How to install a shower tray

How to install a shower tray

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How to install a shower tray

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Project Overview

Installing an acrylic shower tray is easier than you think. With a little know how, you can do it yourself. In just a few steps we’ll show you how to prepare the floor, mix the cement and lay down the tray.  

Continue to step-by-step instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1 Measure the hole in the floor
2 Cut the hole in the floor
3 Cut out the recesses for the shower base
4 Check that the floor is level
5 Mix your cement
6 Lay the concrete base
7 Put the shower tray in place
8 Insert the nogs to hold the shower lining

  • Step 1. Measure the hole in the floor

    Lay the shower tray on the floor, where it will be installed and mark its outline. Measure the width and length of the sump on the back of your shower base and add an extra 20mm so that there is some room for the sump to move but also so that the base still fits snugly into the floor.  Measure the distance of the sump from the sides of the shower tray. Transfer the sump measurements in from the side and use your spirit level to mark out the square where the hole will be cut for the sump to fit into. 
    Previous Step Next Step
    Man measuring hole for shower base sump

  • Step 2. Cut the hole in the floor

    Drill holes in the corners of the square you’re cutting out for the sump to fit into. This will make it easier for you to cut out. Put on your safety glasses, gloves and ear muffs and use the angle grinder to cut out the square in the fibre cement board. If you need to, use a hammer and chisel to help you remove the fibre cement board. With your battery powered saw, cut the next layer of flooring. You may need to use a handsaw to complete the cuts to the corners. Lift this piece of flooring out. You may also need to use the handsaw to cut any under-floor insulation that might be there.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Drill holes in the part you’re cutting off for the sump

  • Step 3. Cut out the recesses for the shower base

    Lay the shower tray on the floor and outline its height on all of the wood that it leans up against. Remove the shower tray. The pencil mark on the wood is the top of the recess that the shower tray will fit snugly into. Use a hammer and chisel or a handsaw to cut away the wood to make 10mm recesses for the shower tray. You’ll also need to make a 10mm recess in the timbers running across the length and width of the shower tray. Do this by marking out 10mm in from the edge and use a hammer and chisel to cut the wood. Wear gloves when you mark this wood to protect against splinters.

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    Man cutting our recesses for shower base

  • Step 4. Check that the floor is level

    The next step is to check how level your floor is. This is important because it will show you which areas, if any, might need extra cement to level the floor. Use your spirit level to check the levels across the length and width of the floor.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Mix cement for the shower base

  • Step 5. Mix your cement

    To make your cement, mix three parts of brickies sand with one part mortar in a wheelbarrow. Slowly add water to the mixture and combine them using your shovel, so that it’s not too thick and not too runny. Continue mixing until the concrete has a uniform consistency and texture and there are no pockets of dry material.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Mix cement for the shower base

  • Step 6. Lay the concrete base

    Use your shovel to lay the concrete base on to the floor, so that it will cover all of the shower base, which will give it a solid foundation. If you need to, add extra concrete in the areas where it is needed so that the shower tray is level when you put it into place.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Lay the concrete base for your shower

  • Step 7. Put the shower tray in place

    Lay the shower tray on top of the concrete and wriggle it into place and sit it snugly in the recesses you cut out. Once it’s in place use your spirit level to make sure its level. If it isn’t move it around until it is. Use your shovel to clean up all of the excess cement around the edges of your shower tray.

    Previous Step Next Step
    Man putting the shower base in place

  • Step 8. Insert the nogs to hold the shower lining

    To make sure the lining of the shower is held firmly in place, you need to insert nogs between the vertical studs. Measure the distance between the studs and using your electric saw and saw stool to cut the nogs to size. Place the nogs just above the shower tray and fix them all into place using a nail gun.
    Previous Step Next Step
    Use a spirit level to level the floor

Tools and Materials

Tools

  • Angle grinder
  • Battery powered saw
  • Chisel
  • Drill
  • Dust mask
  • Brickies sand
  • Cement
  • Framing timber
  • Nails
  • Shower base
  • Water

Materials

  • Brickies sand
  • Cement
  • Framing timber
  • Nails
  • Shower base
  • Water

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