Emilie Meyer
Installing a vinyl shower pan requires a few steps, but it is a feasible DIY project. The first step is to prepare the subfloor, which should be masonry and level. Then, mix a batch of ready-mix mortar and pour a 2-inch layer over the subfloor, creating a slight slope towards the centre drain. Allow the mortar to cure for 24 hours, and then install a sheet of waterproof vinyl membrane, stapling it to the wall studs. Next, mix another batch of mortar and place a 2-inch layer on top of the vinyl sheet. Finally, lay a pre-fabricated vinyl shower pan on top, with the drain hole positioned over the shower pan's hole. This project requires some basic tools, such as a stapler, screws, duct tape, and a utility knife, but more specialised tools like a jigsaw or miter saw may be needed for more complicated cuts.
How to install a vinyl pan pre-slope base
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials required | Vinyl, mortar, duct tape, galvanized screws, concrete, PVC plastic, fiberglass |
| Surface preparation | Ensure the subfloor is clean, rigid, level, and free of cracks. Remove any old flooring and temporarily take off the baseboard. |
| Mortar application | Mix ready-mix mortar following manufacturer's instructions. Pour a 2-inch layer over the subfloor, creating a slight slope towards the center drain. Allow 24 hours to cure. |
| Vinyl membrane installation | Place a sheet of waterproof vinyl membrane over the mortar, extending it 1 foot up the sidewalls. Overlap the vinyl at corners and staple it to the wall studs. Trim excess vinyl. |
| Vinyl pan positioning | Lay a pre-fabricated vinyl shower pan on the second layer of mortar, aligning the drain hole. Screw the pan to the wall studs. |
| Waterproofing | The vinyl shower liner under the pan prevents leaks. For additional waterproofing, use Schulter Kerdi waterproofing fabric beneath the tile. |
| Tile installation | Tile does not go over pre-fabricated vinyl pans. Install tiles directly on waterproofing materials like Kerdi. |
| Plumbing considerations | Use Oatey® Perfect Slope to install a tile shower pre-slope, requiring less mortar and time. Ensure proper slope for effective water shedding and moisture evaporation. |
| Vinyl flooring options | Vinyl plank flooring offers versatility, durability, and moisture resistance. Choose from GripStrip, click-lock, or glue-down installation methods. |
| Expansion space | Leave manufacturer-recommended expansion space between the plank's edge and the wall, typically about 1/4 inch. |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the subfloor
Preparing the subfloor is a crucial step in installing a vinyl shower pan. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
First, measure the size of the room to determine the amount of vinyl plank flooring required. It is recommended to buy about 10 to 20 percent more flooring than your estimated need to account for any errors or future replacements. Ensure your subfloor is clean, rigid, level, and free of cracks. Remove any existing flooring, such as carpeting or old vinyl, and temporarily take off the baseboard. If there are any low spots on the subfloor, use a self-levelling product to even it out, and sand or grind down high spots. It is important to note that you should not try to sand down old vinyl flooring as it may contain asbestos.
Next, mix a batch of ready-mix mortar following the manufacturer's instructions. Pour a 2-inch layer over the prepared subfloor, creating a slight slope towards the centre drain. Allow sufficient time for the mortar to cure, typically around 24 hours. It is vital to cover the drain hole with duct tape to prevent mortar from entering during this process, and remember to clean off any excess mortar before it dries.
Once the mortar has cured, install a sheet of waterproof vinyl membrane. Position it flat on the ground, extending 1 foot up the sidewalls, and overlap the vinyl at each corner, stapling it securely to the wall studs with a slap stapler. Fold the vinyl down, trim any excess, and glue the vinyl shower pan to the drain hole, ensuring it remains centred.
Finally, mix another batch of mortar and apply a 2-inch layer on top of the vinyl sheet. This secondary mortar bed, also known as a "mud bed" or "drypack concrete", is crucial for proper water shedding and moisture management.
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Mix and pour mortar
To mix and pour mortar for a vinyl pan pre-slope base, follow these steps:
First, prepare the sub-floor by levelling and cleaning the surface. This is crucial for installing a perfect-fit vinyl shower pan. Make sure to remove any old flooring or carpeting and temporarily take away any baseboards or mouldings. Fill in any low spots with a self-levelling product and sand or grind down high spots to ensure a smooth and flat surface.
Next, mix a batch of ready-mix mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is essential to achieve the right consistency by using minimal water. A proper mortar mix should be like a bucket of moist sand with just enough water to hydrate the cement mix. This will ensure an effective mortar bed install.
Now, pour the mixed mortar onto the prepared sub-floor. Spread it evenly to create a layer approximately 2 inches thick. It is important to maintain a slight slope towards the centre drain to ensure proper water shedding and evaporation. Cover the drain hole with duct tape to prevent mortar from entering.
Allow the mortar to cure for 24 hours. During this time, make sure to clean off any excess mortar from your tools and buckets before it dries, as this will make the cleanup process much easier. After the curing process is complete, you can proceed to install the vinyl membrane or liner, followed by another layer of mortar for the vinyl shower pan to rest on.
