High performance indicators have made shower cabins in demand not only for small bathrooms; today they are also installed in prestigious houses or apartments as an alternative to bathtubs. Shower trays are considered one of the main elements of the cabin; the correct installation of them affects the convenience and duration of use. The pallet installation algorithm depends on its design features and material of manufacture.
Before purchasing a specific pallet, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of the various options. What types of pallets are there?
Depending on the material of manufacture, linear dimensions and geometric shapes the cost of pallets varies quite widely. These characteristics also influence the installation methods of pallets. Professionals conditionally classify products into the following categories.
| Classification indicator | Brief characteristics and features |
|---|---|
| They can be made from ductile iron, sheet steel, ceramics and plastic. Metal ones are characterized by increased strength, the inner surface is covered with durable enamel. Cast iron is much more expensive than steel. Disadvantage: cast iron pan long time remains cold, which negatively affects the comfort of water procedures. Ceramic ones are not widely used; in terms of performance and price they occupy an average position. Plastic ones are currently the most commonly used. They meet all parameters modern requirements, have a large number of various modifications. The price is affordable for the vast majority of users. |
|
| Can be mounted in wall corners or frontally. Depending on the installation location, they differ in size and methods of water drainage. | |
| The hole can be located in the center or in one of the corners of the pallet. There is no particular difference from an installation point of view, but when choosing, you should take into account the layout of existing utility networks In bathroom. | |
| The height of the sides ranges from 6–10 cm for superflat, 10–18 cm for flat and 25–35 cm for deep trays. | |
| Square, rectangle or sector. Sectoral ones are installed only in the corner of the room, the rest universal purpose, can be mounted anywhere. |
shower tray
It is better to purchase pallets complete with shower stalls. If for some reason this option is not suitable for you, then separate installation of the pallet is also possible, and you will have to make the protective fences yourself. When choosing a specific model, it is recommended to pay attention to the following features.
- Noisy. The sound of water falling on steel pallets can cause discomfort to others. Especially if you shower early in the morning and interior partitions do not have high noise absorption rates.
The loudest ones are made from sheet steel, acrylic ones are characterized by less noise, all others do not emit unpleasant sounds. When choosing, take into account the number and daily routine of everyone living in the apartment, the features of the room, and the location of the bathroom in relation to other rooms.
- Strength. Cast iron pallets are the strongest, steel comes in second place, and ceramic and plastic have almost the same performance. If you have children, then it is better to choose durable models; if everyone living is an adult, then there are no restrictions on this parameter. The only note is that for plastic ones it is necessary to provide sufficiently strong stops along the maximum surface - this eliminates the possibility of deformation under heavy weight.
- When choosing an installation location, pay attention to the features of existing water drainage pipes and the architectural characteristics of the room.
- Price. The advice is one and universal - the cost should correspond to financial capabilities. But keep in mind that high price does not guarantee the same high quality. For example, the most expensive pallets are made from natural stone. But in terms of actual performance characteristics, they take last place. In this regard, we are not even considering this option.
- Design. Choose a tray that fits seamlessly into the existing bathroom interior. As for color, white is considered not only traditional, but also the most universal.
Video - Which tray to choose for your shower
Once a decision has been made on a specific type, installation can begin. Installation depends on the design features of the pallet; this should be taken into account when purchasing and soberly assess your capabilities and skills. Choose pallets that you can easily install. We will look at three examples of installation of pallets; the rest have no fundamental difference.
Step-by-step instructions for installing a pallet on foam concrete
Construction and installation work is among the simplest in terms of complexity, but increased care is required when connecting drains. For example, let's take a universal square plastic pallet.
Step 1. Decide on a specific installation location. We have already mentioned that you should pay attention to existing scheme engineering networks. The outlet of the drain pipeline must be located under the plane of the pan. Making the sewer visible is allowed only in extreme cases. And then in the future it is recommended to take a set of measures to hide the pipelines.
Step 2. Purchase materials and prepare tools. In addition to the pan itself, you will need a siphon, a corrugated drain hose, a tape measure, a level, silicone sealant, foam concrete, tile adhesive, a caulk gun, a saw, a trowel, a tray and a pencil or marker.
Step 3. Preparing for installation. The floor must be clean and level, the outlet of the pipe for draining water is under the plane of the pan. Place the pallet in the intended location and trace the outer contours with a pencil.
Step 4. If your pallet model does not have factory legs, then you need to place it on four stands cut out of foam concrete at all angles. The height of the stands is within 10 cm.
Step 5. Prepare the tile lei according to the instructions. Make sure that there are no dry lumps in the mixture.
Step 6. Apply glue to reverse side four stands, place them in place and place the tray on top.
Using a level, level its position, check all four directions, they must be strictly horizontal. To do this, tilt the blocks in the desired direction with gentle blows of a construction hammer or the handle of a trowel.
