Building a ceramic tile shower stall with base

Building a ceramic tile shower stall will not only enhance the look of you bathroom, it also provides you with many other advantages. Ceramic is a very attractive material, offered in a wide variety of design and quality. It is highly scratch resistant, long lasting and requires very little care. If you wish to install ceramic tiles , you should carefully select a kind of tile that suits your installation. Therefore, for a shower, consider choosing ceramic or mosaic floor tiles that are glazed. Have a detailed plan ready to help you figure out the number of tiles required, and don’t forget to add 10% for waste. This job might seem fairly easy at first sight and can be done within a few days, but you should be cautious when installing tiles, so have a long lasting installation.
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Important notes:
1. Build the water-repellent structure
2. Install the shower stall base
3. Lay the wall tiles
4. Install the faucets and shower stall frame

Important notes:

  • Installing a shower stall is done at the start of renovation work.

  • You must first assemble the new water supply lines, while following the manufacturer’s instructions. The pipe portions that come from the wall must already be in place, ready to be connected at the proper time. Don’t forget to shut off the water supply! Take the opportunity to soundproof the shower stall, by insulating between the studs.

  • Make sure the drain is well located, and at a good height in relation to the shower stall base.

1. Build the water-repellent structure

1.1 

Cut the fibreglass mesh on one side of the panel with a carbide tipped knife and a T-rule then snap the sheet like regular drywall, and make the openings for the pipes. Install rough side facing the inside of the shower. An hydrofuge gypsum or “permabase” fibre cement boards is perfect. Your measurements must be very precise!

1.2 

Secure the boards to the framework, using 1 ½" treated wood screws or hot galvanized roofing nails.

1.3 

Apply a reinforcing nylon (or fibreglass) tape on the joints. Then spread polymer glue on those joints, particularly in junctions and corners. Allow 24 to 48 hours for hardening.

2. Install the shower stall base

2.1 

Put the shower stall base on the floor to ensure that the latter is equal and level. Check that the drain opening corresponds well to the position of the waste pipe. Remove the base.

2.2 

Assemble the drain’s watertight parts (which will connect the drain to the plumbing system). Put the base back in place.

2.3 

Use liquid soap to coat the rubber ring that will seal the connection to the drain, and then slide the ring in place.

2.4 

Secure the base to the wall studs according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

2.5 

Place a sponge in the drain to avoid blocking it with dust or residues.

3. Lay the wall tiles

3.1 

Measure and mark the location where the tile wall is to end. The shower stall frame (that supports the glass door) is to be secured directly to the wall, outside the tiles.

3.2 

Begin laying the tiles from the bottom and at the junction of both walls. Trace guide lines with a chalk line; your work will be straighter if you rely on those markers.

3.3 

Cut the tiles around the pipes where the plumbing “exits” from the wall. Once the adhesive is dry, add silicone in the gap (between the tiles and the pipe) to prevent water infiltrations.

3.4 

Once the adhesive is dried, take out the spacers. Apply the grout with a rubber float, making sure to completely seal all the joints.

3.5 

Remove excess grout with a damp rag or sponge.

4. Install the faucets and shower stall frame

4.1 

Install the faucets (water supply lever, shower spout).

4.2 

Screw the shower stall frame (which will support the glass panels) directly to the wall outside the tiles.

4.3 

Clean all surfaces by wiping off with a dry cloth the haze that remains on the tiles once the work is completed.

4.4 

Remove the sponge from the drain and firmly screw the drain strainer in place.

4.5 

Finally, apply a silicone joint on the perimeter of the shower stall and faucets, at the wall and frame junction, and at other locations indicated by the manufacturer.

4.6 

If needed, to install the supports, faucets and accessories for the shower, first affix a masking tape on the wall at the desired place, to indicate your marks and prevent the ceramic from cracking. Drill the holes and install last accessories.
Building a shower with ceramic offers many advantages: almost unlimited choice, long lasting and solid material, not to mention easy maintenance and the fact that ceramic makes your bathroom look more attractive. What more can you ask for, other than advices from your merchant to help you choose your ceramic: quality, model or price. Don't hesitate to ask questions, your merchant is there to help you.
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