Shower tray - we build with our own hands. How to install a shower tray with your own hands How to install a shower tray on bricks

Previously, shower trays were sold without support, without legs, but today such cabins are out of fashion. Modern designs are so simple that everyone can do all the operations with their own hands. Installing a shower tray has become a really easy task.

We recommend that you research the issue before buying. This is mostly impossible without a visit to the store, but reading articles like this one will give you a clear idea of ​​how to install a shower tray yourself.

Pallet designs

Shower cabins today are equipped with four types of pallets:

• Deep ones are so called for the reason that some of them are only slightly inferior to the bath in terms of the height of their sides. A powerful frame supports their bottom from below, relying on six height-adjustable legs.
• Small pallets are more often called low. They are completely flat with a few exceptions. In the modern version, they are placed on 5 legs, but you can still get a completely bare "shell", for which a foundation is required.
• Pallets made of artificial stone and ceramics stand in a completely separate line. In all previous cases, there is free space under the bottom for mounting a siphon, and in this case we have a plate with a drain hole in the center.
• Cast iron is much less common than steel, and often confused, but has won recognition for its durability at an affordable price. They are both deep and shallow, but complete cabins are sold extremely rarely. Cast iron pallets have to be purchased separately.

It is clear that thin-walled pallets do not suffer durability. This is explained by the fact that they constantly suffer mechanical deformations: from temperature changes, from the feet of bathers and from other reasons. Thin-walled pallets are made of plastic with fiberglass reinforcement, ABS and steel. Each of these materials is deformable and has its drawbacks:

1. The steel is painted and the coating peels off easily. A metal pallet must have a properly equipped frame. For example, in the form of a solid brick foundation.
2. Acrylic pallets have failed to circumvent the same shortcomings. But over time, it not only bends, but also begins to break. About which there are plenty of videos on YouTube.

In addition to these features, it should be noted that steel rusts. As soon as the protective coating of enamel peels off, the metal will immediately begin to oxidize. This is all the worse because the process can go completely unnoticed by the owner. So one day a through hole will appear on the steel. Acrylic is not afraid of moisture, sunlight, mold, but over time, like any plastic, it loses strength. When buying, the consumer participates in the lottery: lucky or not (high-quality polymer or the first one).

As for the cabin with a pallet made of artificial stone or ceramic, this is the most profitable option. Both materials have proven themselves throughout human history. An additional plus is that the slabs are completely flat, they fit well on any suitable pedestal foundation. And IDO cabs compare favorably with the fact that instead of legs they ride on rollers. Due to which the structure can be moved around the room within certain limits (if there are flexible connections and a siphon). But you don’t need to put it on bricks - no matter how it falls.

Cast iron is good because it does not rust. The walls of the pallet are noticeably thicker (by an order of magnitude), so the pallet is very durable. Among all varieties, cast iron is the most durable.

Foundation structures

At first glance, it seems that the cabins do not need a foundation. It is enough to adjust the legs to start using the product. But actually it is not. The pallet height factor comes into play. The drain hole must necessarily be above the sewer outlet. So that the drain safely leaves the pallet.

Frame, foundation in most cases are not needed. But it should be noted that most of the products are specially designed so that over time, replacement is required. Of course, we want to avoid this for as long as possible. The design shows 100% what exactly can go wrong.

Needed or not?

As a rule, the need to build a foundation is determined instantly. To do this, it is enough to measure the level of the sewer pipe. The drain hole of the pan should be slightly higher. The bigger the difference, the better the stock. Usually a slope of 3 centimeters per meter of distance (pipe path) is considered sufficient, but in practice there may be other ratios, and the water will still leave well.

Below the pallet, there is usually a place for placing a siphon, so no design solutions are provided in the foundation for the drain. I would like to draw the attention of readers that in high (deep) pallets, the drain is not too high. Because most of the vertical goes to the formation of walls. No wonder this tray is called deep: you can wash, wash children in it. There is often a seat in the corner.

A deep pallet in 90% of cases has a strong frame made of a metal profile. At first glance, this is good, but in practice it turns out that the foot pushes the pallet between the guides. And since over time the plastic becomes brittle, this is just enough for a crack to appear. That is why sometimes deep pallets are placed on the foundation. As for the small ones, this is prescribed for them from birth: a thin flat bottom breaks perfectly, as many owners were convinced of. The effect does not appear at the very beginning, but is greatly aggravated over time.

brick foundation

Many do not think long about solving the problem of building a foundation. The traditional brick helps to solve the problem. For a ceramic tray, this is a great solution, but you need to leave room for a siphon. Properly executed foundation greatly extends the life of the pallet. Much depends on how tightly the bottom is attached to the pedestal. Ideally, any deformations are excluded.