Step 7 Wait a bit for the glue to harden. These four corner blocks will be the height guides for the foundation for the pallet. From the same foam blocks, use a hacksaw to cut out pieces for arranging the entire structure. As a result, you should end up with a square that fits the entire perimeter of the pallet.
Practical recommendation. Do the masonry in the usual way, apply glue from the bottom and sides of the blocks. Constantly check the position of each element with a level and correct them if any deviations are detected. Further work can be continued only after 24 hours.
While the foundation is maturing, begin installing the shower and faucet. Place them at a comfortable height, making sure that in places threaded connections there were no leaks.
Step 8 Place the tray on the foam blocks and mark the location of the drain hole on the floor.
Take care of the drain. If necessary, pull the inlet of the sewer drain pipe to the drain hole. In our case, no special precision is needed; the final connection is made with a flexible corrugated hose.
Step 9 Assemble and reinstall the siphon. Very important work. Keep in mind that dismantling a plastic pallet on the foundation without damaging it is impossible. Such manipulations can be done with pallets on legs, but we will talk about their features below.
Make every effort to completely eliminate the risk of drain leakage. What should be done for this?
- Read the siphon assembly instructions and check the technical condition of all its elements. Special attention Pay attention to the condition of rubber gaskets and seals.
- Do not use excessive force during assembly. rubber seals install in the correct position. To facilitate the entry of plastic pipes into the seals, lubricate them with special lubricants, soap or ordinary water. Never try to connect dryly or with too much force. The fact is that the thin edges of rubber seals are very easily damaged, and as a result, a leak will definitely appear. It is impossible to notice it under the pallet in time, to eliminate problems that have arisen due to prolonged exposure to water building construction It will require not only a lot of time and effort, but also financial resources.
Step 10 Spread the upper perimeter of the block stand with glue; the solution is about a centimeter thick.
Place the tray in place, screw on the siphon, connect flexible hose with a drain pipe inlet.
Step 11 Using a level, level the tray horizontally.
Take your time, lower the edges very carefully. If you make a mistake and one edge of the pan is tilted too much, then to eliminate the problem you will have to disconnect the siphon, remove the pan and start all installation operations over again.
Step 12 Seal the joints where the pallet meets the walls. Be sure to degrease the surfaces and clean them of dirt and dust. There is a wide variety of sealants, but we recommend that you use special plumbing silicone ones. They have a slight elasticity, which compensates for the vibration of the edges of the tray while taking a shower. In addition, it contains antiseptics that prevent the proliferation of microflora and pathogenic bacteria.
Notice how unsightly shower stalls look with black mold stripes around the perimeter of the tray. This is a consequence of violating the rules for installing pallets. Flaw silicone sealants– after a few months it is necessary to inspect the tightness of the seam. The fact is that the material begins to peel off in some places.
The application of sealant is done using a special gun. Cut the tip of the tube at a 45° angle and gently push the material into the slot. Do not leave gaps; irregularities can be removed with your finger or any available object of appropriate width and length can be adjusted. To prevent silicone from sticking to it, wet the item in soapy water.
Step 13 Start tiling visible surfaces block foundation tray with ceramic tiles. If the tile had to be cut, then it is better to place the cut at the bottom, and to improve the design characteristics, use special plastic or aluminum corners. They are sold in the store along with tiles.
At this point, the work of installing the pallet on the foundation is completed; final installation can be done only after the glue has completely hardened. This will take at least two days.
Installing a shower tray with legs
This pallet is installed much faster; it often comes with a special plastic screen, which allows installation without masonry work. If the screen is not included in the package, then final stage The perimeter of the pallet must be trimmed with blocks or bricks of appropriate parameters and covered with ceramic tiles. Before starting work, check that all pallet installation elements are present and carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 1. Lean the tray against a wall or place it on your workbench. Find the places where the legs are fixed; they have factory markings or are thicker due to molded fastening inserts.
Step 2. Screw the legs. Pre-adjust their height using a tape measure. Exact height adjustment must be done on the floor.
Important. Please note that each leg has a lock nut to secure the element in the selected position. Make sure that all the locknuts are in place, otherwise you will have to remove the legs again to install the nuts.
Step 3. Place the pan in the desired location and decide on the method of connecting the water drainage. Depending on the location of the inlet pipe of the sewer pipe, additional connections will have to be made to connect the siphon. The siphon should be sold together with the tray; if not, buy it separately. At the same time, make sure that the dimensions of the equipment allow it to be installed under a pallet. If you don’t have enough personal experience, consult a store sales consultant.
Step 4. Assemble the siphon, pay great attention to the quality of all connections, do not allow leaks. Remember that eliminating them will always take much longer than a high-quality assembly. Not to mention the financial side of the issue and possible negative consequences.
Step 5. Place the tray back in place and use a level to set it to a horizontal position. Control all sides and do not allow them to slope in any direction. After adjustment, be sure to tighten the locknuts.
