What do I put under my shower pan to level?

Author: Dannie Bednar  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Dump enough dry pack Sand Mix into the shower base to form a level perimeter around the entire shower pan at your high point mark. Pack the perimeter layer with a rubber or wooden float by repeatedly tamping the material down. Use a hand level to maintain level around the perimeter.

Do you need to put anything under a shower pan?

Shower pans should come supported already. If they aren't then they are meant to sit on top of a bed of something. But that bed of something is meant to sit on something like a subfloor which has been heavily waterproofed. Everything leaks in a house eventually.

What do you use to level a shower tray?

You can use lots of strips - of very thin plywood, lino, roofing felt etc. Anything to build it up level and not squash too much. Then fill all the gaps with gripfill. I've seen dobs of tile cement used, filed off after they've set.

What is best to put under a shower tray?

Mix sand and cement to create mortar and spread it under the tray.

How do you fill gap between shower pan and floor?

If it's a huge gap, you can fill most of it with grout (leave a narrow gap against the tub), let it set, then caulk the remaining gap with silicone. I would try a pre mixed grout. They tend to stay put and crack less. Also easier to clean.

Easy Shower Pan Liner: Tile Coach Episode 9

How to fill a gap under a shower tray?

How To Seal A Large Gap Around A Shower Tray? Sealing a large gap around a shower tray demands a gap-filling sealant. Select a sealant designed for substantial gaps. Apply it generously to fill the space, ensuring complete coverage.

Does shower pan sit on subfloor?

Prepare the Subfloor

The entire bottom of the shower pan needs to sit on a flat, level surface. Check the subfloor area from left to right and from front to back to make sure it's level.

What is the best flooring for under shower tray?

Tiled Floor. The most common choice of flooring finish when it comes to a wet room or walk in shower is tiles. A tiled floor finish also means that you have the widest choice of under tray / wet room tray available as nearly all wetroom trays are designed to accept at least a tiled floor finish.

What goes under the shower pan liner?

In a typical shower construction model, there are five layers to the shower floor: the subfloor; the slope base or first mortar bed; the shower pan liner; the final mortar bed; and shower tiling or floor.

What board to use under a shower tray?

– Unlike plywood, which has seen a reduction in quality, NoMorePly 12mm fibre cement boards are recommended for their strength and moisture resistance.

What happens if shower tray is not level?

The proper working of the shower enclosure is guaranteed only if the shower tray is installed perfectly level. Out-of-level trays may cause water leakage and an abnormal wear of the gaskets.

Can I use a thinset to level a shower pan?

Using thin set to fill low areas by applying it a little thicker (most times it is much thicker) as the tile is being installed, is not a good idea. In fact, most manufacturers indicate in their product literature NOT to use thin set mortar to level or flatten the floor or wall.

How do I level up my shower?

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How to level a shower base?

Dump enough dry pack Sand Mix into the shower base to form a level perimeter around the entire shower pan at your high point mark. Pack the perimeter layer with a rubber or wooden float by repeatedly tamping the material down. Use a hand level to maintain level around the perimeter.

What is the difference between a shower base and a shower pan?

The key difference between the shower pan and shower base is the location. The pan is the actual floor of the shower, while the shower base is beneath the pan and is part of the bath substructure. A shower base is usually made of waterproof cement mortar.

Do you need a moisture barrier under a shower pan?

Once you've selected the accurate shower pan sizes for installation, proper waterproofing is essential to prevent water leakage into the subfloor and walls. Skipping or incorrectly applying waterproofing materials can lead to severe damage over time, compromising the integrity of your accessible bathroom.

What do you put under a shower tray?

Create some mortar by combining five parts builder's sand and one part cement. Then spread a thin layer under the shower tray. Check that the tray is totally flat using a spirit level.

Do you have to put something under a shower pan?

The majority of shower pan manufacturers recommend installing a bed of mortar under your shower pan. Besides providing a satisfyingly hard floor for your shower, a mortar base will also protect your subfloor from water damage, mold and even rot.

Can you put a shower pan liner over plywood?

Applying a waterproofing membrane over the plywood floor is vital to ensure a completely watertight shower pan. Here's how to do it: 1. Measure and cut the membrane: Use a tape measure to determine the required dimensions of the waterproofing membrane.

Should you put flooring under a shower pan?

Expert Recommendations. In a bathroom renovation, it's best to install the shower before the flooring. This ensures proper support and prevents potential damage to the flooring during installation.

What is best to lay a shower tray on?

Using a mixture of building sand and cement (5 parts sand, 1 part cement), mix up some mortar and apply a relatively thin layer to the area beneath the tray. Gently press the tray onto the mortar before using a spirit level to check everything is as it should be.

What is the best shower floor to prevent mold?

Water resistance is a crucial factor for your shower floor tiles. Since these tiles face constant moisture exposure, choosing materials impervious to water, like porcelain or glass tiles, helps prevent mold and mildew growth.

What board to use under shower tray?

Tile Backer Boards are ideal for two main purposes; as an excellent waterproofing surface to fix either wall or floor tiles and as a excellent heat insulation for under floor heating systems.

Do I need mortar under a shower pan if the floor is level?

No. The shower base is designed to rest directly on the subfloor. Only if the floor is unlevel would mortar or leveling compound be needed. A general "sand mix" mortar type will be sufficient.

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