The problem is this. Previously, many put a flat pallet without a foundation, or in such a way that only the perimeter rested on the bricks. As a result, the statistics of broken pallets replenished at an incredible rate. Manufacturers quickly noticed this and corrected the matter by adding a fifth leg in the center: this is such a plastic tubercle where a threaded rod is embedded. It's almost impossible to remove it. You yourself understand that a flat foundation is no longer suitable here, you need to leave a gap under this “fifth leg”.

Bricks are quite versatile. For example, on the bend of the perimeter, they are laid out like a fan outward with bonded faces. The free space is filled with mortar. This scheme is often used for an acrylic pallet. It is important to leave room for leak control here. It will be in vain to think that concrete will stop moisture on the way to the neighbors. Need special measures for waterproofing the floor. And in any case, dryness needs to be controlled somehow.

An example of a brick foundation for a ceramic pallet

The ceramic tray looks fragile, but can last for decades. Here is a base case for this case. We proceed from the fact that the frame for this type of pallet is made only along the perimeter, which gives very wide prospects in terms of control.

• It is necessary to lay out the bricks to the desired height along two walls and one sidewall.
• The front part is used to access the siphon and control leaks. You can close it with a decorative panel.

In case of big worries, place the pallet on two rows of bricks, in one of which there is a hole for control access and dismantling (if necessary). It is not necessary to mount tightly, because no one does. Instead, on three sides, a sanitary corner is laid between the tile and the pallet, mounted on silicone sealant. If you want to hang the curtain from the sides, leave small protrusions along the width of the brick row. Place the board there and bring the threshold to the desired height.

This is necessary in cases where the corner is homemade and curtained. Then there is a certain reserve for the mobile matter, so that it does not crawl out, and the water does not flow onto the floor. There are some other options as well.

A metal tube frame is often placed under a purchased ceramic pallet. It covers only the perimeter. For this type of construction, this is quite a suitable solution, if the weight of the entire cabin does not press from above. So, for example, Leroy Merlin reports that the mass of a pallet is only 3 kg. The frame is good if the cabin weighs a little. For obvious reasons, the threshold in this case is much more difficult to organize.

Foundation for acrylic pallet

It was written above that the acrylic pallet has legs. So the instructions for building the foundation are as simple as possible: this is a flat stand where the cabin supports rest. Installation of the shower tray consists in attaching it to the sewerage system and adjusting the height of the legs. It is not difficult to do this correctly, having a building level in hand, so we see no need to describe the process itself.

Few acrylic pallets today come without legs, but if this is the case, then you need to do the following:

• There is a slight depression around the perimeter as the center of the pallet is slightly higher.
• For metal (not acrylic), an extruded polystyrene plate is sometimes placed in the middle to provide thermal insulation for the area.
• Fastening is carried out on adhesive-sealant, so that if necessary, the pallet can be replaced.

The problem is that most flat pallets are placed on legs. In this case, their bottom is defenseless before the feet of users. Alternatively, you can fix the removable formwork and pour concrete, where, after a certain period, mount the pallet. The complexity of the operation lies in connecting the siphon, and the minus is the inability to control leaks or change the sewer.

stone pallets

The easiest way to correctly install this particular type of pallets. No frame is required, but a foundation is needed in all cases. The stone pallet is very low. It would be a mistake to fix the slab too tightly, because someday it will be the turn of the repair, and tearing off the slab will be almost impossible. That's right - just grab around the perimeter with glue-sealant.

The biggest problem in this case is with the siphon. Obviously, you need to equip it directly on the surface of the foundation (floor), or attach a flexible one, which, as it is refined, will hide in a niche prepared in advance. In the latter case, the foundation becomes a real work of art, because it would be nice to find the ability to control leaks. No single instruction can be given here.

Cast iron pallet

This type of pallet does not require installation. Just placed on the floor. He doesn't need a frame, he doesn't need a podium. Own height is quite enough to ensure reliable drainage into the sewer.

The shower cabin looks beautiful in the interior of the bathroom. It takes up relatively little space compared to a bathroom. Installation of a shower stall is often done on a pallet. This design element can be installed independently. To do this, you need to study the step-by-step method of how to install a shower tray. This will be discussed further.

Types of pallets

How to install a shower tray (a photo of the finished work is presented below) is of interest to many owners of private houses and apartments. Do-it-yourself installation allows you to save money on the family budget. Even a novice master can cope with such a task. To do this, you need to know a few subtleties of carrying out such work.

