When you think about showers, the first thing that comes to mind is probably taking a relaxing shower after a long day. But what if we told you there was a way to make your shower even more relaxing? Enter the walk in shower. Walk in showers provide a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home and can be customized to fit any space. In this post, we’ll show you how to build walk in shower walls. With just a few supplies and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can have your very own walk in shower in no time!
What You Will Need
Assuming you have a basic understanding of how to use tools and measure things, you will need the following items to build walk in shower walls:
-Tape measure
-Level
-Carpenter’s square
-Chalk line
-Circular saw
-Jigsaw
-Drill
-1/8 inch drill bit
-Pole sander
-Sandpaper (100, 150, 220 grit)
-Caulking gun
-Silicone caulk (clear is best)
-Shower pan liner kit
-(2) sheets 4’x8’xdrywall (or greenboard) for walls -(1) sheet 4’x8’x5/8” plywood for ceiling -(6) 2x4s 8 feet long for framing -(32) 1 5/8 inch drywall screws -(16) 2 inch drywall screws -(1) gallon joint compound -(1) box 3” joint knives -Spackle or glazing putty -9 ft. x 12 ft. shower curtain and rod OR door and track kit -Shower fixtures (showerhead, handles, valves, etc.)
Step One: Build the Shower Floor
If you are planning to build walk in shower walls, the first step is to build the shower floor. The shower floor is the foundation for the rest of the shower and needs to be level, stable, and strong. There are a few different ways to build a shower floor, but the most common method is to use a pre-fabricated base.
A pre-fabricated base is a ready-made foundation that you can install right into your bathroom. These bases come in a variety of sizes and shapes to fit any space, and they have all the necessary drain connections already built in. To install a pre-fabricated base, simply set it into place and secure it to the subfloor with screws or bolts.
Another option for building a shower floor is to pour a concrete slab. This method is more labor intensive, but it gives you more flexibility in terms of design and size. To pour a concrete slab, first excavate the area where the slab will go. Then, form up the edges of the excavation with 2x4s or similar lumber. Next, mix and pour your concrete into the excavation. Once the concrete has cured, you can tile or install another type of finish over top.
Whichever method you choose for building your shower floor, make sure that it is level and stable before moving on to step two: installing the waterproofing membrane.
Step Two: Install the Shower Walls
After the shower base is installed, it’s time to install the shower walls. There are a few different ways to do this, but we’ll show you the most popular method.
To start, you’ll need to measure the space where the shower walls will be installed and cut out two pieces of plywood to fit those dimensions. Once the plywood is cut, you’ll need to attach it to the studs in your shower area using screws or nails.
Next, you’ll need to apply a layer of waterproofing material to the plywood. This can be done with either a brush or a roller. Once the waterproofing material is applied, you’ll need to let it dry for at least 24 hours before proceeding to step three.
Step Three: Add the Finishing Touches
Once your shower walls are up and in place, it’s time to add the finishing touches. First, you’ll need to caulk any gaps between the wall panels and the corners of your shower. Next, apply a layer of silicone sealant around the entire perimeter of your shower. Finally, install your shower door or curtain.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a way to add a bit of luxury to your bathroom, consider installing walk in shower walls. With some careful planning and execution, you can create a stunning shower space that will be the envy of all your guests. Use our tips to help you get started on building your very own walk in shower today.
