How to install a cast iron shower tray. DIY shower tray
Installation shower tray Is the first step to install a shower enclosure. Read how to install a semi-circular acrylic shower base. It's easier than you think!
Installing a shower tray with your own hands is not difficult if you skillfully choose a model that matches the place in which the installation will be performed. When buying a pallet, you should choose the one that is easiest to install. First of all it comes the height of the pallet and the location of the water outlet. See where the sewer entrance is in the bathroom, and at what height. You can connect a low pallet if the entrance to the sewer is very low, directly above the floor or even in the floor. If the entrance is slightly higher, choose a higher one, because only then it will be possible to ensure the reduction of the pipe from the siphon into the sewer.
The second question is the location of the drain on the bathroom floor. Contrary to popular belief, the small distance between the drain of the pallet and the entrance to the sewer does not facilitate the connection, because it is difficult to fit the siphon and bend the pipe. It is better that the drain is a little further, so that there is a place for making a connection to the sewer.
The third question is the choice of the siphon itself, which, as a rule, must be purchased separately. Choose the lowest siphon, especially if you plan on installing a low siphon.
Preparing a place in the bathroom
Walls and floors must be tiled before installing the pallet. Be sure to make sure that waterproofing is done under the tiles. This will prevent flooding of neighbors or adjacent premises. The entrance to the sewer with a diameter of 50 mm must be located.
Assembly and installation
1. Attach the legs to the bottom of the pallet as shown in the photo. Measure the panel height in advance and set the required leg length so that the panel fits under the pallet. Do not shoot protective layer off the pallet so as not to scratch it.
2. After installing the legs, check the horizontal plane with a building level. Bubble level apply with different sides- along the sides of the pallet, and diagonally.
3. Screw on the side panel brackets.
4. Place the drip tray in the corner of the bathroom, and check it level again. Adjust the feet again if necessary. Try on if the side panel fits, do a trial panel installation, and then remove it.
5. Use a pencil to mark the drain on the floor. At this point, you will install a siphon.
6. The bottom of the siphon, connect flexible pipe To sewer drain... Usually draining into sewer pipe has a diameter of 50 mm, the same diameter has a pipe. Remember to observe the slope towards the drain.
7. If the tube is too long, cut off the end with a metal saw. Smooth the edges after cutting with a knife or sandpaper. To facilitate connection, grease the ends of the sewer pipes and gaskets with dishwashing liquid.
8. Carefully place the gasket on the bottom of the siphon.
9. Install the pallet in the desired location as shown in the photo. You can apply silicone or assembly glue and thus glue the pallet to the wall. Some models may have mounting brackets, which must be screwed to the wall with wall plugs.
10. Insert the upper part of the siphon into the drain hole and connect it to bottom previously connected to the sewer. Remember about correct order installation of gaskets (this depends on the type of siphon). Be careful not to damage the gaskets. Insert the rest of the siphon and the top cover. Now you can take off protective film from the pallet.
11. Fill the siphon with water and check if water is sucked well into the drain. If the floor remains dry, installation can be continued.
12. Glue the feet to the floor to keep the pallet from moving during use. Apply silicone with a pistol around the legs and rub with your finger.
13. Press down on the side panel latches.
14. Wipe dry and tape securely to the edges against the walls and the edges of the side panel against the walls and floor.
15. Fill the gap with silicone. Squeeze the silicone out of the gun along the entire length of the crack, then smooth out the seam. rubber spatula or with your finger.
16. Peel off the molar tape immediately while the silicone is still wet.
17. Do not use the shower tray within 24 hours until the silicone is dry. Then you can mount the cab.
How to choose a pallet
It does not take up much space, which will allow you to do functional interior even from the smallest room. In the shower stall, one of important elements is a pallet. Below we will advise what to look for when choosing.
Form
Available in square, rectangular or semicircular (quadrant based). For a small bathroom, angular - semicircular or square models are better suited. For a spacious bathroom, a rectangular tray is suitable, in which we gain freedom of movement. Better to appearance the selected model referred to the nature of the rest of the elements in the bathroom, this will create a coherent whole with them.
