How to Frame a Custom Shower Pan

Shower pans can be purchased as prefabricated units that permit relatively fast and simple installation but this type of shower pan often presents limitations related to size and design. These constraints can be avoided by constructing a custom shower pan on-site. In order to build a lasting and high-quality shower pan, several factors must be taken into consideration. Before the mortar bed, pre-pan or waterproofing membrane can be established or laid, the frame for the shower must be created.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2 x 4s
• Carpenter's pencil
• Saw
• 16d galvanized nails
• Hammer
• 2x10s

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Remove any materials necessary to expose the wooden subfloor.

   • 2

     Measure the opening at the shower threshold where the curb will be.

   • 3

     Mark this measurement on 2 x 4s and cut three boards of this length.

   • 4

     Stack and nail the 2 x 4s to floor joists and wall studs at the shower threshold.

   • 5

     Measure the spaces between the studs in the shower perimeter.

   • 6

     Cut 2 x 10s to fit the spaces between studs. Make as many lengths of 2 x 10s as needed to fill in the stud bays around the perimeter of the shower.

   • 7

     Nail the 2 x 10 sections into the stud bays to complete the frame for the pan.