Building A Shower Basin: My Personal Experience

A few years ago, I decided to renovate my bathroom and wanted to install a new shower. However, I didn’t want to go for the traditional pre-made shower pans and instead wanted to build my own shower basin. It was a daunting task, but I was determined to do it myself. After a lot of research and a few hiccups, I finally succeeded in building my own shower basin. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to build a shower basin based on my experience.

How to Build a Shower Basin

Step-by-Step Guide

Before you start building your shower basin, you need to ensure that you have all the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of things you’ll need:

Concrete mix
Waterproof membrane
Shower drain
Shower curb
Trowel
Level
Measuring tape
Marker
Bucket

Once you have all the necessary tools and materials, you can start building your shower basin using the following steps:

Measure the area where you want to install the shower basin and mark it.
Dig out the marked area and ensure that it’s levelled properly.
Install the shower drain according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Apply the waterproof membrane to the entire area, including the walls and the shower curb. Ensure that the membrane is properly sealed.
Mix the concrete according to the manufacturer’s instructions and pour it into the shower basin area. Use a trowel to level the concrete and ensure that it’s evenly spread.
Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours.
Install the shower curb and ensure that it’s properly sealed.
Apply another layer of waterproof membrane and ensure that it’s properly sealed.
Install the tiles or any other finishing of your choice.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Here are some tips and ideas that can help you build a perfect shower basin:

Ensure that the area where you want to install the shower basin is properly levelled.
Use a high-quality waterproof membrane to ensure that your shower basin is leak-proof.
Choose a shower drain that matches the style of your bathroom.
Install the shower curb properly to prevent water from leaking out of the shower area.
Use a trowel to ensure that the concrete is evenly spread and levelled properly.
Allow the concrete to dry for at least 24 hours before you install the shower curb.
Apply another layer of waterproof membrane to ensure that your shower basin is completely leak-proof.
Choose tiles or any other finishing material that’s slip-resistant and easy to clean.
Ensure that your shower basin is properly ventilated to prevent mould and mildew growth.
Check the manufacturer’s instructions before you start building your shower basin.

Pros and Cons

Building your own shower basin has several pros and cons:

Pros

You can customize the shower basin according to your preferences.
You can save money by building your own shower basin.
You have complete control over the quality of materials used.

Cons

It can be a time-consuming process.
You need to have some DIY skills to build your own shower basin.
If not done properly, it can lead to leaks and water damage.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

Building my own shower basin was a challenging yet rewarding experience. It allowed me to customize my shower area and saved me a lot of money. However, it’s essential to have some DIY skills and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. I suggest that you do your research and watch some videos before you start building your own shower basin. It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your bathroom and make it your own.

FAQs

Q: Can I build a shower basin without professional help?

A: Yes, you can build a shower basin without professional help if you have some DIY skills. However, it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and ensure that the shower basin is properly sealed to prevent leaks and water damage.

Q: How long does it take to build a shower basin?

A: The time taken to build a shower basin depends on your DIY skills and the size of the shower area. It can take anywhere from a few days to a week to build a shower basin.