Step 6. If included metal profiles to rest the side surfaces against the wall, install them. Mark a specific location and use a level to check the horizontal position. The metal profiles are fixed to the wall with dowels; drill holes for them in the right places.
Important. If the walls are already finished with ceramic tiles, then all measures should be taken to prevent them from cracking during drilling.
How to avoid unpleasant situations?
- Never drill a hole where tiles meet. When installing metal profiles, it is always possible to move them slightly to one side or another and thus choose a safe place for drilling holes. However, such manipulations will in no way affect the fixation strength of the pallet.
- Always work only with serviceable tools and sharp drills. Do not apply much force while drilling.
- It is strictly forbidden to use a drill in hammer drill mode; ceramic tiles do not tolerate shock loads. The hammer is turned on only after the thickness of the tile has been passed.
Step 7 Connect the drain.
Never assemble rubber seals with great force; lubricate them with mastics or at least moisten them with ordinary water. It is very easy to damage the seals, but they cannot be repaired; they need to be completely replaced. A problem may arise when searching for an identical replacement. Such troubles especially often arise during the search for spare parts for imported pallets. It is not recommended to use silicone as a sealant when assembling the water drain; it will definitely peel off after a certain amount of time and leak.
Installing the pallet on factory plastic stands
Some manufacturers complete pallets with stand blanks made of durable extruded polystyrene foam. Such structures are very low in height and require a different installation algorithm.
Step 1. Unpack the pallet and remove the stand blanks.
Step 2. Try on their length around the perimeter of the pallet, measure the required parameters. To make breaking off easier, polystyrene foam boards have vertical slots; it is enough to bend the material a little in this place and the extra piece will break off.
Step 3. Tip over the collected plastic stand, place it on a pallet and mark the locations of the stiffeners. Here you need to cut recesses according to the height and width of the ribs. At the same time, make a hole for the drain pipe.
Screwing in the legs
Step 5. Assemble and attach the siphon to the drain. It should be located exactly in the center of the pallet. Try to make adjustments in such a way that the gap between the floor and the stand is minimal. If the floor is tilted towards the wall, you will have to remove the stand several times, unscrew/twist the legs and re-check the horizontal position.
The master traces the frame with a marker
Step 7 Clean the surfaces from dust, degrease, and moisten with water.
Apply a little foam in the center of the drawn outline. Also apply foam to the top surface of the stand.
Step 8 Carefully replace the stand and the tray on it, and check the location of the siphon again. It should be located exactly under drain hole, otherwise problems will arise when fixing it to the pallet. Screw onto the drain mesh. At the same time, she presses the siphon against the pan.
Installing a pallet on a frame
Step 9 Press the tray with great force and leave it in this position until the foam hardens. In order to eliminate the possibility of the tray being lifted by foam, it is recommended to press it inside with heavy objects.
Step 10 Once the foam has firmly adhered the tray to the floor, begin finishing the perimeter of the base with ceramic tiles. On the second day, you can begin sealing the joints. The algorithm for sealing work is no different from the options described above.
Practical advice. Before installing the pallet, estimate its approximate height. Available in stores today big choice tiles of different sizes, there is a chance that you will be able to find the right one. For a precise fit, use the feet. Due to such manipulations, it will be possible to avoid cutting the tiles, and this not only speeds up the process of laying it, but also greatly improves appearance bathroom.
If you do not plan to buy an assembled shower cabin, then draw a diagram of the mounting locations of the brackets on which the protective cover will be hung. polyethylene film. This is very economical solution, but this option for arranging a shower room has more disadvantages than advantages.
Video - Rules for installing a pallet
Shower stalls with a tray are a modern, compact and multifunctional plumbing structure. However, when installed in wooden house, including plank floors, objective problems arise.
They are mainly due to the fact that the surfaces of the walls and floors of the room must be reliably protected from moisture.
Problems with installing plumbing in a wooden house
The hygroscopicity of wood is both its main advantage and disadvantage in construction. The advantage is that wood, due to its structure, breathes and thereby normalizes the microclimate in the room.
Disadvantages are discussed below.
- The material strongly absorbs water; under its destructive influence, the service life of surfaces can be reduced by several years.
- Wet areas are an ideal environment for the development of harmful microorganisms.
- Wood is subject to temperature and humidity deformations. In other words, it shrinks, shrinks and swells.
Based on all this, the instructions assume that when installing a shower room in a wooden building, a number of protective measures must be taken.
- An effective exhaust ventilation, which will prevent the proliferation of fungus, mold and other microorganisms.
- The wood must be treated with an antiseptic composition.
- Before installing the shower tray on wooden floor, all surfaces of the room must be protected with waterproofing.
- To mitigate the effects of shrinkage, the shower room should be equipped taking into account the constant changes in the linear dimensions of the wood.
Note! An excellent option would be to install a sliding frame. It will not allow the height of the bathroom to change. In essence, the structure consists of metal profiles.
They are fixed on the walls so that the holes are extended vertically by an amount greater than future shrinkage.
