In the modern bathroom interior, shower cabins are used more and more every year. This is due not only to their low cost and practicality, but also to convenience.
Today you can purchase as whole sets of shower equipment, and each of its components separately. In the latter case, you can save a lot, especially if you try to make a shower tray with your own hands.
Types of shower trays
The shower tray can be made from almost any material. It all depends on your preferences and means. All of them differ not only in design, color, but also in practicality. Let's look at each one separately before making a shower tray with your own hands.
Acrylic pallets are durable, do not absorb dirt, do not change color over time. The only drawback is the possibility of their deformation. To avoid this, the acrylic pallet must either be installed on a strong frame, which, as a rule, comes with it, or use a support system.
An artificial marble tray is the ideal solution for practical people. Such products are strong, hold heat well and do not rattle under running water. But not everyone can make such a shower tray with their own hands. To do this, you need special material and skills to work with it.
Steel and cast iron pallets are remnants of the past. They heat up for a long time, very “noisy”, but durable. It is for the first two reasons that today they are not in great demand.
A ceramic tile tray is one of the most common types. It is durable, easy to clean and easy to install.
Buy ready-made or make a pallet yourself?
Very often, during the repair of a bathroom in a given situation, certain parameters of the shower tray are necessary. In order to find the one that suits you, it will take a lot of effort and, possibly, more than one month. Therefore, if you have at least minimal experience in the field of repair, then you can well make a shower tray with your own hands.
In this situation, you will not only make a shower of the required dimensions and shape, but also save significantly. The latter is explained by the fact that the manufacture and installation of a shower tray with one's own hands is one and the same. In addition, the material will cost you much cheaper than the finished product.
What you need to know before constructing a shower tray in the bathroom?
Usually during construction or masonry tiles in the bathroom, the floors are poured with concrete. Based on this, we can conclude that the best material for the pallet that you want to make yourself is tile.
The modern choice of this material is so great that you can easily choose the one that is ideal for your interior in color, size and texture. In addition, this tile is also used for decorating walls in the shower. And if you make the walls of the pallet higher, then it can also serve you as a full-fledged bathroom.
A great opportunity to translate your ideas and desires into reality is to create shower trays with your own hands. Photos of some options you see in the article. It is worth noting that not every manufacturer can please you with the necessary dimensions, shape and configuration of the product.
Shower tray in a wooden bath
If you want to make a shower tray in a Russian bath, then it is done on the same principle as in the bathroom. The only thing you need to know is that the walls from the concrete screed are separated by roofing material and plastic wrap.
In general, the shower tray is a concrete floor, tiled, along the perimeter of which a wall of the height you need is laid. A drain hole is usually made in one of the corners of the sump, and a drain pipe already passes under it. It is worth noting that a slight inclination of the surface is made towards the drain hole.
Instead of tiles, some lay a smooth decorative stone on the walls and the base of the shower tray. But many people consider this impractical, as dirt is quickly clogged into an insufficiently smooth surface, and it is very difficult to wash out.
Water drainage system
Decided to make the installation of a shower tray with your own hands? The water drain system is the first thing to start with. If your floor is already tiled, then this coating must be removed.
Before planning the location of the drain hole, it is necessary to take into account the fact that the drain pipe of the sewage system must be laid at an angle so that the water drains by gravity. Otherwise, she will not leave.
As a rule, do-it-yourself installation of a shower tray should be done on a hill. It may be necessary to slightly raise the structure. As a result, the pallet will be a bit similar to the pedestal.
Pallet arrangement
During the installation of the shower drain and branch pipe, it is advisable to use wooden supports of different heights. They will provide the necessary bias for discharge. Iron pipes were replaced by plastic ones. This should not be neglected when you make a shower tray with your own hands. They are easily attached to a plastic gangway, in addition, they will last you a long time.
After you fasten everything necessary for draining, do a floor screed. You can pour concrete or the entire bathroom, or only part of it, a place under the future shower.
Walls around the perimeter of the pallet
The enclosing walls are expelled immediately after the screed has dried. This can be done using formwork or brick. The first option is to make two vertical partitions parallel to each other from flat boards or special boards, and a solution is poured between them. In the second case, the enclosing walls are laid out of brick, which is then plastered. It is worth noting that the wall made using the formwork does not need to be additionally plastered to lay the tiles on it. Therefore, here you will save not only time, but also effort. But everyone does as they please.
After the walls around the perimeter of the pallet are ready, it is imperative to make an additional screed of the bottom with a slope to the drain. After a few hours, when the concrete dries, prime and treat it with a waterproofing compound.
Tiled shower tray lining
Completely installing a shower tray with your own hands will be done only after facing it with ceramic tiles. Here it is worth considering that this material should be laid exclusively on special moisture-resistant glue. Otherwise, the tile will not hold for a long time.
So, when buying a glue mixture, consult the seller. He will recommend the manufacturer to you. In addition, do not forget to specify for what specific purposes you need glue.
Information on how to prepare this solution, you will find on its packaging. Be sure to adhere to all proportions. Thoroughly mix the glue mixture with water using a construction mixer.
Start laying tiles from the corner. Only in this way will you be able to correct all irregularities and errors. The solution is applied using a special notched trowel directly onto the tile, which is placed on the screed and pressed slightly.
In order to make the seams even, during the laying process, insert special crosses between the joints of the tiles. After the glue dries, you need to remove the crosses, and put on the seams a special water-repellent mixture.
At the end, wipe the tile with a damp cloth, then dry.
General recommendations
As you can see, making a shower tray with your own hands is not so difficult. But still, in this case, it is necessary to adhere to the sequence of work and take into account some nuances.
Experts advise against installing the massive pallet, as it will heavily load the floor slabs. If in doubt about your calculations, it is best to consult a professional in this matter.
If you want to do the installation or do the repair of the shower tray with your own hands in the apartment on the ground floor or in a country house, then in this case it is better to insulate both the floor and its part under the tray. To do this, use modern high-quality materials. It can be both mineral wool and foam glass. An electric floor under the shower tray is not recommended.
Only the pallet, which was constructed in accordance with all the rules and with high-quality materials, will last you a long time and bring pleasure during its use. In addition, you will undoubtedly be proud to have made it yourself.