How To Build A Walk In Shower On Concrete Floor

Building a walk-in shower on a concrete floor can be a great way to update your bathroom and make it more accessible. Here are the steps on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare the concrete floor

The first step is to prepare the concrete floor. This involves removing any existing flooring, such as tile or carpet. You will also need to level the floor if it is not already level. To do this, you can use a self-leveling compound.

Step 2: Install the drain

The next step is to install the drain. The drain should be located in the center of the shower area. You will need to cut a hole in the concrete floor for the drainpipe. The drainpipe should be connected to the sewer line.

Step 3: Build the curb

The curb is a raised edge around the perimeter of the shower area. The curb helps to keep water from leaking out of the shower. To build the curb, you can use concrete blocks or bricks. The curb should be about 4 inches high and 6 inches wide.

Step 4: Install the shower pan

The shower pan is a waterproof barrier that goes over the concrete floor. The shower pan should be made of a durable material, such as acrylic or fiberglass. The shower pan should be cut to fit the size of the shower area. The shower pan should be glued to the concrete floor.

Step 5: Install the walls

The walls of the shower can be made of a variety of materials, such as tile, glass, or acrylic. The walls should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. The walls should be waterproofed to prevent water from leaking out of the shower.

Step 6: Install the shower head

The shower head is the device that dispenses water in the shower. The shower head can be mounted on the wall or the ceiling. The shower head should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 7: Install the fixtures

The fixtures in the shower include the soap dish, towel rack, and toilet paper holder. The fixtures can be mounted on the wall or the shower door. The fixtures should be installed according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Step 8: Grout the tile

If you are using tile for the walls of the shower, you will need to grout the tile. Grout is a mixture of cement and sand that fills in the spaces between the tiles. Grout helps to keep water from leaking out of the shower. To grout the tile, you will need to apply the grout to the tiles using a grout float. The grout should be allowed to dry for 24 hours.

Step 9: Caulk the shower

The final step is to caulk the shower. Caulk is a sealant that helps to keep water from leaking out of the shower. To caulk the shower, you will need to apply caulk to all of the joints between the walls, the floor, and the shower door. The caulk should be allowed to dry for 24 hours.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for building a walk-in shower on a concrete floor:

Use a waterproof membrane under the shower pan to prevent water from leaking out of the shower.
Install a grab bar in the shower for safety.
Use a non-slip flooring material in the shower to prevent falls.
Keep the shower clean and dry to prevent mold and mildew.
Inspect the shower regularly for any signs of damage.