There are several types of shower trays. They may vary in material. Before considering how to install a shower tray, you should pay attention to the distinctive features of each group of sanitary products. The following types of pallets are on sale:

• Cast iron. These are enameled pallets, which are highly durable and reliable. Cast iron pallets are heavy. Therefore, during installation, certain difficulties may arise. Cast iron pallets are difficult to transport home. When installing them, you can not do without an assistant. Therefore, such pallets are rarely purchased.
• Steel. A more practical option for plumbing products. They are quite durable, but at the same time they differ from cast-iron in less weight. Many novice craftsmen are interested in how to install an iron shower. pallet. This procedure will be much easier than using cast iron plumbing. You can handle the task on your own. The disadvantage of steel structures is the high noise level. Water falling on a steel surface will create vibration and ringing. In addition, a metal frame is required. Otherwise, the material may sag under the weight of a person.
• Ceramic. One of the most hygienic varieties. Ceramic trays are easy to clean. In this case, the material can have a very different color. However, ceramic is a rather brittle material. If a heavy soap dish or shower head falls onto the tray, chips may appear. Such products must be transported and installed with great care. With the wrong actions of the master, the pallet may crack.
• Acrylic. This type of pallet is installed much more often. The weight of such plumbing is minimal. Installation at the same time does not cause any particular difficulties. From acrylic, you can create a pallet of the original form. This allows you to decorate the existing interior. You can also choose almost any shade for the pallet. In terms of rigidity, acrylic is not inferior to steel. However, the material may warp. It must be installed on a special frame. It comes with a tray.

Other types of pallets

How to install a shower tray? It is necessary to take into account the features of the selected product. In addition to the material, plumbing may differ in other indicators. Pallets are available in different sizes. They are chosen in accordance with the dimensions of the bathroom, the weight of the owners of the house. Pallets can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. This allows you to choose the option that best matches the dimensions of the bathroom.

Some companies offer to make a custom shower tray. In this case, the question of how to properly install the shower tray does not arise. This work should definitely be entrusted to professionals. They take into account all the features of the material from which the pallet is made. Specialists will install the original model correctly. Such pallets can be made of natural stone, such as marble, wood. The latter option is often used in the country. These are elite varieties of pallets. Their cost is many times different from standard models. In this case, the question of how to install a shower tray in the country is also decided by a team of specialists. It is not advisable to mount the original model on your own.

All plumbing products of the presented category are divided into two groups. Pallets can be deep or shallow. In the first case, the sides of the product will be high. Installation without fail requires the use of a metal frame. Shallow pallets are also called flat. They do not require a metal frame. Installation of this type of plumbing products is easier.

Even if you need to assemble a frame for installing a sanitary ware, this work does not cause any particular difficulties. Before installation, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions. It describes in detail how to assemble the frame and install a pallet on it.

Installing a shallow tray

Considering how to properly install a shower tray (metal, ceramic or acrylic), you should pay attention to the installation features of a shallow tray. This is the easiest option. The most difficult thing in this case is to properly mount the siphon. It starts the installation process.

The installation process begins with a siphon. It is installed in the required place of the base (must correspond to the type of pallet). Having connected the siphon, proceed to the assembly of the pallet. It is installed in the required place in the bathroom. But at the same time, you should not fix the product. Next, the structure is checked for leaks. You need to make sure that the assembly is correct.

It is necessary to install a pallet with a slight slope towards the drain. Next, the plumbing product is simply glued to the base. As a result, the level of the base of the pallet will be several centimeters higher than the floor in the bathroom. The pallet is leveled with a level. Be sure to make a slope of several degrees towards the drain. Next, the space under the pallet is blown with mounting foam.

After a similar procedure, put weight on the pallet (for example, several bags of cement). A day later, it is removed. After that, you can safely use the pallet.

acrylic pallet

When installing a deep pallet, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the material from which the pallet is made. This determines some of the nuances of installation. There are certain recommendations on how to install an acrylic shower tray. You must follow the manufacturer's instructions.

First you need to tip the pallet. The legs are screwed into the bottom from the back. They are supplied with a tray. Manufacturers provide from 3 to 5 pieces of legs in a set. It depends on the dimensions of the pallet. If the kit includes its own metal or plastic frame, then it must be assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. In this case, the holes for the legs will not be made in the pallet, but directly in the frame.

The legs should be longer than the siphon and drain system. Also, each support should protrude the same length.

When studying the technique of how to install a shower tray with your own hands, you should pay attention to the installation of the drain system. To do this, the structure is installed on its side. On the side of the cavity for washing, you need to install the sleeve in the drain hole. At the bottom you need to put on a pipe from the siphon. It is put on the end of the sleeve. In order for the connection to be strong and not to leak, it is recommended to use a sanitary sealant. You can install the drain on the thread. To do this, use sanitary pads.