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Position the vinyl membrane
Positioning the vinyl membrane is a crucial step in installing a vinyl shower pan, ensuring a waterproof barrier that prevents leaks. Here is a detailed guide on how to position the vinyl membrane:
Prepare the Subfloor:
Start by preparing the subfloor, which serves as the base for your vinyl shower pan. Clean the subfloor and ensure it is rigid, level, and free of any cracks or imperfections. It is essential to create a smooth and even surface for the vinyl membrane to be installed.
Mix and Apply Mortar:
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to mix a batch of ready-mix mortar. Pour a layer of mortar, approximately 2 inches thick, onto the prepared subfloor. Create a slight slope towards the center drain to ensure proper water runoff. Allow the mortar to cure for at least 24 hours before proceeding to the next step.
Once the mortar has cured, it's time to position the vinyl membrane. Unroll the vinyl membrane and lay it flat on the ground, ensuring it covers the entire surface. The vinyl membrane should extend at least 1 foot up the sidewalls to create a watertight seal. Overlap the vinyl at each corner to ensure complete coverage.
Secure the Vinyl Membrane:
Use a staple gun or a slap stapler to staple the vinyl membrane to the wall studs. Make sure the staples are firmly attached and secure. This step ensures that the vinyl membrane stays in place and doesn't shift or move during the rest of the installation process.
Fold and Trim:
Fold the vinyl membrane down over the curb or the edge of the shower pan. Trim off any excess vinyl that extends beyond the curb. Ensure a neat and precise fit by carefully cutting the vinyl with a utility knife or a suitable cutting tool.
Seal the Membrane:
Apply a suitable adhesive or glue to seal the vinyl membrane. Glue the vinyl around the drain hole to keep it centred and secure. This step helps to prevent leaks and ensures that the vinyl membrane is properly bonded to the underlying surface.
Second Mortar Layer:
Mix another batch of mortar and apply a second 2-inch layer on top of the vinyl membrane. This layer will provide a solid base for your shower pan and ensure the vinyl membrane is fully protected. Allow this layer to cure for another 24 hours before proceeding with the rest of the installation.
Remember, proper installation of the vinyl membrane is essential to ensure a waterproof shower enclosure. Take your time, follow manufacturer instructions, and ensure each step is completed accurately before moving on to the next one.
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Cover the drain hole
Covering the drain hole is an important step in installing a vinyl pan pre-slope base. This step ensures that mortar does not enter the drain hole during the installation process. The first step is to use duct tape to cover the drain hole. This creates a protective barrier that will catch any excess mortar. Make sure the duct tape is securely fastened to prevent any leakage of mortar.
After covering the drain hole with duct tape, it is important to be mindful of any excess mortar that may accumulate in the bucket and on your tools. Clean off all the excess mortar before it dries. This will ensure that no mortar inadvertently makes its way into the drain hole and causes blockages.
The duct tape covering serves as a temporary measure and should be removed once the installation is complete. After removing the duct tape, ensure that the drain hole is clear of any mortar residue or debris. It is important to verify that the drain hole is unobstructed to guarantee proper water flow and drainage.
Covering and subsequently uncovering the drain hole might seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to the overall success of the vinyl pan installation. It ensures that the drainage system functions properly and helps to prevent potential plumbing issues.
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Screw the pan to the wall
Once you have prepared the subfloor, mixed the mortar, and allowed it to cure, you can move on to the next step of screwing the pan to the wall.
First, bore pilot holes through the sides of the pan. This is an important step as it will make it easier to screw the pan to the wall studs and ensure that the holes are in the correct place. Next, screw the pan to the wall studs using galvanized screws. Make sure you use the appropriate length of the screw so that it penetrates the stud by at least one inch. This step will secure the pan to the wall and provide support for the weight of the mortar and the pan itself.
It is important to note that the pan should be waterproof to prevent leaks. You can use a waterproof vinyl shower liner under the vinyl shower pan, or a traditional waterproofing liner made of PVC plastic or fiberglass. This will create a continuous and completely sealed layer that will prevent moisture from leaking into the wall framing.
Additionally, you should cover the drain hole with duct tape before installing the pan to keep the mortar from entering the drain. This will ensure that the drain remains clear and functional.
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Frequently asked questions
The first step is to prepare the subfloor. Measure the size of the room to determine how much vinyl plank flooring to purchase. Ensure your measurements are accurate, then buy about 10 to 20% more flooring than you need.
Mix a batch of ready-mix mortar according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour a 2-inch layer over the subfloor, creating a slight slope towards the centre drain. Allow the mortar 24 hours to cure.
Install a sheet of waterproof vinyl membrane over the mortar. Position the vinyl membrane flat on the ground and 1 foot up the side walls. Overlap the vinyl at each corner and staple it to the wall studs. Staple the vinyl into the studs with a slap stapler.
Mix another batch of mortar and place a 2-inch layer on top of the vinyl sheet. Lay a pre-fabricated vinyl shower pan on top of the second layer of mortar, with the drain hole positioned over the shower pan's hole.