The size
The common sizes of square and quarter shower trays are 80x80 cm, 90x90 cm, 100x100 cm. It should be noted that in the case of identical quarter shower trays, their radius is essential. Most often they are with a radius of 45 cm, 50 cm and 55 cm.When choosing a rectangular model, models with a size of 100 × 80 or 120 × 80 are available.
The selection of the size depends on the space that we can allocate in the bathroom.
Depth
Another aspect in this regard is the choice between shallow (low) and deep pallets. Low, look more modern and elegant. Moreover, their use visually enlarges the bathroom space. They are suitable for use by the elderly who have difficulty crossing high thresholds.
Deciding on the choice of a deep model, we acquire, in particular, the possibility of bathing a small child or soaking a wash.
With or without seat
On the one hand, his presence takes up space, which can be unpleasant with daily shower use, on the other hand, on the seat, you can sit or put soap and shampoo on it.
Siphon
The last element is the selection of a siphon. Depending on the diameter of the outlet, we have a large siphon - diameter 90 mm or a small one - diameter 50 mm.
From which material to choose a pallet
The selection is not limited to the well-known cheap acrylics. There are many materials available on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Acrylic - popular and affordable
Pros: Lightweight, smooth, warm to the touch, and durable. Their installation is not difficult. The acrylic can be easily hidden minor scratches or chips using ready-made care kits (paste and sandpaper) or repair ( liquid acrylic and hardener). Acrylic pallets also have decorative qualities - available different forms and flowers.
Cons: Poor quality acrylic can quickly turn dull and yellow. In order for it to retain its original appearance for a long time, it cannot be cleaned with detergents containing abrasive substances - use only polishing agents to care for them.
Enamelled steel - strong but prone to chipping
Pros: Fairly durable, scratch-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. Easy to keep clean - the enamel surface can be washed safely chemical means any type.
Cons: Enamelled steel is prone to chipping. Tin trays are cool in contact with your feet and are quite loud when a jet of water hits their surface. Luckily, you can install a special rubber mat that will iron out both.
Ceramic - durable, heavy, expensive
Pros: More stable and durable than acrylic pallets. They do not need a frame for their installation - they are attached directly to the base. They are resistant to damage, have a stylish, elegant look and are easy to keep clean.
Cons: much heavier (a 90 × 90 cm pallet weighs 33-46 kg) than acrylic or steel, several times more expensive than acrylic counterparts.
From a conglomerate (artificial stone) - style has a price
Pros: They are made from 80% marble, 20% plastics, resins and dyes. At first glance, this type of connection is indistinguishable from natural marble. The pallet is durable, resistant to chips, scratches, temperature changes and impact chemical substances... They are warm and smooth, bacteria and fungi do not develop on the surface.
Cons: price - shower trays made of conglomerate are significantly more expensive than acrylic, steel or ceramic.
Stone - luxurious granite and marble
Pros: luxurious stone shower trays, elegant and pleasant to the touch, resistant to mechanical stress and dirt. Suppresses water shocks and builds up heat.
Cons: high price. In addition, when cleaning stone shower trays (especially marble), pay attention to the alkali content of the cleaning agent, as this can lead to discoloration. Shower trays of this type are slippery, so a rubber mat is needed to minimize the risk of falling. Absorbent stones require frequent polishing and constant soaking.
How to make a shower tray with your own hands
If none of the listed types of material suits you, you can make a shower tray with your own hands from ceramic tiles. There are even ready-made kits on the market that contain the necessary elements.
Now you know in what sequence the installation of a shower tray with your own hands is done, as well as what forms and materials there are from which they are made.
Photo: at the request of Yandex and Google
When renovating a bathroom, we, first of all, replace the finishing materials of the walls, floor and ceiling, as well as renew the plumbing. If your room is not so spacious as to install a large bathroom in it, then you can significantly “save” space with the help of a shower. This article will discuss how to make a pallet structure yourself.
