Shower floor pans are out of sight and not something you normally think about. But if you have a leaky shower, the entire area around the shower may be damaged.

A skillful person can replace or install a shower tray with the correct instructions.

Here are the basic steps.

Repair any damage.

Typically, the damage will be to the subfloor in and around the shower tray. Remove rotten material and replace it.

Install the base drain.

Tile floors are waterproof but not waterproof. Mortar that is exposed to water absorbs water. Mix the mortar correctly or it will crumble and fail over time. Install the drain at this stage.

Build the sloped mortar base.

Build your floor slope here. The slope moves all the water to the drain which prevents mold, mildew and bad odors. Build a base about two inches thick that slopes toward the drain.

Install the shower floor pan liner membrane and drain top.

A flexible waterproof membrane goes on top of the mortar bed. The membrane goes up a few centimeters up the sides of the wall. One of the tricks is how to fold the lining in the corner.

Install the second coat of mortar.

A second mortar bed is installed on top of the siding and reinforced with wire.

Build the curb.

Build any sill shape and pour mortar mix to set the correct shape.

Install mosaic.

After the second coat of mortar dries, install a coat of thinset. Thinset is a special mortar that is used to glue the tile to the base. Then install the tile. Let the thinset cure and then grout.

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