How to Build a Shower Pan

By
Lee Wallender

A dependable, waterproof shower pan, or floor, is essential to the overall operation of the shower. But a shower
pan isn't just about function. It's about how it looks and how it feels underfoot. Building a custom tile shower
pan in a mortar bed can help you create the perfect floor for your shower that's both beautiful and waterproof.

Warning

Our experts say this project is best left to professionals and experienced tile setters.

Basics of Tiled Shower Pans

Shower basins are called pans, floors, or receptors. One popular way to create a shower pan is to install a pre-
fabricated polyurethane or fiberglass pan. While pre-fabricated pans are a great convenience for do-it-
yourselfers, the traditional way of making a shower pan with tile on a mortar base allows maximum creativity.
You'll build up several layers that create a slope toward the drain while keeping the surrounding materials
waterproofed.

Preslope and Tar Paper

The shower pan preslope is a mortar base that creates the general tapered slope for the shower pan. This slope is
later refined with a second bed of mortar. The preslope is laid on tar paper.

Waterproof Liner

The waterproof liner is a PVC or other polymer membrane that rests on top of the preslope. This liner is the last
line of defense between water and the subfloor.

Top Slope

Resting above the waterproof membrane is a second bed of mortar that generally follows the same contours as
the preslope.

Tile

The top shower pan floor covering is the tile. The tile is set in a thin bed of mortar or thinset. Later, grout is
added to the tile seams.

Shower Curb

Three sides of the shower pan are bounded by shower walls. The curb is the open entry point where the user
enters the shower. The curb is between two inches and six inches above the level of the shower drain.

Warning

The lower area of the shower walls should be open, with no cement boards in place yet.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools

 Straight tile trowel

 Notched trowel
 Rubber tile float
 Wet tile saw or rail tile cutter
 Hammer
 Tape measure
 Pencil or chalk
 Level
 Bucket
 Mortar mixing tray
 Circular saw
 Garden hoe
 Caulking gun
 Cordless drill
 Utility knife

Materials

 Tile
 Bullnose tile
 Dry mortar
 Grout
 Waterproofing membrane
 Thinset mortar
 Tile spacers
 1 one-by-six
 Tar paper
 Roofing nails
 Silicone sealant

Instructions
1. Block Between the Studs

Cut two-by-six lumber to fit between the studs of the shower stall. Where you have obstructions such as
pipes, use one-by-six lumber or use a router to create a groove to accommodate the obstruction.
Blocking allows you to run the waterproofing material up the sides of the shower.

2. Cover the Drain

Use tape and plastic to cover up the shower drain so that the mortar and other debris will not clog it.

3. Add the Tar Paper

 Cut and lay down the tar paper to the floor of the shower. Fasten it down with roofing nails or staples.

4. Mix the Mortar

In the mixing tray, mix the mortar with water, using a garden hoe. Use only a little bit of water at a time
to maintain a stiff, peanut butter-like consistency.

5. Spread the Mortar to the Borders

Wearing waterproof gloves, dump the mixed mortar onto the shower floor. First by hand, then with the
trowel, spread the mortar around the base, mounding it higher around the edges. Aim for a height of
about 1-1/2 inches on the border.

6. Taper Down the Mortar

With the flat trowel, taper down the mortar towards the shower drain. Use the scrap piece of two-by-four
and level to continually check the tapered slope. You can also use the two-by-four as a screed to smooth
down the mortar. Let this mortar bed dry for at least 24 hours.

7. Add Silicone to the Drain

Remove the top section of the shower drain by unscrewing or unbolting it. Run a thin bead of silicone
around the perimeter of the drain.

8. Add the Shower Waterproofing Material

Lay the waterproofing material on the floor of the shower, running it about five inches up each of the
walls. Press the material firmly into the silicone on the shower drain. Fold the corners into place; do not
cut the corner material. Nail the top of the waterproof material to the studs to prevent it from falling
down.

9. Replace the Shower Drain Top Cap

With the utility knife, create slits for the four bolts on the shower drain to protrude upward. Replace the
top cap and screw or bolt it tightly into position. Cut out the hole for the shower drain.

10.Add the Lower Section of Cement Boards

You can now add the rest of the cement boards down to the level of the mortar bed.

11.Add a Reference Line to the Walls

With the rest of the shower drain temporarily in place, draw a pencil or chalk line around the perimeter
of the walls to represent the top of the tile. Use the scrap two-by-four to help estimate the slope from the
walls down to the shower drain.

12.Add the Top Mortar Layer

 Similar to the lower mortar layer that you created earlier, mix mortar in the mixing tray, then dump it
onto the floor of the shower. Build a high border around the perimeter of the shower, about 1/4-inch
below the tile top perimeter line. With the trowel, taper down the mortar to the shower drain.

Tip

This top mortar layer must be very smooth, so take your time with it.

13.Install the Tile

Spread out thinset with the notched trowel and press the tile into the thinset. Use tile spacers to maintain
proper distance between tiles. Let the tile fully cure. Spread grout across the surface of the tile with the
rubber tile float.