Varieties of shower trays by materials
Pallet- this is the basis for our shower stall, which means that it must be made of really durable materials. They can be classified as follows:
- from cast iron. These pallets are one of the strongest and most durable. Among the disadvantages are very heavy weight, long warm-up time and high price.
- of steel. Very lightweight, inexpensive and quite durable. However, these pallets have very fragile enamel and low sound insulation.
- from ceramics. These pallets are very attractive and easy to operate. But they usually have no legs and are very fragile.
- from artificial stone. You will definitely be attracted by the texture of the surface of such a pallet, however, low thermal conductivity, high price and high weight can push you away from the purchase.
- from acrylic. Practical, lightweight, beautiful, good at absorbing noise. There is only one drawback of such pallets: they are prone to damage and deformation.
- made of wood. Suitable for summer cottages or country house... Environmentally friendly material, however, will last no more than three to four years.
- made of plastic. A very budgetary and short-lived option that we would not recommend for an apartment or house: rather, for a summer shower.
How to make a shower tray with your own hands: step by step instructions
For convenience, we suggest dividing the entire process into several stages. The first, not unimportant, is the procurement of all materials required for work. So, you will need:
- Ladder, in other words, a drain system.
- Several concrete blocks or bricks (at your discretion).
- Some sand and cement. It is also desirable to have plasticizers.
- Roofing material or a couple of sheets of plastic wrap, a little water-repellent mastic.
- Among finishing materials – mosaic tiles or tile (at your discretion).
- Tile grout and good glue.
Now about tools:
- A small bucket in which we will mix the solution.
- Mixer.
- Trowel (construction trowel).
- Laser or water level.
- Hammer drill, drill, several screwdrivers of different sizes.
- Spatulas and roller.
Stage 1. Screed under the shower tray. First, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned of residues. old tiles, dust and dirt. Now we are priming in two layers. As for the primer, it is better that it is moisture resistant. After the soil is dry, the shower tray is waterproofed. To do this, it must be smeared with a special mastic (handle the corners especially carefully). Then it is laid on the floor polyethylene film(preferably a couple of layers). As soon as the mastic dries, you can pour the cement screed. As for the thickness of the screed, it should be about five to eight centimeters.
Advice! When you install the film, try not to exclude air spaces... If there are any, there will be no effect from waterproofing. 
Stage 2. Install a shower drain and drain pipes, make a neck for water drain. Before installing the drain, you need to bring a sewer pipe to the place of water drain (the drain is connected to it). Pay attention to the installation height: the slope must be at least three degrees. Fix it well with cement-sand mortar... This stage is very important, because if you loosely fasten the ladder and its structure moves during subsequent work, in the future the pallet will leak inside. As a result, the entire system will have to be disassembled. 
Stage 3. Line the sides of the shower tray with bricks. After the waterproofing together with the drain are installed, we can form the shower tray directly. The sides around the perimeter of the pallet are made of bricks. First, the shape of the future pallet is drawn up (what are the shapes of pallets is shown in the photo above). Marking is done on the floor using a simple marker. We lay out our brick side according to the markings using a cement-sand mortar.
Advice! The proportion of the mortar should be the same as for the screed: one to two. As for the height of the side, it should be close to the level of the grate of our ladder - plus twelve to fifteen centimeters. This will prevent water from spilling onto the bathroom floor.
Stage 4. Filling the base for shower cabins. Again, we use cement, in which it is worth adding a little special hydro-repellent agent, for example, liquid glass... First you need to fill the layer up to the trap (horizontal). Once it is dry, install some special beacons (plaster beacons). This will give you the correct inclined plane.
Advice! Before pouring the base, make sure that the floor is solid. After all concrete base the shower tray is quite thick and therefore weighs a lot. 
Stage 5. Pallet waterproofing. It will not be superfluous to make another layer of waterproofing. Now on the completed construction of our pallet. We coat the base with mastic, as well as external and internal sides. It is best to apply two coats. Now we can safely call the isolation reliable.
