Building your own custom shower can be a fun and fulfilling DIY project. With the right planning, materials, and skills, you can create a beautiful new shower space tailored exactly to your needs and preferences. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to successfully build a shower from scratch.
Choose a Shower Location
The first step in any shower installation project is deciding on the right location. Here are some factors to consider when picking a spot:
- Bathroom Size and Layout: Make sure the shower will fit in the space without feeling too cramped. Allow ample room to walk in and out.
- Plumbing: Locate the shower near existing plumbing to minimize the need for new pipework. Being close to the bathroom’s water supply and drain lines saves time and money.
- Moisture Protection: Avoid placing the shower directly against drywall or wood surfaces. Tile, concrete board, or other waterproof materials should surround the shower area.
- Accessibility: If accessibility is a concern, opt for a walk-in rather than tub-style shower, and choose a low curb height for easy entry. Install grab bars as needed.
- Light and Ventilation: Ensure the shower area has adequate lighting and ventilation. A window or exhaust fan can help reduce mold/mildew growth.
Take measurements and create a detailed floor plan before finalizing the shower location. This will give you the exact shower dimensions for the build.
Choose a Shower Type
Once you’ve settled on a location, the next big decision is choosing a shower type. Some of the most popular options include:
Walk-In Showers
Walk-in showers have no door or curtain enclosure—you simply walk right in. This creates an open, airy feeling. Tile the walls and floor thoroughly to prevent leaks. Include a small curb (or threshold) along the edge to contain water.
Neo-Angle Showers
The neo-angle shower has a more stylish modern look, with one or more angled walls meeting in a corner. The angular shape makes the shower feel more spacious. Glass doors are commonly installed.
Tub-Shower Combo
For those who still want a bath option, tub-shower combos have a bathtub with a showerhead installed overhead or along the side wall. Installing a shower curtain rod and curtain completes the enclosed shower area.
Corner Showers
Corner showers maximize space in small bathrooms. The two adjacent walls are tiled to create a corner entryway for accessing the shower. Use a triangular corner shelf for bath accessories.
Shower Kits
For simplicity, choose a prefabricated shower kit. Many home improvement stores sell kits with fiberglass shower pans and wall surrounds ready for installation. You provide the finishes and plumbing.
Custom Tile Showers
For the highest quality, work with a contractor to design and build a fully custom tiled shower. Tile allows for specialized patterns, designs, materials, and accessories.
Gather Your Shower Building Supplies
Assemble all the necessary supplies before starting your DIY shower installation. Common materials needed include:
- Shower Pan: This base supports the shower floor. Options are poured concrete, mortar bed, or prefabricated pans.
- Waterproof Surround Materials: Use moisture-resistant backerboard, cement board, or treated plywood to cover the walls.
- Tile and Grout: For walk-in and custom showers, select appropriate floor tile, wall tile, and grout.
- Shower Fixtures: Choose a showerhead, handles, valves, body sprays, and any other desired plumbing fixtures.
- Door/Enclosure: For stand-up showers, install a glass door or curtain rod with water-repellent curtain.
- Drain: Select a center drain or linear trench drain in the appropriate finish.
- Waterproofing: Membranes like RedGard or Kerdi create an impenetrable moisture barrier.
- Curb: Preformed curbs or wood/cement curbs contain water in curb-less showers.
- Pipe and Fittings: Stock up on PVC, copper, or PEX for any new pipes or plumbing.
Don’t forget essential installation tools like a tile cutter, notched trowel, sponges, buckets, safety gear, and more.
Install the Shower Pan
The shower pan (or base) is the foundation that everything else gets built upon. DIYers have a few options for shower pan construction:
Pre-Formed Pans
For the fastest, easiest route, purchase a prefabricated shower pan in your preferred size and shape. These fiberglass or acrylic units have built-in slopes and drains. After setting the pan in place, attach the plumbing and waterproof the seams.
Mortar Bed Pan
A mortar bed involves building up a sloped mortar base and coating it with a waterproof membrane. This protects the subfloor from moisture. Embed the drain assembly and tile over the membrane.
Concrete Shower Pan
For the most durable and custom shower base, pour a new concrete pan using forms and reinforcing wire mesh. Before pouring, install the drain and pitch the concrete for proper drainage.
If tiling the shower walls and floors, installing backerboard over the pan provides a stable surface to adhere the tiles.
Install Plumbing and Drain
With the shower pan prepped, it’s time to get the plumbing ready. Here are the key steps:
- Install drain: Place the drain assembly at the lowest part of the shower pan. Secure it so the drain body and shower pan form a watertight connection.
- Run drain line: Attach a PVC drain pipe that slopes downward and connects to the main drain/vent stack.
- Install water supply: Run new water supply lines or tap into existing lines. Hot and cold supply lines should connect to the shower valve.
- Install shower valve: Mount the shower mixing valve outside the shower area, attaching to the supply lines. Use a 1/2″ ball valve or pressure balance valve.
- Install showerhead rough-in: Place a shower arm in the wall near the shower head height, angled downward. A threaded nipple attaches the shower arm to the water supply.
Test all plumbing connections for leaks. Turn on the water supply to check water pressure and temperature at the shower valve. Adjust as needed.
Prepare and Waterproof Walls
Preparing the shower walls is key for a watertight seal. Here’s how:
- Install backerboard: Cut cement board or treated plywood to size and fasten to studs around the shower walls with screws. Avoid drywall.
- Seal seams: Fill any gaps between backerboard panels with thinset mortar. Then embed joint tape over each seam.
