

If you decide on wall tile, we can help walk you through the process. A mud bed shower pan is a challenge, but if you do your research and really learn in advance what needs to be done, you can achieve a lot of satisfaction in a complete DIY shower. Choice is yours - here is some reading to get you started on your decision How to build a shower - Building a shower pan with pre-sloped mortar bed, liner and curb.