How to make a shower tray with your own hands

A curtain shower is still the easiest and most inexpensive way to organize your bathing space. The curtain can be fixed to a rail or tube, and as a result significantly reduces the surface area required for the shower. Best of all, shower curtains come in a variety of colors, designs and patterns, so we can match them to any decor.

Fans of this solution claim that it provides many possibilities for interior design, is affordable and mobile.

Opponents accuse the curtains of low strength and rather simple appearance. However, this solution in modern versions is very different from previous models and can become a decoration of the bathroom interior.

Advantages and disadvantages

Equipment and plumbing fixtures placed in rooms with high levels of humidity are subject to special requirements regarding materials and connections, which must be as strong and reliable as possible.

The main advantages of shower trays with curtains are:

• a fairly simple design, which, subject to strict adherence to operating rules, can last for several decades;
• accessibility, in terms of cost, of the most popular models;
• sufficient tightness, thanks to which the shower enclosure in the form of curtains allows you to take a shower without the need to clean up the water flowing out of the pan;
• simplicity of design, equipped with only a few moving elements, which makes the plumbing fixture reliable in operation and easy to maintain;
• guaranteed efficiency in terms of space planning even in a small bathroom;
• a wide range and variety of models, including such parameters as shape, color design and type of base material.

However, modern shower trays equipped with curtains are not without some significant drawbacks, the main one of which is the mandatory implementation of competent finishing of a room with high humidity. For this purpose, only moisture-resistant and safe materials with reliable waterproofing are used. It is advisable to entrust the installation of such a structure to experienced plumbers who can correctly install the sewerage communication.

Enclosures for shower trays with water drainage are often complemented by a hydromassage panel and a traditional mixer, which greatly facilitates the installation of such a plumbing device.

Rod selection

Shower rods differ in the quality of material, shape and size, as well as other important characteristics, so only the correct choice of this element can guarantee the comfort of using the plumbing fixture.
Even despite the demand for curtains made of glass and plastic, the popularity of textile products is growing every year, due to the affordable cost, as well as the ease of use of such products.

However, to hang a beautiful and modern canvas, you will need to choose the right rod:

• Wooden structure . Wood is a natural material and is itself susceptible to the negative effects of high humidity, so such products must be treated with special compounds. The cost of such an element is quite high, but it is the wooden rod that has an attractive and stylish appearance.
• Plastic structures. High-strength plastic is an economical and practical material option that is used for hanging lightweight curtains in the bathroom. Such rods are usually made in the form of straight spacer pipes with special rubberized nozzles. The main condition for installing a plastic structure is the presence of two parallel walls.
• Corner and straight metal structures. Most often, such durable devices look very stylish and are chrome-plated, and also undergo double-sided treatment with special compounds that prevent the appearance of rust and corrosive changes under the influence of high humidity.

Installation of the rod may require the use of additional fasteners, and fixation options vary. For some structures, additional holes are made in the walls with the installation of special fixing heads and screwing in bolts.

The most common are corner, semicircular and curved rods with different installation principles on the walls, which helps you choose the best option depending on the size and location of the shower tray in the bathroom.

Step-by-step construction of a pallet with formwork

Before the start of construction work, regardless of the materials chosen, preparatory measures are carried out. During a thorough renovation, all plumbing fixtures are removed from the premises, after which the old flooring and wall cladding are removed. If defects or potholes are found on the ceiling, they are cleaned of dust and filled with cement mortar. After which the surface is primed in two layers. At the junction of the walls and the floor slab, a waterproofing film is glued. Then the floor is treated with bitumen mastic.

When carrying out installation work, you should follow a few simple rules:

1. Disconnect the electrical wiring in the room and insulate it.
2. Close all openings of incoming pipes to avoid clogging.
3. Follow safety rules when working with tools.

Materials and tools

To build a pallet you will need the following tools:

• flat board, wooden slabs for formwork construction;
• shovel, trowel, rule;
• beacons, measuring instruments, thread, marker;
• brush, roller for applying primer;
• tile cutter, grinder, grouting tools;
• container for mixing tile adhesive and concrete mortar.