After that, the pallet is installed on the legs. When properly installed, the bottom of the siphon should not touch the floor. After that, using the level and adjusting the legs, you need to set the correct position of the pallet. It must be strictly horizontal. Otherwise, it may leak over time.

The side that touches the wall must be greased with glue. Next, the assembled pallet is firmly pressed to the surface. After that, the structure is left until the composition dries completely. After the joints must be treated with a sanitary sealant.

The siphon is connected to sewer communications. After that, you can install a decorative panel on the bottom of the pallet.

brick frame

If the pallet is quite large and the frame is not supplied, you can install it with bricks. This option will allow you to firmly fix the plumbing product. How to install a shower tray on bricks? You will need to build a frame from this material.

Before starting work, you need to prepare bricks and cement mortar. These materials are used to build a wall. This will be the support for the pallet. The height is determined in accordance with the dimensions of the pallet. Its drain system must not touch the floor.

When considering how to install a shower tray on bricks, it should be noted that the wall cannot be monolithic. It is necessary to leave space for access to plumbing communications. It is strongly not recommended to wall them up. If a leak occurs, it will not be possible to quickly reach the place of depressurization of the system. This is fraught with flooding of neighbors from below, the formation of a fungus under the surface of the pallet.

It is worth considering that the niche on which the pallet will be installed must line up in accordance with the dimensions of the pallet. Therefore, walls are erected only after the purchase of plumbing. In accordance with its dimensions, a support is created on which the pallet will be placed. In the process of construction work, the evenness of the masonry is constantly checked using the building level and plumb lines.

Between the bottom of the pallet and the floor, you need to make a layer of mounting foam or sand. The bottom will not sag. This step can be skipped if the plumbing product is thick. After blowing the foam, you need to put a weight in the pan. In a day it will be possible to operate the system.

The pallet is put on a niche made of bricks. The seams must be treated with sealant. Sanitary silicone is suitable for this.

Cast iron pallet

How to properly install a metal shower tray? If it is made of cast iron, you need to act a little differently. This product is quite durable. It doesn't need any additional support. Therefore, the frame does not need to be assembled.

Almost always, the legs are cast along with the pallet. This is the most reliable option. Therefore, it is possible to align the product in a horizontal plane only by placing some objects. This, for example, can be steel plates of different thicknesses.

It is worth considering a few nuances when considering how to install a metal shower tray. Cast iron plumbing without proper fixation can move off the metal plates. Also, you can not fix the sides to the wall with glue. Therefore, a cement frame will need to be created around each leg. To create formwork, it is quite possible to use ordinary matchboxes.

It's also worth noting that manufacturers don't make the cast iron pallets that come with the cabin design. For them, special screens or curtains are purchased separately. In this case, the exact geometry during installation is not required.

Sometimes the factory height of the legs is not enough to install a siphon under the pallet. Therefore, a parapet is built for the structure. For this, a brick niche is built. It should be built around the perimeter so that each side of the pallet rests on it. The legs must be fixed with cement. From the outside, it is better to make cladding with tiles or mosaics.

steel pallet

How to install a steel shower tray? The technology for this process is simple. It should be noted that such products are made by stamping. Therefore, the legs together with the body are never made. They are always collected separately. A stand is almost always supplied with a steel pallet.

When considering how to install a steel shower tray, it should be noted that the procedure will be a bit similar to installing an acrylic product. A special frame is assembled around the perimeter of the bottom. This is a metal profile assembled in accordance with the manufacturer's scheme. The legs are screwed into the frame using a threaded connection. Thanks to this design, it will be easy to align the position of the pallet. In the right places, the legs are either made longer or shorter. Steel pallets are often produced complete with the booth itself. Therefore, you need to carefully align the position of the structure.

If a factory booth with a pallet is not supplied, you can install the pallet on a cement screed. Sometimes a small pedestal is built on which a pallet is placed. In this case, the bottom will not sag.

ceramic tray

There are a number of recommendations on how to install a shower tray. In this case, ceramic sanitary ware is used. This is one of the most popular options, apart from acrylic pallets. This is a fairly massive, durable type of construction. Therefore, legs and a frame are rarely used in the design. Often the design provides for the presence of cavities. They install a siphon, a system of outlet pipes. In this case, the pallet is simply laid on the floor. After that, the walls of the booth are installed.

However, the pallet design does not always have internal cavities. In many models, only a drain hole is provided. The bottom in this case is solid. In this case, the booth is installed on a pedestal.

