How to Install a Shower Base on Concrete Floor | 13 Pro Steps

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Installing a shower base on a concrete floor can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. You can easily complete the work with proper preparation, materials, and tools. This Home Affluence post will provide detailed instructions on how to install a shower base on a concrete floor. 

We will start by discussing the importance of proper preparation and then move on to the step-by-step instructions for installation:

  • Gather Tools and materials 
  • Preparing the concrete floor for installation
  • Measuring and cutting the shower base
  • Preparing the shower base
  • Preparing the concrete floor
  • Placing the shower base in the desired location
  • Securing the shower base to the floor
  • Sealing the shower base
  • Applying a waterproofing membrane around the base and walls
  • Installing the shower drain
  • Installing the shower walls
  • Connecting the plumbing
  • Finishing touches and testing for leaks

We will also discuss any potential issues that may arise and provide solutions to help you avoid them. 

By this post’s end, you will be fully equipped to tackle the shower base installation confidently.

How To Install a Shower Base on Concrete Floor

1. Gather Tools and materials

Before beginning the installation process, it is important to have all the necessary tools and materials available. You will need a drill, drill bit, measuring tape, level, silicone caulk, and a shower base. 

Gather Tools and materials

If you use a mortar bed for the shower base, you will also need a mortar mix, a trowel, and a bucket. 

All these items will make the installation process much easier and ensure it does correctly.

2. Preparing the concrete floor for installation

After you have chosen the ideal shower base for your bathroom, it is time to prepare the concrete floor for installation. 

Calculate the cost of floor installation.

Before preparation begins, ensure the concrete floor is dry and free of debris, dust, or dirt. 

Preparing the concrete floor for installation

The concrete floor should level, and any cracks or bumps should fill to ensure a firm foundation for the shower base. 

Once you prepare the floor and get it ready, you can install the shower base.

3. Measuring and cutting the shower base

The third step in installing a shower base on a concrete floor is measuring and cutting the shower base. This step is vital to select the right size shower base for your space. Begin by measuring the floor area where the shower base will install. 

Measuring and cutting the shower base

After measuring the space, use this measurement to trace the outline of the shower base onto the floor with a pencil. 

Once you mark the outline, cut along the marked lines with a hand saw. Once the shower base does cut to size, you are ready to move on to the next step.

4. Preparing the shower base

Before installing your shower base, it is important to ensure the base is properly prepared. 

Start by measuring and marking the area where the shower base will place. Make sure to use a level and mark the area for the shower base accordingly. Next, masonry drills create pilot holes at the marked points. 

Preparing the shower base

Then, install concrete anchors into the pilot holes and use a wrench to secure the anchors in place. 

Finally, fit the shower base into the pre-measured area and level it with a spirit level. Now the shower base is ready to install.

5. Preparing the concrete floor

After the subflooring is installed and the plumbing and drain work is complete, it’s time to prepare the concrete floor to install the shower base.

To do so, you must ensure the floor is clean, flat, and free of debris; if necessary, you may even need to apply a leveling compound to ensure that the base sits evenly. 

Preparing the concrete floor

Once the floor is clean and level, you can apply a primer, followed by a waterproof membrane, to ensure the shower base is properly sealed and protected from moisture. 

Finally, you can apply the thin-set mortar to the floor in preparation for the shower base installation.

6. Placing the shower base in the desired location 

Once the area does prepare and the base does set in place, it is time to begin installing the shower base. 

Placing the shower base in the desired location 

Carefully place the shower base in the desired location, ensuring it is level and properly situated. 

Secure the base to the floor using concrete screws, making sure they do evenly space to ensure stability. After the shower base does install and leveled, it is ready for use.

7. Securing the shower base to the floor

Securing the shower base to the floor is the final step in installing a shower base on a concrete floor:

Securing the shower base to the floor
  • Use construction adhesive to seal the base to the floor, applying the adhesive evenly along the base’s perimeter.
  • Secure the base to the floor by driving screws through the base and into the concrete floor. Ensure the screws securely tighten to ensure the base is firmly secure to the floor.
  • Seal the edges of the base with caulk to ensure the base is watertight.

