Installing a Prefab Shower Stall

Installing a new prefab shower requires some muscle and planning.

A prefab (or prefabricated) shower is made of fiberglass or acrylic. It is a complete stall with floor and includes both plywood and wall boards on the outside. The shower stall slides into your bathroom and installs right up against the framing. This project may sound simple, and it is, but it will require heavy lifting and a few friends to help. The trick is to get the shower level; the rest is fairly simple.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Shower stall
• Pencil
• Hole saw
• Shower drain
• Carpenter level
• Wood shims
• Drill
• Galvanized screws, 1 inch

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the installation area with a tape measure. Measure the length and width of the shower to be sure it will fit properly in the space.

2. Move the shower stall into position flush against the framing. Tilt it on edge and carefully slide it into place. Use one or two helpers for this step. With a pencil, trace out the location of the drain hole on the floor. Remove the shower by sliding it back out of the room.

3. Cut out the drain hole with a hole saw. Match the diameter of the drain pipe to the hole saw bit. Place the hole saw bit on the floor so the blade lines up with your pencil mark. Saw through the floor and remove the core.

4. Tilt the shower stall on edge to allow access to the drain. Apply plumber putty to the underside edge of the strainer pieces. Fit the bottom piece of the metal shower strainer into the drain through the underside of the stall. Fit the top section into place through the top of the drain and screw both halves together until tight.

5. Slide the shower stall into place again with help from your assistants. Push the shower into place so the walls are flush with the framing and the strainer fits into the drain hole. Lay a carpenter's level along the floor and walls of the shower stall. Check for level. Slide shims under the floor of the stall to level each side.

6. Drive sheet rock screws through the edge of the shower stall at the mounting holes to attach the stall to the frame boards.

References

• Bob Vila: Installing Prefab Shower

Resources

• Finehomebuilding: Prefab Shower Niche