To do this, you first need to cover the floor with waterproofing. To do this, rubber or a sheet of roofing material is installed at the installation site of the shower cabin. A screed is poured on top of the waterproofing. It must be absolutely horizontal. After that, inside the contour of the pallet, you need to build a brickwork. It should be sufficient so that the drain system does not touch the floor. Also, holes must be provided in the masonry itself to gain access to the drain system.

After that, the siphon is connected to the pallet and the drain system. It is necessary to attach the outlet pipe to its nozzle. A layer of cement is applied over the masonry. An assembled pallet is installed on it. A siphon and sewer pipes are inserted into the intended cavities.

After that, the pedestal is revetted. For this, tiles or mosaics are often used. It is quite possible to install ceramic trays on the frame. However, the option with a screed and bricks will be the most effective and reliable.

Homemade pallet

Having considered how to install a shower tray, you should pay attention to one more way. In this case, you do not need to purchase a pallet separately. It is created from screed and tiles. In this case, you can go two ways. The first of them involves the creation of special cavities for drain communications in the floor. They are cut with the appropriate electrical tool.

The second option involves the construction of a pedestal, inside which all the necessary communications will pass. This option will be acceptable if the ceiling height in the room is medium or large. For small apartments, the first option is more suitable. In this case, the shower stall will be flush with the bathroom floor.

To divert water, not a siphon is used, but a ladder or a special channel. Using a screed, make an inclination towards the drain hole. Such a cabin looks no less impressive than equipment with a purchased pallet. When creating such a booth, great attention is paid to high-quality waterproofing. It is desirable that it pass over the entire surface of the bathroom. Inside, a homemade pallet is tiled. It must be non-slip. The color can be chosen to match the main floor finish or highlight the booth with a different shade.

When considering how to install a shower tray, there are a few more nuances to consider. Sometimes the drain hole is far from the wall. In this case, it will be easier to mount a rectangular pallet than a figured one. When calculating the diverting system, it must be taken into account that the angle of inclination should be about 7º. From this indicator they repel, choosing the height of the legs.

Sometimes pallets mounted on a frame require reinforcement. Steel, acrylic and reinforced varieties sometimes cannot function normally only on a factory profile structure. Therefore, bricks or supporting pillars are placed under them. The supports must be the same height. Their surface must match the configuration of the back of the pallet. Otherwise, you can only do harm. The retaining pole will simply push through the bottom of the structure.

To equip a shower in an apartment or a private house, it is not necessary to purchase an expensive factory-made cabin. The basis of the shower cabin is a pallet, which is easy to make with your own hands. And the side walls or curtains will turn the shower into a cozy cabin.

Isn't it better to do it yourself? We study the pallet device

On sale there is a huge selection of shower trays, which manufacturers make from a variety of materials. The pallet device for all models is the same. This is a shallow container equipped with a device for draining water, designed for comfortable use of the shower. In most cases, the tank is equipped with legs or has a special shape that allows you to mount a drain ladder at the bottom and lead the sewer pipe into a common collector. The choice of the shape and material of the container depends on the room in which it will be used, the qualifications of the master who will install the pallet, as well as the financial capabilities of the buyer.

The easiest way to make your own shower enclosure is to use a factory-made shower tray. And if the choice of the shape of the pallet is determined based on the parameters of the bathroom and its design, then other criteria may also affect the choice of the material of the pallet:

• Acrylic pallets have a fairly high strength, durability and are not subject to corrosion. It is easy to give this material any shape, which is what manufacturers use. However, the material is easily deformed under dynamic loads and is very light.

Acrylic pallets are lightweight and easily deformed

• Iron shower trays have greater rigidity and resistance to deformation, but are subject to corrosion. In addition, thin metal has the property of vibrating and making a loud noise under the influence of water jets, which may not please some owners. In addition, the choice of metal pallet shapes is much poorer.

The iron pallet is easy to mount, but has increased noise

• The walls of cast iron shower trays are thicker and therefore vibrate much less than metal ones, but they still make noise. Cast iron is durable and corrosion resistant. However, the enamel that is used as a pallet cover is prone to chipping, and therefore the aesthetic appearance of the pallet and its functionality can be easily lost.

Cast iron pallets are heavy, durable and do not corrode

• Artificial stone pallets, like ceramic pallets, they have significant advantages over all of the listed materials. They are durable, do not rust, the manufacturer can give these materials any color and shape, which makes it easier to choose. Their disadvantages are the high price and the need for special skills from the master for high-quality installation. These materials are easily damaged and split at the installation stage.