Stage 6. Shower tray lining, decoration. After the water-repellent mastic has dried, cover the pallet cement plaster... The seams of the shower tray are treated with particular care. Please note that the selected plaster must have increased resistance to moisture. Also used without fail plaster mesh with a small cell. This will make the plaster layer more firmly attached.
As soon as the surface is dry, we begin to prime it with a moisture-resistant primer (several times). Once the primer is dry, you can start decorating. Congratulations, your DIY shower tray is ready!
Do you know how to make a shower tray? Share with our users in the comments below the article!
If you do not have the time or desire to make a shower tray with your own hands, then welcome to our catalog: you will find dozens of stylish and high-quality options from trusted sellers.
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The bathroom is the place where everyone starts and ends their day. Therefore, it is important that it is as comfortable as possible there. But not all people have enough time and energy to take a bath and installing a shower tray with their own hands becomes relevant. This is better than calling a team - both cheaper and more reliable, since real masters are now worth their weight in gold.
TYPES OF SHOWER TRAYS
V Lately showers and corners are gaining immense popularity. And even if there is a bathtub, many people still strive to install a shower additionally.
This makes it possible to functionally use the space in the room, receiving not only the usual flow of water for washing, but also massage, aromatherapy, musical accompaniment, etc. The modern plumbing market presents a wide selection of shower trays of various shapes and sizes. But how to choose the right shower tray Here's an article to help you.
The most durable, strong and expensive pallets are considered to be made of marble and cast iron. All the others follow.
But the most popular, affordable and durable pallets are made of plastic or acrylic. They can sag under weight, so when installing, you need to take this nuance into account and install the pallet on a frame or adjustable legs.
Ceramic structures are particularly beautiful, but they are not resistant to mechanical damage... When choosing, you need to pay a pallet Special attention... If it is not durable, it will not last long, regardless of whether you install it yourself or hire specialists. Each of the materials has a number of advantages and disadvantages, and it is difficult to say which one will be better.
The most common plumbing in last years- acrylic. And durable, and beautiful, and affordable .
If there are only legs in the base of your chosen pallet, then you yourself will have to prepare the basis for the future shower stall. This will require metal pipe the correct size and rubber gasket. Thus, with the help of practically available tools, you can create a durable mount for the shower stall. Shower trays are classified according to shape, material, depth and size.
FEATURES OF PALLET INSTALLATION
If you started installing the shower tray yourself, then you should familiarize yourself with some of the nuances and features installation work... In the case of installing the pallet on "native" legs, special attention should be paid to the unevenness of the floor and to twist the legs in accordance with these defects.
Also, a very important part of the work is the installation of the drain, since this is the key to the durable operation of the pallet without repair work.
There are several ways to install a pallet:
- On the metal carcass
- On a plastic support
- On bricks
- On a flat surface
- On the legs
The guarantee of the quality of the work performed directly depends on preparatory phase- carefully prepare the place for installation. If the pallet is immediately placed on the floor, then special attention should be paid to the evenness of the floor. In addition, it is important to make sure of the strength of the product itself. Plastic and acrylic pallets can deform under weight, therefore they require reinforcement with expanded polystyrene, polyurethane foam, bricks or concrete.
The work can be done in any of the options.
Second important point - this is a competent installation of pipes and electrical wiring if there is a light or radio in the shower stall. The pipeline is being installed PVC pipes and connects with fittings.
The wiring must be moisture resistant and must be hidden to protect it from excess moisture. It is recommended to extend the cable directly from the shield. This important condition fire safety... A lot of controversy arises about the installation, which is even and slightly sloped towards the drain. Both montage has the right to exist, has a number of advantages and disadvantages.
When installing with a slope, additional reinforcement is required so that there is no "surprise" during washing, and the drain should be properly sealed. When installed flat, most of the weight is transferred to the center of the structure, so it is important to pay attention to its reinforcement.