- Pre-slope walls (for tile): Use mortar to slope the walls slightly toward the shower floor for optimal drainage.
- Apply waterproof membrane: Cover walls and floor with waterproofing compounds like RedGard or Kerdi. Fully seal corners and seams.
- Install vapor barrier: Behind the wall surface, install a vapor barrier like plastic sheeting to protect wall framing from moisture.
Taking these critical steps prevents leaks that can cause major water damage. Don’t skip waterproofing!
Tile the Shower Walls and Floor
Tiling transforms plain shower walls into a beautiful, high-end shower design. Here’s a tiling overview:
- Plan tile layout: Map out your desired tile pattern. Start tiles at the top of the wall furthest from entry. Adjust to avoid slivers.
- Mix thinset mortar: Prepare the adhesive mortar mix per package directions. Apply to the wall in sections following your tile pattern.
- Cut tiles: Measure and mark tiles for accurate cuts around fixtures, corners, and edges. Use a tile cutter, wet saw, or grinder to cut tiles.
- Set tiles: Firmly press tiles into the thinset mortar. Use spacers between tiles for consistent grout lines. Level and align.
- Grout tiles: After the thinset cures, mix grout and apply it over the tiles, filling the seams. Wipe excess. Seal grout once fully cured.
- Seal tiles (recommended): Use a penetrating sealant made for porous tile and stone. This prevents staining and damage over time.
If tiling sounds too difficult, consider using large-format stone tiles or waterproof vinyl panels which don’t require extensive cutting.
Install Fixtures and Accessories
The final phase is installing shower fixtures, accessories, and enclosures:
- Mount showerhead: Attach the showerhead and arm to the valve and supply piping using Teflon tape on connections.
- Add valves: Install any diverter or shut-off valves on the supply lines as desired.
- Install fixtures: Add specialized plumbing like rainfall showerheads, body spray jets, or steam units per the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Attach grab bars: Screw grab bars into wall studs atdesired heights using silicone caulk behind them for waterproofing.
- Hang shower doors: For stand-up showers, hang sliding or swinging doors following the product specifications.
- Add shower niche: Cut an opening for a recessed shower niche. Seal around the edges with caulk or tile. Install the niche.
- Seal penetrations: Seal any plumbing holes or fixture cutouts using silicone caulk. With your new custom shower complete, turn on the water supply and test for leaks, water coverage, and drainage. Make any final adjustments so everything functions properly before finishing the shower walls.
Shower Wall Finishes and Trims
Apply these finishing touches to get your DIY shower walls looking polished:
- Grout sealer: Apply grout sealant to cement grout lines for waterproofing and stain protection. Re-seal yearly.
- Transition strips: Install metal, tile, or plastic strips to transition from shower floor to adjacent flooring.
- Wall trim: Use bullnose tile, metal trim, or PVC trim to create finished edges around showers.
- Caulk corners: Caulk all corners and seams between tile and trim with mildew-resistant silicone caulk. Smooth the caulk with a wet finger.
- Clean surfaces: Use atile cleaner to remove residue and soil from tile, chrome, glass, and other surfaces.
With beautiful tile work, sleek fixtures, and a watertight design, your custom-built shower will provide an amazing place to start each day. Maintain your shower with routine caulking and grout sealing. Have any damaged tile or leaks repaired immediately to prolong the life of your shower.
FAQs About Building a Shower
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about building a shower:
How much does it cost to build a custom shower?
The average cost to build a custom tiled shower is $2,000-$4,000, excluding labor. Prefab fiberglass shower kits cost $500-$1500. The most expensive materials like stone tile, steam showers, and glass doors drive up costs.
What size should my shower be?
Standard shower dimensions are at least 30″ x 60″ for comfort and accessibility. Smaller 25″ x 35″ sizes work for corner showers or secondary baths. Larger master showers may be 40″-60″ x 40″-60″.
What floor slope is needed for a shower?
Shower floors should slope 1/4″ per 1 foot toward the drain. This ensures water runs off properly without pooling.
Can I install my own shower plumbing?
If you have prior plumbing experience, installing shower pipes and valves yourself can save on labor costs. Get permits if required. Otherwise, hire a professional plumber for this critical job.
What is the best shower floor material?
Porcelain and ceramic tile make excellent shower floors when installed over a mortar bed with the correct slope. Pebble tile adds texture. Other options are cultured marble, concrete, and epoxy coatings applied to wood or concrete subfloors.
Is a vapor barrier required under a shower?
Yes, installing a vapor barrier behind shower walls is highly recommended to protect wall framing from moisture damage. Poly sheeting works for standard tub/shower areas. Use concrete backerboard and waterproof membranes on shower walls and floors.
How do I get a watertight shower?
Carefully follow all waterproofing steps, like using waterproof backerboard on walls, applying membranes, sealing seams and penetrations, caulking joints, and properly sloping the floor. Annual caulk and grout sealing helps maintain water resistance.
Can I install grab bars on tile shower walls?
Yes, you can securely install steel, aluminum, or stainless steel grab bars on tiled shower walls. Use silicone caulk around the support plate. Make sure bars are anchored into solid blocking behind the tile, not just the wall surface.
Conclusion
Building your dream shower from the ground up takes careful planning, patience, and hard work. But the end result is well worth the investment. Your new shower becomes a soothing, refreshing oasis – the crowning jewel of your bathroom. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a shower that matches your personal needs and style. Just take it one step at a time. Have fun designing and building a gorgeous custom shower you and your family will enjoy using for years to come.