How to Level a Floor for an Acrylic Shower Pan

Wooden Subfloor or Minor Unevenness

• 1

  Clean the subfloor or floor thoroughly, Remove all dirt and debris by sweeping or vacuuming the area.

• 2

  Set the acrylic shower pan in the site. Use a level to identify the location of any low spots.

• 3

  Place wooden, plastic or composite shims under the pan in the low areas. Check to ensure that the pan is level in every possible direction and move the shims around as needed.

• 4

  Lift the pan off of the shims carefully.

• 5

  Mark or trace the outline of each shim, if several are being used. This will help if any are knocked out of position before they can be secured.

• 6

  Secure the shims to the flooring using fasteners such as nails or screws, or the adhesive that is to be used with the shower pan or wall panels.

• 7

  Place the acrylic shower pan in position. Again, check to ensure it is level and adjust or add shims wherever warranted.

Concrete Subfloor

• 8

  Clean the shower pan area thoroughly. Sweep or vacuum up debris. Wash the floor to remove embedded dirt or oil, if needed, with a suitable cleaner.

• 9

  Install a thin wooden strip along the edge of the pour area. The strip might not need to be more than 1/4- or 1/2-inch high, depending on the thickness of the self-leveling compound that must be poured. Secure the strip by taping it to the floor on the outside edge.

• 10

  Place a small section of PVC or plastic pipe that has the same diameter over the drain. It only has to be about 1/2-inch tall but can be slightly larger for the sake of convenience. This pipe section will protect the drain from self-leveling compound. Hold it in place using tape on the inside of the pipe.

• 11

  Spread bonding adhesive over the floor surface within the shower area using a roller or brush. This will ensure that the self-leveling compound bonds well.

• 12

  Prepare and pour self-leveling compound in the shower area. Follow manufacturer instructions when mixing the compound. Spread it around the floor with a squeegee, then let it settle into position. The thin compound levels itself.

• 13

  Remove the wooden strip and drain pipe section carefully once the compound has sufficiently hardened. Wait about 48 hours or the length of time dictated by the compound manufacturer before installing the acrylic shower pan atop the compound.