Hello All,

I'm redoing my basement shower. I'm planning on tiling the base and the two corner walls. My main concerns are with the base.

1. The floor is slightly uneven where I'll be framing the base. Can I just use a self leveling compound in this area?

2. Do I use 2 x 10 sections in between the studs to attach the membrane to?

3. The plumbing coming out of the floor is cast. What kind of drain do I use?

4. What exactly is the process for making the shower base? I have a general idea, but want to make sure to do it in the right order.

Any info is greatly appreciated!

Toban

Before you get too far into this would you consider a fabricated shower pan? Most are $150 on up but you can get a few for less. There is a bit of skill in forming your own shower pan from scratch and it sounds like maybe this is your first shot at it. 2x10 would be one heck of a tall curb. Could you tell us more about your existing drain and has it been working fine in the past? Back to you.

I'm wanting to get away from the prefab base. That's what was originally in there. I'm confident in my skill level to tackle this project as there isn't any rush :) I wasn't referring to the 2 x 10 as a curb. There would be sections put in between the studs so I can climb the membrane up the walls 8" or so. The curb will be three 2 x4's stacked, as I believe this is typical.

Concerning the drain I'm just not sure what the best route to take is. Do I need to switch it to pvc? Can I use a coupler to go from cast to pvc?

While I can't tell you how to tile your shower I can help with the pan and mortar bed. Click on; Mortar Bed Shower Floor for Tile Showers
For pictures.
I would convert to PVC from cast iron using a No-Hub Coupling, (see image)
And a PVC flange type shower drain, (see image). Good luck, Tom

Thanks speedball.

You nailed the necessary parts for the sewer