How to Make Your Own Shower Trench Drain

Cut a sheet of stainless steel into the desired length using a carbide saw bit. Bend the sheet with a steel press so the sheet resembles a T-shape. Drill two small screw holes at each end of the trench.

Cut another flat sheet of steel to match the size and shape of the trench. This will serve as the trench drain cover. Drill tiny holes into it, including two screw holes at each end.

Drill a hole large enough to accommodate a drain pipe in the bottom center of the trough using a carbide hole cutter. Fit the drain pipe into the hole.

Cut a hole of the same size in the center of the wooden floor of the shower. Install the drain pipe into this hole and attach it to the existing plumbing.

Fit a pipe flange around the top of the drain pipe and the base of the trench. This will hold the trench and pipe steady while the floor is built up around the assembly.

Apply a thick layer of mortar on top of the floor boards. Spread it out smooth and flat. The layer must touch the edges of the flange to hold it firmly in place once the mortar dries.

Place a pre-cut waterproof rubber membrane over the top of the hardened mortar layer. Bolt a clamping flange over the top of the flange body. The edges of the rubber should be long enough to fold down into the flange.

Build another layer of mortar on a 1 percent slant down to the edge of the flange assembly. Apply the top layer of thinset mortar after it dries.

Set the floor tiles into place atop the still wet thinset and apply grout between each tile. Screw the lid of the trench drain on top of the trench. Let the floor dry for a few days before using the shower.