OWN HAND SHOWER TRAY INSTALLATION ON BRICKS
Bricks should be additionally secured with mortar, fixing them evenly using a level
Installing a shower tray with your own hands on bricks is the easiest and reliable way installation. To ensure the strength of the structure, the bricks should be additionally secured with mortar, securing them evenly using a level.
Neglecting this advice is fraught with cracks and dents in the bottom, due to excessive weight. And only then you need to fix the pallet to the solution, leveling it with a level and a mallet.
Bricks can be fitted with pallets made of various materials... Steel or acrylic pallets are sometimes placed without doors and side panels, using only a protective curtain.
This a budget option, perfect for a summer residence or a country house, where you do not visit very often. Because installing a shower without doors at home is not very comfortable.
The steel pallet is very strong, so when it is installed on bricks, only the material of the pores on the sides is enough. The middle can be left hanging.
To install a pallet without deepening the floor, a minimum of tools are required:
- Pliers
- Drain keys
- Screwdriver
- Wooden hammer
To secure the pallet to the bricks, use a metal frame or support elements... Polyurethane foam or silicone sealants are used as a sealant. But remember that when high humidity silicone tends to darken, which can spoil the appearance.
In order for the end result to be flat, be sure to use the building level at all stages of installing the pallet.
If it is not there, then you can use in a simple way from improvised means. Take a regular plate and place it on the edge of the tray. Then gradually start pouring water into it. The edge where the water will flow faster and is on a slope. Straighten the pan and repeat the procedure until the water flows from the plate evenly.
It has already been said above that pallets come in various sizes:
- Semicircular 80x80cm, 90x90cm, etc.
- Rectangular pallets - 70x85 cm, 70x100cm, 70x120 cm, 80x100cm, 80x120 cm.
- Square pallets - 70x70 cm, 80x80 cm, 90x90cm, etc.
- Pentahedral - 90x90cm, 100x100 cm, 120x120, etc.
Which one to install - the choice is yours, which depends on your desires and the size of the bathroom.
If you decide to make a recess in the floor, before starting the installation, you need to remove the tiles (if any) at the place where the shower tray is planned with a punch. Bricks should be laid along the side of the shower and reinforced with concrete.
To be sure, you can additionally lay a few bricks in the middle so that the bottom does not deform under the weight. Do not forget about the place for the drain pipe.
The brick should be laid out in such a way that there is a slight slope in the direction of the drain. And if you decide to install the pallet evenly, respectively, the support (bricks) should be placed evenly.
After that, you need to proceed to the stage of installing the siphon for the pallet. For this, a PVC tube, 5 cm in diameter, is perfect. If the location of the communications requires it, then a square, an adapter or corrugated pipe appropriate size. These fittings can be purchased at any plumbing store.
Use a sealant for a secure fit. After that, it is very important to check the quality of the work with water. If everything is fine and the connections are not leaking, you can proceed to the next step.
After installing the shower tray on the bricks, fix it with foam. All sides are laid ceramic tiles or plastic clapboard... It is recommended to install a corner (plinth) between the wall and the pallet and seal it with silicone or acrylic.
Calculate the curing time of the sealant at 2 mm per day. After drying, the process of installing the pallet can be considered complete.
On the sides, you can hang bathroom curtains, install tempered glass curtains, or mount side panels. It already depends on your desire and capabilities.
A shower cabin with a steel tray is perhaps the most practical and durable type of similar device. Unlike plastic and ceramics, steel can withstand operational loads well, because it is usually chosen as a material for the manufacture of sanitary ware.
In our article, we will tell you what iron shower trays are, how to install them correctly, and analyze their advantages and disadvantages.
Design features
Production technology
Products of this type are among the most demanded on the market. In addition, if we accidentally make a mistake and type in a search engine something like "steel shower oddon 900x900 mm", we will still take a fairly wide selection of tens or hundreds of models.
The steel pallet itself is a relatively uncomplicated structure.