Preparing the premises
Previously, it was very difficult to arrange a wet room in a wooden house. Now everything is much easier thanks to modern materials and technologies.
You can install a shower tray:
- on a homemade or factory-made metal frame with legs;
- on a support made of brick or plastic;
- directly onto a flat floor with a drain hole.
In case of wooden floors options with bricks and direct installation of a pallet are no longer available for obvious reasons.
First of all, you should qualitatively prepare the room that you plan to use as a shower room. The floors need to be leveled, then all surfaces of the room need to be waterproofed.
Shower waterproofing
Any rolled materials can be used as the main waterproofing layer - from traditional roofing felt to modern waterproofing materials, hydroglass insulating materials, special polymer films, etc.
- Waterproofing should be installed on dry and level surfaces. They must be coated with bitumen-based primer in advance.
- For waterproofing wooden buildings Experts advise using fiberglass or polyester reinforced bitumen with polymer additives. This material can be self-adhesive and weldable (a gas burner is required for operation).
- Waterproofing sheets cover both the floor and walls of the room.
Note! It is necessary to start work from the floors. The material should be placed on the walls to a height of 20 cm.
- Areas at the junction of surfaces are best reinforced additionally. This can be done using a fiberglass mesh with small cells. The price of the coating will increase slightly, but you will increase the strength of the insulation in especially critical areas.
Preparation and finishing of surfaces
To level floors, concrete or cement-sand screed. However, in the case of wooden base This option is difficult to implement and expensive.
If the plank floors are uneven, then it is best to cover them with two layers of DSP ( cement bonded particle board), wall slate (flat) or moisture-resistant plywood.
After this, you can begin waterproofing the ceiling and walls. Roll material in two layers they are either fused or fixed using a construction stapler.
As a cladding, the ceiling and walls of the shower room can be sheathed with gypsum boards ( plasterboard sheets moisture-resistant), and then painted with moisture-resistant paint. A good option– use panels made of polyvinyl chloride. A tension system is also suitable for the ceiling.
Pallet installation
Now about how the installation occurs shower tray on a wooden floor.
It is best if the device is equipped with height-adjustable legs, brackets for easy fixation and a support frame.
To adjust the legs you need wrench and bubble level. With their help, the pallet is installed in the correct horizontal plane relative to the floor.
Fixtures made from steel, fiberglass and acrylic have one drawback: there is often no support under their middle part. It can be corrected by installing the bowl on a stable podium or support made of any durable and waterproof material.
After this, you can install the shower tray with your own hands on the wooden floor.
Of the entire process of installing a shower stall, installing a shower tray is perhaps the most time-consuming process. Of course, the current level of technology makes it possible to completely abandon installation work- installation of a shower box (i.e. a “box” type stall) provides the opportunity to purchase an already assembled cabin, which only needs to be connected to the water supply, electrical network and water drainage to the sewer. However, this option is not always acceptable or optimal. Installation of a shower tray may be required where you would like the stall to fit into the interior, for example, in the bathroom, or where non-standard materials should be used and the stall integrated. Ultimately, a shower stall is one of many possible combinations of a tray and shower screens, and everything else is just an extension of them. In this article detailed instructions on how to properly install a shower tray.
What types of pallets are there?
According to their design, all pallets can be divided by thickness into:
- super flat (6-10 cm);
- flat (10-18 cm);
- deep (25-35 cm).
Regarding the shape of pallets, we can say that they can be very different, for example:
- round;
- polygonal;
- free form.
Most of the pallets are produced universal - round and quarter circle (when installation is needed shower corner). The materials from which pallets are made are limited:
- acrylic;
- cast iron;
- ceramics.
IMPORTANT! In each case, the shower trays are covered with an anti-slip coating
But in terms of color, the trays, as a rule, correspond to the shower panel with which they go together and can be of any color. Installing a shower tray (video in in this case An overview is given) begins with the supply of sewerage pipes and securing their outlet.
Installation of a shower tray: VIDEO
Installing a shower tray
Installing a shower tray, as can be seen from the video above, is not difficult in itself. Some difficulties may be caused by the joining of plumbing parts, floors and walls: uneven floors, old plumbing, etc. This may be partially caused by the characteristics of the material from which the pallet is made, but in most cases this is due to the readiness of the site for it. Taking into account the possibility of different depths of pallets, the need to create a natural water flow, frequent unevenness of the floor and walls, it becomes clear what problems can await those who want to install a shower tray with their own hands.
If the installation height of the pallet is limited by the height of the room, then additional excavation of the floor may be required for installation of the drain.
From the point of view of the quality of pallets, we can talk for a long time about the fact that acrylic pallets are much more comfortable than ceramic or cast iron: the latter can be unpleasantly cold in the morning; however, the hygiene and durability of all pallets three types is equally certain. Therefore, the installation of a shower box with any of the specified types of pallets, from a technical point of view, is absolutely identical, although the cost of acrylic pallets is higher.
