Need some help with bathroom remodel

[DereksChic]

Does anyone here know how, or know someone who knows how, to pour a cement shower base that will be tiled? Derek and I are remodeling our master bathroom and we need a cement base poured, along with a curb, so we can do the tiling.

 

We are gutting the bathroom down to the studs. New insulation, new drywall, mold board, tile floor and shower walls, etc.

 

PM me if you can help or let me know if you have any general advice.

 

Thanks!

[wnaplay1647545503]

Step1

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/Picture017-609x450_Thumb.jpg • Before starting the shower pan you must first frame in some walls (if needed), re-plumb the existing waterlines, and set the shower drain. Be sure all of the wall studs are flush and plumb. Also, the crown (curve) in each stud should be facing the same direction. Use a planer or shim on any spots if needed (this includes the ceiling).

Step2

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/E-LINER_Thumb.jpg Shower pan liner fold in the corners • After all of the above steps are done a concrete form must be constructed at the entrance of the shower. This is done by screwing a 2x6 on the outside of the shower entrance and a 2x2.5 on the inside of the shower entrance that is flush with the top of the 2x6. This will create an elevated threshold for the shower pan.

Step3

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/shower_Thumb.jpg Side view of threshold • Next, clean the shower floor and lay cement board or densshield in the bottom of the shower with tile glue and galvanized nails (I prefer densshield because it is easier to cut and has a built in water barrier). Over the cement board lay the water resistant shower pan liner. This liner is laid loose without any fasteners and must go 12-14 inches up the wall (BE SURE TO FOLD THE LINER IN THE SHOWER CORNERS). The liner and cement board can be cut with a utility knife. THE LINER MUST BE SUSPENDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CEMENT THRESHOLD WHEN LAYING THE CEMENT.

Step4

• The cement is then prepared. Add one bag of cement and four times the volume of sand into a wheelbarrow (so that the ratio of cement to sand is 1 to 4). Dry mix the sand and cement, or buy cement mix that is premixed with sand (DON’T USE MORTOR MIX). Then slowly add water while mixing with a shovel. The consistency of the cement should be slightly dry and clay-like (NOT RUNNY!!). Let the cement rest for about a minute before the consistency is checked.

Step5

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/MembraneDonet_Thumb.jpg • Before the cement is laid on the shower floor, chalk a line about 2.5 inches from the floor around the perimeter of the shower as a guide for laying the cement. Then check all of your forms one last time to be sure they are in the proper location. Be sure that the slope of the cement falls ¼ to ½ inch per foot of run. Also, a special drain for tile showers must be used. These drains allow the water that seeps through the concrete and is collected by the rubber membrane to drain through tiny seep holes. When laying the cement around the drain leave room for the tile.

Step6

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/ShampooNookConcretet_Thumb.jpg • Begin shoveling in the cement from the wheelbarrow to the shower floor and pat the cement into place with a trowel. Be sure to begin in the corner from the door. Use a trowel to smooth small sections at a time. When smoothing be sure to slope the surface of the cement toward the drain. A string can be used to check the slope. When using a trowel the cement will not smooth well if it is too dry and water will stand on top if it is too wet. The ideal cement mixture will be firm and look wet but will not collect moisture on its surface. So after laying the first small section of cement you can tell if the mixture was correct.

Step7

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/TopConcreteDonet_Thumb.jpg • Let dry overnight, remove forms, and clean any cement crumbs.

Step8

http://i.ehow.com/images/GlobalPhoto/Articles/4775054/untitled_Thumb.jpg extremehowto.com • Lay cement board or Densshield on all of the walls of the shower. This is done by screwing the cement board to each stud. All of the joints in the cement board are then sealed with fiberglass tape. I recommend putting cement board on the ceiling as well. A shelf insert can then be added. Now the shower is ready for tile.

[spankis]

I've helped my dad do this twice now. You might also look into pre-made cultured marble bases. You just drop them into place, and tile down to them. Looks really nice and can be made any color, and any EXACT size. Not that expensive at all.