Artificial stone pallets are fragile and can be difficult to install

However, the use of a factory pallet provides not only advantages, there are also disadvantages. In many cases, it makes sense for the home craftsman to put in a little more effort and build a homemade pallet. This is justified in cases where the owner of an apartment or house is ready to expend his efforts to use one of the following advantages of a homemade pallet:

• Production of a pallet that fully fits into the author's design of the bathroom. The pallet can be made from materials that are used in the decoration of the environment, in the color scheme of the bathroom and in the shape that most closely matches the design.
• Making a homemade pallet is justified when the dimensions of the bathroom require the use of a special shape or dimensions of the pallet. This happens, for example, in houses of old construction, in which the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe bathroom has a minimum size, while the bathroom is combined.
• Saving money. In many cases, the cost of making a homemade pallet is much lower than the cost of a purchased one.

Reference: In essence, a home-made pallet is a section of the floor of a certain geometry, equipped with equipment for draining water and limited by the sides. In some cases, the entire floor surface of a bathroom or other room is used as a pallet, configured in a certain way to allow water to flow into the sewer.

The disadvantages of home-made pallet manufacturing include the need to invest significant personal labor, the availability of the necessary tools and skills, or the willingness to pay for the labor of employees. However, no difficulties prevent home craftsmen from creating an interior in accordance with their own taste and needs.

Choosing a material

Having decided to make a shower tray yourself, you should choose the optimal material:

• The choice of materials for the manufacture of the base of the pallet is not diverse. It can be a cement screed or a brick foundation. Both when building a brick foundation and when pouring a concrete base, a cement-sand mixture should be used. It is not recommended to use other mixtures that may have increased hygroscopic properties. Brick is best used red, ceramic, it has increased moisture resistance. Some masters, however, successfully use sand-lime brick along with reliable insulation from water.

Important: In all cases, the waterproofing system should be carefully considered. Bitumen or commercially available liquid waterproofing compounds, as well as roofing felt, can act as an insulating material. In some cases, polyethylene film can be used instead of roofing material.

• Unlike the base, the choice of exterior and interior decorative finishes is richer. Both in the manufacture of a pallet on a brick foundation, and when using a cement screed, ceramic tiles, mosaics, natural and artificial stone lining are successfully used as facing materials. In the most budgetary options, the pallet is simply plastered and covered in several layers with moisture-resistant paint.

When using any decorative coating, moisture-resistant types of tile adhesive and grout should be used.

The final decision on the choice of pallet material is made based on the availability of certain building materials and tools, the cost and quality of base materials, waterproofing and finishing materials, as well as the skills available to the home master.

Where will we build? We choose a place and determine the parameters

Having decided on the independent construction of a shower tray, first of all, you should determine the location of the future shower and the main parameters. Several factors can influence the decision:

• First you need to determine the room in which the shower will be located. The shower cabin can be located in the bathroom, in the bathhouse of a private house; in some cases, it is placed in industrial premises - a workshop, a garage. In all cases, when determining the place of construction of the pallet, one should take into account the presence and type of foundation, the characteristics of the floors, if the shower is located in an apartment or on the upper floors of a private house. So, pallets in apartments and private houses on the upper floors should be made using a light screed and low sides in order to minimize weight. At the same time, taking into account the hygroscopicity of concrete floors, reliable waterproofing should be used.
• Location of the shower tray indoors depends primarily on the location of communications, that is, the possibility of supplying water to the shower and draining drain water into the sewer. The simplest and most budgetary solution is at the location of an existing mixer. In the same place, most likely, there will be a sewer pipe.
• Pallet shape and dimensions largely depend on the imagination of the master. However, you should take into account the parameters of the room, and ease of use, and security requirements. So, you should not erect a pallet that interferes with free passage in the room, which has sharp corners and protruding parts, especially from the entrance side. The most commonly used shapes are in the form of a square, rectangle or sector of a circle. It is worth considering the parameters of the facing material. So, when using facing tiles, it is advisable to make the dimensions of the pallet a multiple of the dimensions of one tile - this will significantly reduce the labor costs for cutting it. The height of the sides can also be different. Of course, if desired, you can turn the tray into a sit-down bath and even a mini-pool. However, this will be a completely different structure, which has different strength and mass parameters, and can lead to the collapse of load-bearing structures. In reality, craftsmen consider the optimal height of the side to be 10-15 cm from the surface of the pallet floor. The experience of the master and the possibilities of the material from which the pallet is made are important. For example, when choosing a form, it is necessary to take into account the very possibility of building a foundation of such a configuration from bricks, or building a formwork for pouring a cement mixture. Structures of complex shape, in addition, create additional difficulties in facing.

Decide on the list of materials and tools

Having decided on the shape of the future shower tray and its location, as well as deciding what it will be built from, you should proceed to the next step - compiling a list of the necessary tools and materials and acquiring them.