It is produced in the factory by stamping with subsequent processing:
- In most cases, as source material taken steel sheet thickness from 1.5 to 3 mm... The sheet is cut into blanks, the size of which allows the manufacture of a container of appropriate dimensions.
Note! Most of the models on the market have a square shape and sizes from 70x70 to 90x90 cm. A couple are rarely seen huge products, and rectangular pallets in which the width exceeds the length (for example, 120x90 cm).
- Steel blanks are subjected to primary heat treatment, after which it is served under the press... Along with this, the sides of the pallet are molded in a couple of steps, a hole is made for the drain, and a relief is applied to the bottom.
- At the end of stamping, the edges of the sides and holes are cleaned, and after that, an anti-corrosive compound is applied to all surfaces. Much more often it is enamel, but zinc-based passivating agents are also used from time to time.
- In addition, in many cases, fasteners for installing legs and upper rails are welded to the pallet. used to fix the shower enclosure.
Note! Models without feet are mounted on side walls, which are much more often welded to a stamped workpiece. But, such products have a drawback: they can only be mounted on a pre-leveled surface, while pallets with legs allow for position adjustment.
As a result, a sufficiently strong, reliable and stable product is obtained, which is relatively easy to assemble and tolerates the most intensive use.
Forms and varieties
As we noted, most pallets are either square or rectangular. Such products are relatively inexpensive, easy to manufacture and install. But they are not too practical, because with the classic corner mounting take up quite a lot of space.
A pair is more expensive corner models with a trapezoidal or rounded front part. They are more compact and therefore the choice for installation in small bathrooms.
Another parameter influencing the selection is the depth of the base. If you want to protect the bathroom floor from drops and splashes as much as possible, then the deepest (up to 150 mm from the top edge of the side to the bottom at the drain hole) pallet is ideal for you. But in an outdoor shower it is possible to use small (up to 80 mm) models.
In addition, you should pay attention to the material from which the structure is made. There are two options here, and it is most ergonomic to compare them according to the table below:
| Item type | Zest |
| Stainless steel |
|
| Dark metal with enamel |
|
But, whatever the anti-corrosion protection of the metal from which the pallet is made, its effectiveness depends on the thickness of the base.
This is explained simply:
- In most cases, these products have a fairly large area (80x80 cm and more), and are installed on a frame laid along the edges.
- Under the action of huge loads, a narrow (less than 2 mm) metal in the middle part begins to bend, and there is not enough elastic anticorrosive composition, it becomes covered with microcracks.
- Over time, these cracks grow larger, leading to peeling of the enamel.
That is why experts do not advise to save money on purchasing narrow pallets. It goes without saying that their price will be lower, but the term of work will also be reduced by an order of magnitude.
Pallet installation technique
The tools you need
Installing a steel shower tray with your own hands is not only fully probable, but also quite simple.
The following tools and consumables will be useful to us:
- For the model without feet - a screed to level the floor.
- A branch pipe with a diameter of 50 mm for connecting the siphon to the sewer ..
- A special siphon that is installed under the shower stall.
- FUM tape for sealing pipe threads.
- Sealant (it is more optimal to use a moisture-resistant, silicone-based).
- Roulette and level.
Advice! The pallet, purchased separately, must be measured in advance, so that all the other elements that we will make for the shower stall are sized.
Installation Algorithm
Instructions for installing similar products with your own hands assume the following sequence of actions:
- First, we control the floor level. The structure on legs can be fixed on virtually any surface, but models with a massive base require alignment by pouring the screed.
Note! Because the screed is gaining sufficient strength for at least 7 days, it must be poured in advance.
- Then go to collect the pallet. In most cases, before installing it, we need to attach the legs to it by inserting them into the intentionally made grooves and securing them with fixing screws.
- We install the product in the selected place, after which we attach a siphon to it to drain the water, sealing all joints with rubber gaskets. It is most ergonomic to do this before the final fixation, while the pallet can still be tilted.