New materials and systems without pallets
The market, like technology, however, does not stand still and not so long ago the consumer was offered new material- quaril - mixture quartz sand and liquid acrylic.
IMPORTANT! With a slightly lower thermal conductivity, this material is many times stronger than acrylic and is practically impossible to scratch; but that is precisely why it is more difficult to restore it.
Also, unlike acrylic, which is rolled from sheets, quarryl is nothing more than casting. This property of quaril is widely used for decorative purposes not only in the shower room, but also where a hygienic shower is usually installed hidden installation or something like that.
For special aesthetes and, as a rule, pallets can be made from marble or sandstone to order. In addition to aesthetic satisfaction, a person who prefers stalls with such trays or concealed shower systems enjoys their ability to retain heat and absorb sound.
A distinctive feature of all pallets of this type without exception is the presence adjustable legs, which greatly simplifies their use: installation hygienic shower or shower stand does not require additional leveling work.
Shower drain and channel: everything could be even simpler
An alternative to a pallet is to install shower drain. In this embodiment, the presence of a tray becomes superfluous, since the drainage and drainage of water occurs in principle new technology. Moreover, modern options combinations of a shower channel or drain can be the most successful decisions in specific conditions - ladders can be of any shape.
Thus, the presence of an ordinary shower head and drain can literally create a place out of the blue to take a shower, both in the existing bathroom and in places where the shower system was installed for the first time.
Separate metal or steel drain designs that are complements to an overhead shower, such as I-DRAIN, can be an indispensable solution in places where installation of trays is not possible - they take up only 54 mm of floor depth.
Since these are ready-made units, their installation instructions are quite simple and not very expensive, that is, their installation even looks much simpler than installing pallets.
$ Cost of work and price of pallets
Here it would be appropriate to remember how much pallets cost and mentally add the cost of installing them, and then return to alternatives with channels and drains. So, prices for shower trays of popular brands (RAVAK, CERSANIT, KOLO, APPOLLO, TIMO) for comparison:
- in Kyiv are from 1000 hryvnia,
- in Moscow - from 9,000 rubles.
Conclusion
Far from it obvious advantage pallets is the possibility of their replacement, a more comfortable appearance and higher hygiene. And although there are a number of models of pallets with a corrugated surface, it is still more profitable to clean and care for the area of the pallet than, for example, the entire floor surface near a hygienic shower.
On top of that, pallets are created with special surfaces, preventing slips, falls and, as a result, possible injuries.
Installing a shower tray is the first step to installing a shower stall. Read how to install a semicircular acrylic tray. It's easier than you think!
Installing a shower tray yourself is not difficult if you skillfully choose a model that matches the location where the installation will be carried out. When purchasing a pallet, you should choose the one that is easiest to install. First of all, we are talking about the height of the pan and the location of the hole for water drainage. Look at where the entrance to the sewer in the bathroom is located, and at what height. You will be able to connect a low pan if the entrance to the sewer is very low, directly above the floor or even in the floor. If the entrance is slightly higher, choose a higher one, because only then will it be possible to ensure that the pipe from the siphon drops into the sewer.
The second issue is the location of the drain on the bathroom floor. Contrary to popular belief, a short distance between the drain pan and the entrance to the sewer does not make the connection easier, because it is difficult to fit the siphon and bend the pipe. It is better if the drain is a little further away so that there is room to connect to the sewer.
The third question is the choice of the siphon itself, which, as a rule, needs to be purchased separately. Choose the lowest possible siphon, especially if you plan to install a low sump.
Preparing the space in the bathroom
Before installing the pallet, the walls and floor must be tiled. Be sure to ensure that waterproofing is done under the tiles. This will prevent flooding of neighbors or adjacent premises. A sewer entrance with a diameter of 50 mm must be located.
Assembly and installation
1. Attach the legs to the bottom of the pallet as shown in the photo. Measure the height of the panel in advance and set the required length of the legs so that the panel fits under the pallet. Do not remove the protective layer from the pallet to avoid scratching it.
2. After installing the legs, check the horizontal plane building level. Apply the bubble level from different sides - along the sides of the pallet, and diagonally.
3. Screw on the brackets for the side panel.
4. Place the tray in the corner of the bathroom and check its level again. If necessary, adjust the height of the legs again. Try the side panel to see if it fits, do a test installation of the panel, and then remove it.
5. Use a pencil to mark the location of the drain on the floor. This is where you will install the siphon.
6. Bottom of siphon, connect flexible pipe to the sewer drain. Typically, the drain in a sewer pipe has a diameter of 50 mm, and the pipe has the same diameter. Remember to maintain an inclination towards the drain.
7. If the tube is too long, cut the end with a metal saw. After cutting, smooth the edges with a knife or sandpaper. To make connection easier, the ends sewer pipes Lubricate the gaskets with dishwashing liquid.