For a pallet with a cement screed base and tiled cladding, the following tools and materials will be required:

• Waterproofing materials - bitumen or special mastic, roofing felt or waterproof film.
• Cement and sand for mortar preparation.
• Tile adhesive and grout.
• Construction alabaster.
• Board with a thickness of 15–20 mm for the manufacture of formwork.
• Facing ceramic tiles.
• Ladder and plastic sewer pipes.
• Wooden blocks for installing a sewer pipe.
• Lighthouses.
• Roller or brush.
• Hammer and nails.
• Building level, tape measure and marker.
• Trowel, spatulas simple and notched.
• Electric or mechanical tool for cutting tiles (tile cutter, grinder).

Help: You should be extremely responsible in choosing tiles for facing the shower tray. It can be a tile or clay tile of any size, suitable in its parameters for use in rooms with high humidity. The selected coating must also meet safety requirements, that is, the tiles that will be laid on the bottom of the pallet must not be slippery. For rooms with high humidity, there are several evaluation criteria. Firstly, depending on the volume of profiles on the tile in relation to its surface area (marking "V"), the indicator can be from 4 cubic cm / sq. dm. up to 10 cc/sq.dm. The higher the score, the better. Secondly, in terms of slip resistance, depending on the angle of inclination of the surface (marking "R"), five classes are determined. Thirdly, a group that combines the classification by types of premises in which people walk barefoot - marking "A", "B", "C". Group “C” guarantees the greatest stability, such a tile will hold a person when tilted up to 24 degrees, however, it is often not necessary to use such parameters.

For the construction of a brick foundation, the list of required tools and materials will be almost the same. Formwork material, hammer and nails should be excluded from it. The list of facing materials in this case can be increased by including mosaic, facing stone or simply waterproof paint, as mentioned above.

Preparatory work

At the stage of preparatory work, the first task is to draw up at least the simplest drawing indicating the dimensions of the future pallet to facilitate further work. Then it is necessary to clear the place of future actions with a check of the operability of all communications. If necessary, the old fragile floor covering (tile, plaster) is removed. If necessary, an additional neck should be included in the main sewer line to enable the connection of a ladder.

If the surface of the field is uneven, has cracks, crumbles, it is worth making a thin screed using cement mortar.

After that, it is necessary to process the floor and adjacent walls to the height of the side of the future pallet with bitumen or waterproofing mastic in 2-3 layers. For greater reliability of waterproofing, you can use a polymer film or roofing material.

After the waterproofing has dried, you can complete the preparatory work and proceed directly to the construction of the pallet.

We build a shower tray from ceramic tiles

In most cases, the floor level of the shower tray rises above the floor level of the entire room to allow installation of drain equipment. For example, in apartments, sewer pipes are usually laid at floor level. The same method is used in most private houses. Therefore, to ensure the desired slope, the drain hole in the pan must be located above the floor level.

For the construction of a tile pallet, the following sequence of operations should be observed:

• First of all, a ladder (drain neck) and a sewer pipe connecting it to the central sewer are installed. For convenience, the pipes are laid on wooden blocks of different heights and fixed. The slope of the pipe should be 4-7 degrees, but not less than 3 degrees. Experts advise using plastic ladders and sewer pipes, as they are easily and reliably mounted and are not subject to corrosion. But the grate of the drain hole should be purchased metal, one that can freely hold the weight of a person.

The ladder is installed before the foundation is poured

• After that, the floor formwork is installed and a rough pour is made with cement mortar. The solution is made in proportion at the rate of 1 part of cement to 3 parts of sand. The density of the solution must be sufficient to fill the entire space inside the formwork. The thickness of the layer during rough pouring should be carried out in such a way that the neck of the ladder protrudes slightly above the level of the base, taking into account that the finishing pouring and tiling will be carried out further. As a result, the ladder should be flush with the floor. Some craftsmen recommend covering a small space around the drain neck with a solution of building alabaster. This is done in order to provide easy access to plumbing units if necessary. Alabaster, unlike cement mortar, is easy to remove if necessary. After this operation, the base in the formwork should be left for a day.

When pouring the base, it is necessary to exclude the formation of voids

• The next step will be the installation of the formwork of the side of the pallet and pouring it with cement mortar. A number of experts advise, after the screed has dried, to perform another processing of the future pallet with bitumen or moisture-proof mastic.

The final finish is made after the complete drying of the fill.

• After that, the pallet is coupled with the organization of the floor slope towards the drain. To do this, with the help of a level, beacons are installed on the sides, and the desired slope is formed with a solution using a trowel and spatulas. It should not be significant so that it is comfortable to stand on the floor. Finishing is also carried out with a solution of the sides of the pallet from the inside and outside.

