What would be the easiest way to to finish this shower off DIY?
Any tips to cover the waterproofing? Re level the base to feed more into the drain would be ideal also.
Hi @Jcroberts001,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is wonderful to have you with us.
The first thing you'd need to do is confirm that the waterproofing extends up the walls behind the current wall tiles. The National Construction Code Part 10.2 Wet area waterproofing states that "The walls of the shower area must be waterproof not less than 1800 mm above the floor substrate", in one continuous coat that ties into the waterproofing on the floor, so if this is not the case, you would need to remove the wall tiles and ensure that things are waterproofed in line with these standards. In many jurisdictions waterproofing is a licenced industry, so you may need to get in touch with a licenced waterproofer or tiler with a waterproofing licence for their assistance with this work.
In order to create a slope in your shower base, typically you'd use a bed of screed. You would then apply your tiles over the top to cover the screed bed. You'd then grout the tiles and silicone the wall to floor junctions.
Some handy articles include -
After tiling, you should install a shower screen atop the hob. There are quite a few options available, you would just have to match them up with the size of your hob. Unfortunately, if there is not a size to match, you may need to contact a glazier for their assistance installing something custom.
Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.
Jacob
Hi Jacob,
Understand the code etc for waterproofing however I wouldn’t have a clue. If it’s not waterproofed all the way up the wall, what are the consequences?
This is a shower that would be used once a month if that when we have guests. It’s our second shower in the laundry area.
Looking at the way the membrane on the floor has been applied, specifically the fact you can see a small lip where the membrane extends up the wall tiles, I can't imagine it was continued up the wall in a continuous membrane behind those tiles.
Unfortunately, if you were to bring it up to modern standards, this would mean removing the wall tiles, reapplying the membrane up the walls, then retiling.
If the wall is not waterproofed, then you are at a higher risk of water finding its way into the wall cavity and rotting out the framing, in which case you would have a much costlier repair.
It might not happen, but the risk will always be there if the waterproofing membrane does not extend up the wall. So, with this in mind, I'd encourage you to consider having a tiler, water proofer or bathroom renovator to come out and have a look.
Let me know if you have any further questions.
