How to install the mud base of a ceramic tile shower stall

This will detail what needs to be done. How to Build a Shower Pan However, I need to ask why you want to do this since you have never done a pan before. This is not an easy DIYer project and there are many easier, quicker install currently used in the construction industry. It is a rare find to see a home builder doing a custom mud pan anymore.

Bob's correct. Panning and tiling a shower floor is not for the average home owner. How much experience do you have? You do realize that a flange type shower drain's,(see image) needed don't you? Regards, Tom

Glad to see you are attempting to do it yourself...

In my area of operation you have to be licensed to water proof shower pan. You have to follow certain processes to assure you won't have to do it again in few months.

As far a tile goes: wall prep work is very important. Home Depot has free "Learning Sessions" where they will teach you step-by-step how to install tile. Attend and learn...

I am curious when a home owner wants to do a custom pan. I have not done or been request to do a pan from scratch in nearly 20 years. Fiberglass and acrylic pans are great and you can also install a Ditra system that allow full ceramic tiling. There is absolutely no benefit to a mud pan from scratch, just can't see the attraction. Shower Systems - Schluter-Systems This is the Ditra kerdi schulter system I'd recommend if you must have ceramic tile. If tile isn't that important I'd say go with a Swanstone shower pan. Swanstone Products

Ballengerb1: All "nice" homes in my area have custom shower pans. Here, people consider plastic pans as cheap product.

The benefit of custom pans is their shape, size, freedom of design and limitless choice of finishes. We just finished 10' x 5' shower with 2 custom seats, and Mexican river pebble stone floor. It would not be possible to do it using any other but custom-built pan.

Just thought I might share with you...

Milo,
I think Bob was simply attempting to save the asker some hassle. Of course you're going to form a pan for a custom made shower but if you can bypass the hassle of panning a shower for a ready made pan what's the harm? Also you say,

Quote:

---

Here, people consider plastic pans as cheap product.

---

But when we pan for a custom shower we use Blue Comperseaal which is heavy plastic in itself. Or, in your area do the people believe that the more you have to pay the better it is? Regards, Tom