How to Install a Shower Base

Materials Needed:

• • Shower base
  • Measuring tape
  • Electric drill
  • Hole saw
  • Thin-set
  • Bucket (for mixing thin-set)
  • Mixing paddle
  • Bathtub drain (and components)
  • Level
  • Screws

Step 1: 

Prepare the area. We removed the existing shower tile and shower base. We added Wonderboard Lite on the entire bathroom floor, including the shower. 

Step 2: Measuring and Cutting the Drain Hole

We use a Stanley Fatmax tape measure.

Neal measured the shower base and as shown in the picture below is measuring from the wall where he will need to cut the hole for the shower drain. We use a DeWalt electric drill and a hole saw bit to drill the hole.   Below shows the new drain hole.

Step 3: Install the Drain

We used plumber’s putty to make a ring which will seal the drain once screwed into place.

Neal installed the drain.  

Step 4: Mixing Thin-set and Setting the Shower Base

We used an electric drill and mixing paddle to mix thin-set in a Home Depot bucket. We ❤️ Home Depot buckets. Neal spread the thin-set where the shower base will be installed. This is done to stabilize and level the shower base.  We put the shower base in place and then checked on all sides and each end to ensure it is level. Once it is level, we installed the shower base to studs using screws. Here is the final shower base after we installed the shower tile. Stay tuned for another post on how to install shower tile.

Let us know what you think or if you have any questions by posting below.