8. Carefully place the gasket on the bottom of the siphon.
9. Install the tray in the desired location, as shown in the photo. You can apply silicone or assembly adhesive and thus glue the pallet to the wall. Some models may have mounting brackets, these should be screwed to the wall with dowels.
10. Insert the upper part of the siphon into the drain hole and connect it to the lower part previously connected to the sewer. Remember about in the right order installation of gaskets (this depends on the type of siphon). Be careful not to damage the gaskets. Insert the remaining part of the siphon and the top cover. Now you can withdraw protective film from the pallet.
11. Fill the siphon with water and check whether the water is well absorbed into the drain. If the floor remains dry, installation can continue.
12. Glue the legs to the floor to prevent the tray from moving during use. Apply silicone from a pistol around the legs and rub with your finger.
13. Press the side panel latches.
14. Wipe dry and securely tape the edges adjacent to the walls and the edges of the side panel adjacent to the walls and floor.
15. Fill the gap with silicone. Squeeze silicone from the gun along the entire length of the crack, and then smooth the seam with a rubber spatula or your finger.
16. Immediately tear off the masking tape while the silicone is wet.
17. Do not use the shower tray for 24 hours until the silicone has dried. After which you can install the cabin.
How to choose a pallet
It does not take up much space, which will allow you to create a functional interior even from the smallest room. In the shower stall one of important elements is pallet. Below we will advise what to look for when choosing.
Form
Available shapes: square, rectangular or semicircular (quadrant based). For a small bathroom, corner - semicircular or square models are better suited. For a spacious bathroom room will suit a rectangular tray in which we gain freedom of movement. It is better that the appearance of the chosen model refers to the character of the other elements in the bathroom, this will create a unified whole with them.
Size
Common sizes of square and quarter shower trays are 80x80 cm, 90x90 cm, 100x100 cm. It is worth noting that in the case of identical quarter shower trays, their radius is significant. Most often they have a radius of 45 cm, 50 cm and 55 cm. When choosing a rectangular one, models with a size of 100x80 or 120x80 are available.
The selection of size depends on the space we can allocate in the bathroom.
Depth
Another aspect in this regard is the choice between a shallow tray (low) and a deep one. Low, look more modern and elegant. Moreover, their use visually increases the space of the bathroom. They are suitable for use by older people who have difficulty overcoming high thresholds.
When deciding to choose a deep model, we acquire, in particular, the ability to swim small child or soaking the laundry.
With or without seat
On the one hand, its presence takes up space, which can be unpleasant when using the shower every day, on the other hand, on the seat, you can sit or put soap and shampoo on it.
Siphon
The last element is the choice of siphon. Depending on the diameter of the drain, we have a choice of a large siphon - diameter 90 mm or a small one - diameter 50 mm.
What material to choose a pallet from
The choice is not limited to the well-known cheap acrylic. There are many materials available in the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Acrylic - popular and affordable
Pros: Lightweight, smooth, warm to the touch and durable. Their installation is not difficult. Can be easily hidden on acrylic small scratches or chips using ready-made care kits (paste and sandpaper) or repair (liquid acrylic and hardener). Acrylic pallets also have decorative qualities and are available in a variety of shapes and colors.
Cons: Poor quality acrylic can quickly become dull and yellow. To ensure that it retains its original appearance for a long time, it should not be cleaned with detergents containing abrasive substances - use only polishing agents to care for them.
Enamelled steel - durable but prone to nicks
Pros: Quite durable, scratch-resistant and relatively inexpensive. Easy to keep clean - the enamel surface can be safely washed with any type of chemical.
Cons: Enameled steel is prone to chipping. Tin trays are cool in contact with your feet and quite loud when a stream of water hits their surface. Fortunately, you can install a special rubber mat that will smooth out both problems.
Ceramic - durable, heavy, expensive
Pros: More stable and durable than acrylic trays. No frame is needed for their installation - they are attached directly to the base. They are resistant to damage, have a stylish, elegant appearance, and are easy to keep clean.
Cons: much heavier (a 90x90 cm pallet weighs 33-46 kg) than acrylic or steel, several times more expensive than acrylic counterparts.
Made from conglomerate (artificial stone) - style has its price
Pros: They are made from 80% marble, 20% plastics, resins and dyes. At first glance, this type of connection is indistinguishable from natural marble. The pallet is durable, resistant to chipping, scratching, temperature changes and impact chemical substances. They are warm and smooth, bacteria and fungi do not develop on the surface.
Cons: price - shower trays made from conglomerate are much more expensive than acrylic, steel or ceramic.
Made of stone - luxurious granite and marble
Pros: luxurious, stone shower trays, elegant and pleasant to the touch, resistant to mechanical stress and stains. Suppresses water impacts and stores heat.
Cons: high price. In addition, when cleaning stone (especially marble) shower trays, you need to pay attention to the alkali content of the cleaning product, as it can cause discoloration. This type of shower tray is slippery, so a rubber mat is needed to minimize the risk of falling. Absorbent stones require frequent polishing and constant impregnation.