8. Sealing the shower base 

Once the shower base does set in place, it must seal to the concrete floor. It is an essential step in the installation process, as it will help ensure a watertight seal and prevent water from seeping through to the underlying floor. 

Sealing the shower base 

To seal the shower base, use a high-quality silicone sealant. Apply it evenly along the entire perimeter and let it dry completely before continuing the installation.

9. Applying waterproofing membrane around the base and walls 

Once all the preparations have to make, a waterproofing membrane, such as a liquid rubber, can apply to the walls and base of the shower area. 

Applying waterproofing membrane around the base and walls 

It will waterproof the perimeter of the shower and protect the area from water damage. 

It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying this product and ensure that you cover the entire area. Once the membrane is ready, you can install the base.

10. Installing the shower drain

Installing the shower drain is one of the final steps of installing a shower base on a concrete floor. Careful and precise measurement is necessary to ensure a successful installation:

Installing the shower drain
  • Use a long level; the shower drain must properly align with the necessary slope and be marked on the concrete floor.
  • Using a combination of a drill and a masonry bit, create a hole in the concrete where the drain will install. Once the hole is created, the drain can be placed and secured using an appropriate concrete sealant.
  • The drain can be connected to the plumbing system in the house.

11. Installing the shower walls

Installing a shower base on a concrete floor is a straightforward process that can complete in a few simple steps. 

Installing the shower walls
  • First, measure the area to ensure the shower base is the correct size. 
  • Next, prepare the concrete floor by cleaning and patching any cracks or holes. 
  • Place the shower base into the area and level it, adding shims beneath the base for support. 
  • Secure the shower base by drilling the base into the concrete floor with screws. 

After the shower base is secure, it is important to waterproof the area with a vapor barrier, such as plastic sheeting, to keep moisture from the concrete. 

Once the vapor barrier is in place, the shower walls and fixtures can be installed. 

Following these steps makes installing a shower base on a concrete floor safe and reliable.

12. Connecting the plumbing

Connecting the plumbing for a shower base on a concrete floor is an important element of any bathroom installation. To properly connect the plumbing for a shower base on a concrete floor, it is important to consider the location of the drain and how the plumbing will be routed throughout the room. 

Additionally, it is important to ensure that the pipes and drain are properly sealed against water intrusion. 

It is also essential to check the slope of the floor to ensure adequate drainage. 

Knowing the drain’s exact location and the floor’s necessary slope is essential for a successful installation. 

Finally, after ensuring all the necessary connections are secure, it is important to test the system to ensure it is functioning properly. 

Connecting the plumbing for a shower base on a concrete floor is a precise process that requires knowledge and skill to ensure a successful installation.

13. Finishing touches and testing for leaks

One of the final steps in installing a shower base on a concrete floor is to test for leaks. 

Once the shower base has been properly secured and fastened, it is important to fill it with water and check for leaks. 

When filling the base with water, ensure it is directed away from the walls and other fixtures. After the water has been in the base for a few minutes, check for any signs of leaks. 

Finishing touches and testing for leaks

If any signs of leaking are noticed, the base should immediately secure and all necessary adjustments made to prevent further leakage. 

Once the shower is completely sealed, it is time to finish the installation with the finishing touches, such as caulk, grout, and additional fixtures.

Expert Opinion

After all, installing a shower base on a concrete floor is relatively easy but requires some basic tools and knowledge. 

With the right preparation and steps, you can easily complete this project and enjoy your new shower base. 

If you find the process too intimidating or time-consuming, you can always hire a professional to do the job.

So, it’s important to use quality materials and follow the instructions carefully to install the shower base properly. 

With the right preparation and steps, you can install a shower base on a concrete floor easily.

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