Materials:

• drain, sewer pipes;
• cement grade M 500, sand, water;
• coating, adhesive waterproofing;
• primer;
• tile adhesive, grout, tiles.

Installation of drainage and sewerage

After preparing the base, you should work on the drainage system. It is necessary to install the ladder correctly and efficiently, since upon completion of construction activities it will be very difficult, almost impossible, to correct inaccuracies. Work must begin with the installation and connection of outlet pipes.

Water should flow by gravity and not stagnate in the system. To do this, you need to organize a tilt towards the riser. The optimal angle is 3°. To support it, you can use wooden stands of different heights, where the smallest one will be located near the sewer outlet.

The pipes are fixed using cement mortar, as well as a layer of insulation, if provided. The ladder itself is rigidly fixed in the same way. It is important to pay attention to the joints between the drain elements; they must be completely sealed, so it is recommended to check them before pouring the solution.

Installation of formwork and pouring rough screed

The next step is to install the formwork. For its construction, you can use flat boards, laminated plywood, fiberboard, MDF, as well as plastic lining to give semicircular shapes. Having installed the selected material, sealed the joints with mortar, we fix it with dowels, clamps, spacers, and place heavy objects on the outside.

We lay reinforcing mesh inside the formwork. We begin pouring the concrete mixture, the height of which depends on how much the floor needs to be raised. To lighten the structure and reduce its weight, you can use expanded clay concrete mortar instead of standard concrete. After pouring, the top is rubbed down, leveled using a rule, and covered with plastic wrap for several days.

After the screed has dried, the formwork is removed. The coating is also primed and waterproofed. Applying several layers of insulation protects the ceiling from moisture penetration and the appearance of unpleasant odors.

Installation of pallet side formwork

To form concrete sides, you will need another formwork, the same plan as that used for a strip foundation, only smaller. It is necessary to accurately measure the width of the sides and maintain this distance between wooden slabs or boards around the entire perimeter. Then knock down and firmly fix the removable form.

Cement-sand mortar is poured into the installed formwork. To increase its strength, you can use special additives; it is necessary to provide for the presence of a reinforcing mesh. In order for the mixture to penetrate into all cavities, it should be pierced with a wooden stick or fittings. The top is leveled and covered with polyethylene. After 2-3 days, the removable form is removed.

Internal finishing pour on a slope

After the sides are ready, finishing pouring is performed. To do this, cords are stretched inside the future pallet, maintaining a slight slope towards the ladder. Thanks to this, water from the surface will flow into the drain system. Next, profile beacons are installed.

Having completed the preparatory steps, begin mixing a thick cement-sand mortar at a ratio of 1:2. For strength and increased moisture resistance, liquid glass is added to the mixture. After pouring the solution, it is leveled using the rule. After the layer has dried a little, the beacons are removed, and the resulting cavities are filled with concrete and carefully leveled using a trowel.

Once the screed has dried, final waterproofing is applied, which is applied over the entire working surface of the pallet, including the sides. Liquid glass is also used as an insulating substance. The protection must be applied in a thin layer.

Pallet lining

The final stage of construction work will be finishing the pallet with ceramic tiles. In a container, the adhesive mixture is diluted with water and thoroughly mixed with a drill with a special attachment. The resulting tile adhesive is applied to a horizontal surface in a layer of 5 mm, spread with a spatula with a comb.

Laying the tiles begins along the bottom of the bowl and on the surface of the sides. To ensure even laying, special crosses are used. The tile level can be adjusted using a rubber hammer. To shrink, lightly tap on the surface or corner. For those places where a whole tile does not fit, the required dimensions are made using a tile cutter.

After laying the floor, proceed to the walls, performing all the same actions. After a while, when the tile adhesive dries, the crosses can be removed. The seams and resulting gaps between the tiles are rubbed. When the grout has dried, the surface of the tile is washed with a damp cloth.

Curtain selection

Pallet curtains look great, which is due to the variety of designs and styles that blend well with any shower and bathroom interior. When choosing the type of material, you will need to take into account the dimensions of the tray and the dimensions of the curtain fabric to fully protect the floor in the sanitary room from water ingress.

Shower curtain

Depending on the type of design, all currently produced shower curtains are presented in combined, frame and frameless versions.