How to make a shower tray with your own hands
If none of the listed types of material suits you, you can make a shower tray with your own hands from ceramic tiles. There are even ready-made kits on the market that contain the necessary elements.
Now you know the sequence in which you install a shower tray yourself, as well as what shapes and materials they are made from.
The main stage of work when installing a cabin in a bathroom is installing a shower tray. You can do this yourself if you comply with the technological requirements.
The easiest way to install acrylic, ceramic or steel products is that you don’t need unique knowledge or complex tools. But with certain skills in construction and renovation, it is possible to equip a bathroom with a concrete tray decorated with ceramic tiles. The installation of a shower tray made of marble or cast iron must be carried out by specialists due to the large weight of the products.
Choosing the right model
Shower trays come in various shapes - square, rectangular, with rounded edges. The choice here depends on the wishes of the owner. It is much more important to take into account the depth of the structure when installing:
In some cases, a waterproofed floor with drains for draining water acts as the bottom of the shower stall.
Pallets are also built-in and removable. This point must be taken into account during installation.
The thickness of the walls of the selected plumbing element is no less important.
Pallets with thin walls are made of acrylic and plastic. The advantages of such models include ease of transportation and installation, as well as a budget price. But thin-walled models have a number of disadvantages:
- mechanical deformations from the feet of people washing;
- surface cracking due to temperature changes;
- need for a solid foundation.
The coating of steel pallets may peel off, and cracks may appear in damaged areas. rust spots. Acrylic analogues are easy to scratch if, for example, you decide to wash your beloved dog.
Ceramic trays or those made from brick and concrete are more durable. The most durable are cast iron models.
How to choose a shower tray, video:
Which base for a pallet is better?
Installation of a shower tray can be done in various ways:
- on a brick foundation;
- on plastic support parts;
- on a metal frame.
Choose a base depending on the configuration of the model and its technological characteristics. The need for a foundation is due to the fact that the drain hole must be located above the level of the sewer line so that the water drains well. Experts believe that the angle of inclination from the bottom to the entrance to the sewer line should be at least 3 degrees. If it is impossible to make a pedestal or lower the sewer inlet, you will need a special pump to pump out the water.
Most deep models are equipped with a special metal profile frame. But if the tray is thin-walled, the feet of bathers will quickly push the bottom between the guides, especially if the owners of the bathtub are not of fragile constitution. In these places, acrylic options may even develop through cracks. Therefore, deep, thin-walled pallets also require a stable foundation.
Installation of a ceramic shower tray is possible without a foundation, directly on a flat floor without an installation gap.
Here you need to monitor the quality of installation sewer lines so that the drain hole is higher than the outlet, and the water quickly leaves the container. The element itself is attached to the floor using glue or cement tile mixture.
Cast iron elements are usually simply placed on the floor. Their height is sufficient for reliable drainage into the sewer. The same applies to stone products. But there may be a problem with the siphon. It will have to be installed directly on the floor surface or connected to a flexible unit and hidden in a specially equipped niche in the wall.
Let's look at how to install different types of foundations when installing shower trays.
Metal or plastic frame
If you choose this type of base, it won’t take much time for installation. The main actions here will be:
- Leveling the legs using a building level.
- The installation of the shower tray itself.
- Connecting to the sewer and fixing the drain hole.
An extruded polystyrene board can be placed under the bottom to insulate the area. In the same way they use polyurethane foam. This is especially important when installing steel pallets. It will also help reduce the sound of falling water.
Once the installation of the shower tray is complete, you need to check its stability. If the pallet wobbles or creaks, additional supports from steel angles or brick columns will be required.
To secure the thin bottom and give the structure stability, you can make removable formwork and pour concrete. The installation of the shower tray will be carried out on the resulting pedestal. This method has disadvantages: it is impossible to check and eliminate the leak. Replacing a sewerage unit and installing a siphon is also quite difficult. Alternatively, you will have to use flexible connections and hide the siphon in a niche in the wall.
This perfect solution for most pallets, which eliminates any deformation and extends the life of the plumbing fixtures. The main thing is to choose the place where the siphon will be installed.
In this case, the bricks are laid not only around the perimeter of the product. Otherwise, the bottom will bend over time. In structures with legs, to eliminate this drawback, additional support is provided in the center. Since there is a convexity, the model is similar to a flat one brick foundation you won't install it. It is necessary to provide a recess for this tubercle.
The correct technique for creating a brick foundation is as follows:
Installation of the shower tray is carried out after 3 days, when the masonry is completely standing.
If the pallet is semicircular, at the bend the bricks are laid out in a fan with the butted edges facing outwards.
A welded frame made of metal corners 20 by 20 mm can act as a support in the center of the bottom. It is installed between rows of bricks and secured to the floor with dowel nails. Acrylic should be protected from friction on metal surfaces with a layer of insulating rubber glued to the metal.
