I recently moved into a house and discovered that the master bathroom has a tiled stand-up shower with a really stained and unpleasant drain pan. My wife won't use it, opting for the kids' bathroom instead - which isn't ideal for our situation. Some tiles are cracked, and I worry there might be water damage behind them. I'm considering replacing the tiles and the drain pan, but I'm not sure if this is a manageable DIY project. I have some handy skills; I can measure, cut, and follow instructions, but I've never taken on a project of this magnitude before. What do you think?
9 Answers
Definitely, you can do it! Since you already have a shower in place, the plumbing work will be minimal. Most of your focus will be on tiling, which is mainly cosmetic. Just check out some YouTube tutorials, take your time, and dive right in! You'll be surprised at what you can achieve.
Using a preformed shower pan is a game changer! It saves you from a lot of potential headaches, especially if you plan to tile the walls. There are great-looking options available out there. Even if you decide to go with tiles for the walls, a pre-formed base is a smart choice. Think about your skills and what challenges you're willing to take on.
Exactly! Why make it harder on yourself? It’s easier to stick with simpler solutions.
I recommend checking out Handyman Startup's videos on YouTube for guidance. They really helped me when I re-did my shower. A tip: when you start tiling, mix thinset in small batches, especially the first one. If it starts drying out, don’t hesitate to toss it and mix a new batch. It’s a very fulfilling project once you get into it!
I hadn't done any major projects, and I managed just fine. Plumbing is pretty straightforward if you’ve done any basic soldering before. However, just be prepared—understanding that you'll possibly need to touch up flooring, drywall, or plumbing is part of the process. It's not too hard if you take it step-by-step. And definitely invest in good waterproofing materials!
Everyone has to start somewhere! I built my first shower too, and it was easier than I thought. They sell pre-sloped pans now, so you don’t have to deal with complicated layouts. Plus, it’s not too hard to add features later on, like benches or shelves. And you might want to let your wife have a say in the design; maybe she can help with the tiling for it, too! Good luck with your project!
Everyone has to do a shower for the first time! Watching tutorials online will really help you out.
Just go for it! I did a bathroom remodel, and as long as you follow good practices, like using Schluter systems for waterproofing, you’ll be fine. Buy a decent tile cutter, and take your time with the tiling. You don’t have to finish it all in one go. It’s better to do it right than to rush.
I've tackled a couple of showers myself, and honestly, it’s all about watching tutorials and being precise with your prep work. Don’t skimp on waterproofing materials, and focus on the layout. The actual tiling is straightforward. I learned the hard way; my first shower pan was a custom job, and it was a real pain to get right. Stick to pre-made pans; they save a whole lot of trouble in the long run!
Realistically, many pros struggle with shower waterproofing, so it’s good to learn the basics first, starting with less complex tile work. Watch different shower install videos and practice first before tackling a big project. Tiling is easy in comparison to prepping and making sure everything is sealed up properly.
Totally agree! If the bathroom is upstairs, consider the possible damage if leaks occur. It's worth taking that extra precaution.