Things You'll Need:
- 15 lb. Roofing felt or plastic Hammer Concrete backerboard Tape measure Straight edge Galvanized screws Level Board Pencil Sand Portland cement Mixing pan Drain Trowel Thinset Fabric membrane kit
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Step 1
Create the design and layout for the shower stall. If you're using an open design, you'll want to end the slope about a foot before you end the fabric membrane. The slope of the shower needs to be 1/4 inch for every foot to the wall. In this case, it would be 1/4 inch for every foot to the end of the end of where the water hits. If your showerhead spays out three feet in all directions, your slope is 3/4 inches. You may need to build up the rest of the floor slightly if you select a walk-in, no-curb custom shower stall. The recommended material to do this is the Schluter-Kerdi system. Mark out your areas with a pencil and use a tape to mark the proper height for the cement.
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Step 2
Create the framework of your customized shower. Put a layer of roofing paper or plastic on the sub floor. Overlap the paper one inch at the sides and ends. Lay wire mesh over that and screw it down with galvanized screws every six inches. Mix one part of Portland cement to three or four parts of sand. Put the drain in but don't connect it down. Add enough water to make it thick, but not crumbly.
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Step 3
Lay the mortar in place with a trowel. A wood float and steel floating trowel work to create the concrete pan. You may need to make a slight bump up for a mini curbing to keep any water in the shower area. Make it as far beyond the spray area as possible. Screed the mud by floating a board over it until it's smooth. Use a level to make sure you have the proper slope. Push the drain into the mud and allow the area to dry overnight.
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Step 4
Hang the backerboard if you're using it as part of the frame. Put it over any parts that hide plumbing and you're going to tile. Put a thin layer of thinset over the concrete and lay the fabric membrane. You can cut pieces to your specifications. If you have an area that goes up a wall, you'll need to fold the membrane in half and put half on the shower floor and the other half on the wall. Smooth them into place.
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Step 5
Cut cardboard out to cover the floor as you work on the other areas. Use the membrane to cover the shower area from bottom to top, including backerboard covering plumbing. When you put it on the walls, hang it like wallpaper. You'll need to put a thin layer of thinset around the drain and seal it with the special fabric membrane made for that area.
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Step 6
Test the area for leaks after you allowed it to dry for 24 hours. Plug up the drain and put in about an inch of water. If you find the water at the same height and no leaks, you're ready for the next step.
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Step 7
Finish your custom shower stall with tile or the finish of your choice after it dries from the water test. If you use ceramic tile, apply a layer of thinset to hold the tile. Then apply the tile in the pattern of your choice.