Shower curtain material

The most common practice is to use two types of curtains that are equipped with shower trays:

1. Special waterproof fabric. A soft version of the partition, quickly installed using the upper rod. To hang such material, special hooks are used to prevent the fabric curtain from breaking. It should be noted that waterproof fabrics are universal and mobile, so they will be the best option for almost any type of structure.
2. Glass or thick and transparent plastic. A more massive and heavier option, requiring competent selection of all structural elements. It is important that the strong frame base used for mounting glass and plastic partitions is as stable as possible. The frame and guides, made of metal, require reliable fixation to the walls and pallet.

The second option requires mandatory treatment of all joints with waterproof sealants and installation of special rubberized linings that prevent the penetration of moisture.

It is important to remember that fabric shower curtains must be impregnated with special compounds that allow incoming water to freely roll into the pan.

Shower curtain size

The practicality indicators of shower curtains today do not raise any doubts among consumers and specialists, therefore, in the absence of newfangled functionality in the design, it is recommended to make a choice in favor of such systems for enclosing space.

Glass and plastic curtains are produced in accordance with a certain size of the shower structure, but the most popular and in demand at present are fences with dimensions of 80x80 and 90x90 cm.

Curtains made from waterproof fabrics are an excellent alternative to purchasing a separate hydrobox, and their use allows you to save significant money, ensuring sufficient reliability and functionality of the shower stall.

Fabric moisture-resistant options may differ in size, appearance and cost, but their choice, as a rule, is not difficult, due to the features and basic characteristics, including the size of the material.

Shower made of tiles without a tray in an apartment

Each tile shower without a tray photo can differ in color, contrasting and visually separating the bathing area from the rest of the area, or be made in one shade to create the effect of space integrity.

For loft-style rooms, it is important to use stone (decorative brick) as a facing material for partitions, floors and walls made of glass, enclosed in dark-colored frames.

For eco-style bathrooms, the walls and flooring can be made of wood or ceramics that imitate this material. The finishing touch will be a home-made or purchased wooden footrest.

A shower corner without a tray with high-tech tiles is equipped with lighting and massage nozzles. The floor (walls) are decorated with black tiles, or doors made of tinted glass are installed, combined with chrome fittings. The outline of the cabin should be of a strict shape, with a minimum number of niches and shelves inside.

You can create a shower room in a minimalist style if you make walls, partitions and doors from transparent plastic or glass - this will visually make the space light and filled with air.

Price

Shower trays equipped with curtains or enclosures are quite affordable, and the price of the most popular sliding designs in the shape of a quarter circle, with a low tray and frosted or clear tempered glass enclosure is:

• Erlit ER0508-C3 (Russia) - 12.0-12.5 thousand rubles;
• Am.Pm Like Twin Slide (Germany-Italy) - 25-27 thousand rubles;
• River Don Light (China) - 5.5-11.2 thousand rubles;
• Aquadush AD-H (Russia-Slovenia) - from 8.5 thousand rubles;
• Niagara NG-003 (South Korea) - from 82 thousand rubles;
• Jacob Delafon Odeon Up (France) - from 42.2 thousand rubles;
• Byon Trapezen G-06 (Sweden) - 23.3 thousand rubles;
• Arcus AS-301 (China) - 11 thousand rubles;
• RGW RGW PA-56 (Germany) - 24 thousand rubles;
• Parly ZE91 (China) - 8 thousand rubles;
• Loranto CS-7006 (China) - 7 thousand rubles;
• Pucsho Kreis TR (Germany) - 19.9 thousand rubles;
• Nautico SWB-8005 (China) - 12.5 thousand rubles;
• Graham-Graham MG 06 (Great Britain) - 26.1 thousand rubles;
• Wasserfalle F-2005 (Germany) - 47.5 thousand rubles.

Fabric moisture-resistant curtains are much cheaper, so they are actively used as barriers for shower trays of budget models.

A shower tray equipped with curtains is now a modern and very original solution for any type of bathroom. Such models provide comfort when taking hygiene procedures, prevent splashes of water from entering the structure, and also allow you to maintain the quality characteristics and appearance of the finish in the bathroom.