- We connect the siphon outlet to the sewer pipe. In most cases, a rubber cuff is used for this purpose, which allows you to quickly disassemble the system to eliminate the blockage of the sewer.
- We smooth the pallet by rotating the screws on the legs. Along with this, we make sure that the drain level does not fall below the level of the siphon inlet into the sewer.
- We make a test drain by letting water into the pan under a low pressure. If there are no leaks anywhere, we completely fix the legs and install the side panels or tile the edges with tiles.
Advantages and disadvantages
Steel products have many advantages:
- Firstly, they are significantly stronger than acrylic and plastic models... So if in your family there are people weighing well over 100 kg, then you cannot find an alternative. A shower cabin 800x800x1975 mm with a steel tray is the minimum you need!
- Secondly, most of the models are assembled in almost an hour and a half. It goes without saying that from time to time difficulties appear at the stage of leveling the base, but if you purchase a structure with legs, then you can adjust its position by rotating several screws.
- Thirdly, pallets for the type can be used both as an independent plumbing fixture and as part of a shower stall. The second option, of course, is preferable from the standpoint of comfort, but if you need to equip a shower with minimal cash costs, then just a pallet with plastic curtains around the perimeter will be enough.
As for the disadvantages, they are as follows:
- Corrosion tendency when enamel or passivation layer is damaged in dark steel.
- Limited quantity design solutions.
- High volume of sound when a jet of water falls.
But, we can compensate for the last minus by applying a layer before installation. polyurethane foam on the seamy side of the pallet. With the rest of the shortcomings, it is fully possible to put up with, correctly operating the structure and avoiding damage to the anticorrosive layer.
Conclusion
The various sizes of steel shower trays available in specialized stores allow you to choose a product for virtually any bathroom. Well, having found a model that is suitable in size and other parameters, we will have to install it correctly. And here the above tips from skilled craftsmen, and an educational video in this article.
Dismantling the bathtub and replacing it with a shower cabin is a very common solution today, allowing you to give a small bathroom a more or less decent look.
This work is not difficult and to cope with it, you do not need to be a hereditary plumber. In this article, you will learn how to install a shower tray.
Shower trays differ in material and shape. Here's what they are made of:
Polymers
Plastic pallets are bought most often today, and primarily because of their affordable cost.There are other advantages: low weight (the delivery and installation of the shower tray is simplified) and low thermal conductivity, due to which the material does not burn with cold.
Disadvantages: Polymers are easy to scratch and do not have high strength.
Pallets are made from 3 types of plastic:
- ABS plastic with thin-layer acrylic coating: this is the most cheap option, but it is characterized by a complex repair technology in the event of scratches.
- Acrylic: costs a little more, but scratches can be removed with simple sanding.
- Kvaril: acrylic with the addition of quartz, characterized by high strength and scratch-resistant.
Steel or cast iron with enamel finish
A pallet made of such a material is more expensive than a plastic one, but it is stronger and more durable, and it is much more difficult to scratch it. But there are also disadvantages: to stand on cold metal barefoot is rather unpleasant, in addition, cast iron is too heavy, and steel "rings" loudly under the streams of water.
In some cases, it is more convenient to make a pallet yourself, rather than buying a ready-made one. In this case, it will be of the size that you yourself want and there will be no restrictions. - advice, materials, current trends.
You will find useful tips for choosing a shower cabin.
In a small bathroom, it is impossible to install a shower and a bath at the same time, so you have to choose one thing. From this link you will find comparative characteristics baths and showers. This will help you make your choice.
Ceramics
Porcelain and earthenware pallets look very stylish and their advantages are not limited to this. The glaze, which covers such products, remains smooth and shiny for a very long time, in contrast to enamel, which is prone to abrasion, loss of density and absorption of dirt.
The disadvantages of ceramic pallets can be considered a high price and fragility, due to which the product can crack during careless transportation or installation.
Ceramic square shower tray LuciaSalud - Spain
Marble and other types of natural stone
Expensive luxury pallets. Such products are chosen by those who are ready to spend money on an exquisite setting.