Deep tray on high foundation will require the creation of a ladder to the entrance to the shower stall. Steps can be made of concrete or bricks and covered with tiles. The walls behind the pallet are finished with tiles or other waterproof material. The tile adhesive must also have excellent moisture resistance.
DIY installation of different types of pallets
Each shower cabin comes with instructions for assembling it. Additional tools and materials are also indicated there. But if you decide to choose your technology, then you should take care of selecting suitable tools and consumables. In most cases you will need:
- building level;
- screwdriver;
- marker;
- drill and hammer drill;
- pliers;
- adjustable wrench;
- sealant.
If you need to do brickwork, you will additionally need a mortar mixture and a trowel.
Preparatory work
Regardless of the type of tray, it is necessary to prepare the bathroom for its installation. To do this you should:
- waterproof the floor and walls;
- check the possibility of connecting to the water supply system and sewer lines (pipes should have convenient outlet openings for easy connection of hoses);
- Close all pipe openings with plugs during installation work.
An important point is the electrical wiring. It must be hidden and moisture-resistant, with a minimum number of twists. For the connection, you should choose a three-core copper wire with a cross-section of 2.5 mm and double insulation. It is laid directly from electrical panel with installation of a residual current device.
Installing an acrylic shower tray (step by step instructions)
Most modern shower cabins are equipped with acrylic trays. They are easy to assemble:
Now you can attach the decorative part of the pallet or do this during the installation of the entire cabin. To check the correct installation, you should carefully stand in the pallet and feel how stable and reliable it is.
After completing the work, check all fastening areas, as well as the water supply and drainage. If there is a leak somewhere, tighten the connections a little more. If necessary, additional insulation work is carried out.
Installing a steel shower tray (step by step instructions)
Such structures are made by stamping. They do not involve making the legs integral with the body. The installation of a steel shower tray is carried out on a special stand: a profile laid around the perimeter of the bottom, to which threaded bushings are welded. The legs are screwed into them.
For correct installation necessary:
You can strengthen a steel pallet using supporting pillars, for example, made of brick. They must match the height of the structure. Otherwise, the supporting elements may push through the bottom.
To make a steel pallet look aesthetically pleasing, you can cover the stand with bricks and tiles. It is placed with a slight slope towards the tray so that water does not accumulate.
Installation of a steel shower tray, video:
Installing a ceramic or cast stone shower tray (step by step instructions)
Such products are heavy and massive, so they are installed on the floor without any stands or legs. They sometimes have niches for a siphon, but more often the structures are monolithic, with only one drain hole. In this case, you will either have to use a flexible drain system or install the tray on a pedestal. The last option requires the following:
- We waterproof the floor and cement screed on top of it.
- We create brickwork around the perimeter of the product so that the height allows for the placement of a drainage system.
- We connect the pan with the siphon, and the outlet pipe with its outlet pipe.
- We install the shower tray together with the drainage system on a layer of cement so that the siphon and drain pipe are placed in the niches intended for them.
The front parts of the pedestal are covered with ceramic tiles or mosaic modules. Joints of products of any type are treated with sealant. If the appearance does not suit the owner of the shower stall, you can strengthen the joints with plastic decorative corners, which are fixed with glue or sealant.
How to veneer the side of a shower tray, video:
Creating a pallet according to individual dimensions (step-by-step instructions)
It’s possible to create a shower tray with your own hands, without purchasing ready product. The advantages of this option are: individual design. You can choose any shape, size and color of the cladding.
How to install a shower tray:
After final hardening, the surface is coated tiles, mosaic modules or other waterproof decorative materials.
How to create a pallet with your own hands, video:
What should I do if the shower tray was damaged during installation?
Most often, small chips and scratches occur on the surface acrylic products. Don't worry, such damage is easy to fix. With the help of a special restoration composition, it is possible to eliminate even through breakdowns.
- To do this, you need to purchase a suitable composition at a hardware store and follow the instructions:
- Remove all installed parts from the pallet.
- Find out the extent of the damage - whether it is a scratch or a through hole.
- Drill holes at both ends of the crack slightly wider than the damage. They will not allow the crack to grow.
- In the event of a through breakdown, a strip of fiberglass is glued to the bottom. Used as glue epoxy resin.
- Cut off the edges of the crack sharp knife so that the composition penetrates better (cut off the chamfers), and fill it.
- After the solution has dried, smooth the restored area with soft sandpaper to remove sagging.
Stone castings are restored in the same way.
Ceramic trays are difficult to restore. Even the strongest glue will not last long, and the structure, unfortunately, will collapse quite quickly.
In products made of steel and cast iron, the enamel most often suffers. If there are no through breakdowns, then eliminating the damage is easy. To do this, use liquid acrylic with a hardener. Or epoxy resin is applied, and liquid enamel is applied on top.
It is quite possible to install a standard shower tray with your own hands. However, if you want to create a shower unusual shape, or have purchased an extremely expensive or complex model, it is better to seek help from professionals.