The inner surface of the pallet is finished with a slope towards the drain

• The next step is actually tiling the pallet. The cladding should start from the drain neck in order to trim the tiles near the walls of the pallet. The tile adhesive is applied with a notched trowel. The dimensions of the gap between the tiles can be maintained using mounting crosses. The minimum width of the seams must be maintained. After the tile adhesive has dried, the joints are grouted. At this stage, the work on the construction of the pallet can be considered completed.

Tiled shower tray matches the overall interior design

Reference: Some home craftsmen include another stage in the list of works that helps to increase the comfort of the shower cabin. This is the installation of cable floor heating. The cable is laid during the rough filling of the floor.

We assemble a brick pallet with our own hands

Installation of a pallet using bricks has a number of differences in the installation method and stages of work:

• Installation of the ladder and sewerage is carried out in the same order as in the previous case. At the second stage, the raised floor of the pallet is formed, but this is done not by pouring the mortar into the formwork, but by using bricks. In this case, the bricks are laid flat on the floor in one layer, with a minimum gap. Masonry is carried out on a solution diluted in the same proportion as for pouring, but not so liquid. All gaps must be filled with mortar. After the solution has dried, it is treated with a waterproofing material using a polyethylene film or roofing material.

The sides are laid out after the base has dried

• After the solution dries, after two or three days, with the help of a finishing screed, a slope is made towards the drain. It is done in the same way as in the previous case. Finishing of surfaces with plaster is also carried out.
• When the mortar is completely dry, the brick pallet is finished with mosaics, ceramic tiles, porcelain stoneware, artificial or natural stone, or simply painted.

With the help of a mosaic, a brick pallet acquires an attractive appearance

Video No. 1 with the sequence of installing the ladder and pouring the base of the pallet:

Video No. 2 with the sequence of monolithic pouring of the pallet:

As you can see from the article, a craftsman with even minimal construction skills is quite capable of building a shower tray in accordance with his tastes and needs and at the same time save on buying a factory product.

Dismantling the bathtub and replacing it with a shower cabin is a very common solution today, allowing you to give a small bathroom a more or less decent look.

This work is not difficult and to cope with it, you do not have to be a hereditary plumber. In this article, you will learn how to install a shower tray.

Shower trays differ in material and shape. Here's what they're made of:

Polymers

There are other advantages: low weight (simplifies the delivery and installation of the shower tray) and low thermal conductivity, due to which the material does not burn with cold.

Disadvantages: polymers are easily scratched and do not have high strength.

Pallets are made from 3 types of plastic:

1. ABS plastic with a thin layer of acrylic coating: this is the cheapest option, but it is characterized by a difficult repair technology in case of scratches.
2. Acrylic: costs a little more, but scratches can be removed with a simple grinding.
3. Kvaril: acrylic with the addition of quartz, characterized by high strength and scratch resistance.

Enamelled steel or cast iron

A pallet made of such material is more expensive than plastic, but it is more durable and durable, and it is much more difficult to scratch it. But there are also disadvantages: it is quite unpleasant to stand on cold metal with bare feet, in addition, cast iron is too heavy, and steel “rings” loudly under jets of water.

In some cases, it is more convenient to make a pallet yourself, rather than buying a ready-made one. In this case, it will be of the size that you yourself want and there will be no restrictions. — tips, materials, current trends.

You will find useful tips on choosing a shower cabin.

In a small bathroom, it is impossible to install a shower and a bath at the same time, so you have to choose one thing. Follow this link for a comparison of bathtubs and showers. This will help you make a choice.

Ceramics

Porcelain and faience pallets look very stylish and their advantages are not limited to this. The glaze with which such products are covered remains smooth and shiny for a very long time, unlike enamel, which is prone to abrasion, loss of density and absorption of dirt.

The disadvantages of ceramic pallets can be considered a high price and fragility, due to which the product may crack during careless transportation or installation.

Shower tray ceramic square LuciaSalud – Spain

Marble and other types of natural stone

Expensive luxury pallets. Such products are chosen by those who are ready to invest in a sophisticated environment.

Design features

The shape of the pallet can be any, and its choice depends entirely on the preferences of the owner. With a lack of space, a semicircular shape or a quarter of a circle (for corner installation) will be optimal.

Also pallets differ in depth. Products with a maximum side height (35 cm) can be used as a miniature bath, for example, for bathing children.

But if there is a person with limited mobility in the family, it is better to install an ultra-flat pallet with a side height of 6 to 10 cm - it is much easier to climb into it.

Properly positioned tray

Features of installation of shower trays made of acrylic

Due to their low strength, acrylic pallets are mounted on a metal frame supplied in the kit. In some models, the frame does not provide proper support for the plastic bottom in its central part.