Design features
The shape of the pallet can be any, and its choice depends entirely on the preferences of the owner. If there is not enough space, a semicircular shape or a quarter circle (for corner installation) will be optimal.
Also, pallets differ in depth. Products with maximum height the sides (35 cm) can be used as a miniature bathtub, for example, for bathing children.
But if there is a person with limited mobility in the family, it is better to install an ultra-flat pallet with a side height of 6 to 10 cm - it is much easier to climb into it.
Correctly aligned pallet
Features of installation of acrylic shower trays
Due to their low strength, acrylic pallets are installed on the supplied metal frame. In some models, the frame does not provide adequate support for the plastic bottom in the center.
Under the weight of the user, the plastic pallet deforms, so sealing the seam between it and the wall with a sealant may not give the desired effect.To prevent the seam from diverging, the side of the pallet should be screwed or glued to the wall.
Installation of shower trays made of ceramics, cast iron, steel
How to install a shower tray?
Ceramic pallets do not have adjustable feet, so the floor in the place of installation must be flat and strictly horizontal. Due to the lack of an installation gap under the product, access to the pipes without dismantling it will be impossible, therefore it is very important to assemble all the connections between the pipeline elements as efficiently as possible and seal well.
Pallet installation
Metal pallets usually installed on a brick podium. Its height depends on how much space is required to accommodate the sewer pipes. It is possible to proceed with the installation of the pallet only after the solution has completely dried in brickwork, which usually takes a couple - three days.
The product is installed on a layer of cement-sand mortar and is brought to a strictly horizontal position using a building level. After connecting the pallet to the sewer, the seam between it and the wall is filled with sealant, and the brick podium is covered with tiles or plastic panels.
Due to the low wall thickness, steel pallets of a budget class can bend strongly, so they, like acrylic, are recommended to be screwed to the wall. Bricks or a piece of steel pipe can be placed under the bottom.DIY brick shower tray technology
Someone who loves to design and implement design ideas original character, can make a pallet on their own. In this case, the owner himself can choose both the shape and the color scheme.
Building a brick pallet
For device homemade pallet need to purchase drain device- ladder. The side of the pallet will be made of brick.
It is better to purchase a high ladder, since such devices are characterized by high throughput.
Base mounting sequence
Arrangement of the pallet is performed in the following order:
- At the place of work, they are knocked down flooring together with the screed, getting to the concrete slab.
- A brick wall is laid out along the border of the future pallet, so that it is at least 50 mm above the drain hole (depending on the height of the ladder).
- The ladder is disassembled into the lower and upper parts (they are connected by means of two flanges). The lower part is connected to a sewer pipe with a diameter of 50 mm, laid with a slope of 3 cm / m. Usually the ladder is located in the corner. Remember that all connections will be inaccessible, so they need to be sealed not only with rubber cuffs, but also silicone sealant... The pipe and the ladder must be fixed with a cement-sand mortar.
- Further, the site is covered with sheets of extruded polystyrene foam 50 mm thick, in which grooves are cut for all elements of the drain system.
- On top of the expanded polystyrene, a layer of concrete with a thickness of about 40 mm should be laid - it should reach the flange of the drain.
- The hardened concrete is covered roll waterproofing, for example, roofing material (fused with gas burner) or "Isoplast", with the obligatory release on the walls and brick side at least to the height of the next layer of the screed. For reliability, it can be laid in two layers. Above the gangway in waterproofing material cut a hole with a diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the flange.
- Install the upper part of the ladder, while the waterproofing will be tightened with two flanges.
Having installed plastic beacons (to ensure a slope towards the ladder), a layer of waterproofing cement-polymer screed is laid (for example, Ceresit CR65). Its surface should be below the grate of the ladder by the thickness of the tile with glue. Along the corners along the entire perimeter, using adhesive mastic on a polymer-cement basis, you need to glue the waterproofing tape.
