Do-it-Yourself Shower Enclosures

Measure the depth and width of the shower base with a measuring tape.

Cut two sections of 2-by-4-inch lumber to the width of the shower base, and four sections to the depth, with a circular saw. Miter both ends of the width sections, and one end of each depth section, at a 45-degree angle with a miter saw. These sections form the top and base plates of the enclosure frame.

Arrange two depth sections and one width section around the sides and back of the shower base on the subfloor. Drive 4-inch wood screws through the lumber sections onto the subfloor at 4-inch intervals, using a drill fitted with a screwdriver bit. Attach the remaining sections to the ceiling, directly above the floor sections, in the same manner.

Measure the distance between the top of the base plate sections and the bottom of the top plate sections. Cut 2-by-4-inch lumber sections to this measurement. You need four sections for the ends and corners of the enclosure frame, plus one section for each 16 inches of enclosure length. These sections form the enclosure frame studs.

Stand one stud at each end and corner of the enclosure frame. Drive 4-inch wood screws through the studs into the top and base plates at 45-degree angles. Repeat this process with the remaining studs, placing the studs at 16-inch intervals between the end and corner studs.

Measure the interior dimensions of the shower enclosure. Score cement backer board sections to fit these dimensions with a utility knife, and snap the backer boards along the score lines on the edge of a table or work bench. Attach the backer board sections to these studs on the inside of the enclosure frame with 3-inch cement board screws, ensuring that the seams of the backer board sections fit tightly together.

Spread thinset mortar on the back of a 4-inch ceramic tile with a trowel, and tap it into place at the bottom of the backer board enclosure at one edge with a rubber mallet. Continue attaching tiles along the bottom of the enclosure to complete the first course. Install additional courses until you reach the top of the enclosure, cutting tiles as needed to fit with a wet saw.

Apply grout to the seams between the tiles with the edge of a grout float, working in 1-foot square sections. Wipe away excess grout with a damp sponge as it begins to dry.

Snip the end of a caulk tube with scissors at a 45-degree angle. Load the tube into a caulk gun and press the trigger until caulk begins to come out of the tip. Caulk along the corners of the enclosure, as well as the seams between the enclosure and the shower base.