Installation guides
Stone basins
Instructions for installing a standard recessed shower base
In current shower construction, recessed shower bases are preferred over traditional raised ones. The rise of “walk-in” showers, whose bases were expensive, led to the development of recessed bases clad with natural stone or ceramic tile.
Here are the steps to follow:
Create a cavity in the floor, sized to fit the base being installed.
Prepare the substrate: it must be flat, smooth, dry, clean, and load-bearing. The recessed substrate must be deep enough to accommodate the thickness of the base and the tiles cladding it.
Install the drain: this is placed according to the chosen base, which has a pre-cut opening for the drain. The drain can have horizontal or vertical outflow, which determines the installation height calculation. To make positioning easier, the drain location is marked directly on the floor using the hole in the support panel.
Install the base support. The support isn’t mandatory, but having one helps ensure the surface is level by adjusting the height of the support legs. It also avoids filling the cavity where the base sits with mortar. Securing the support to the edges of the cavity is needed to ensure a firm installation, avoiding side-to-side movement. Stiffening the support ensures the base functions correctly. In the end, the support must stay clean.
Flatness is checked continuously.
Installing the recessed base: adhesive is applied where the base rests directly on the support. The base is then placed on the support.
Installing the drain cover. Depending on the drain type chosen and the manufacturer’s instructions, the matching cover is installed, level with the clad floor.
Applying waterproofing for sealing. Applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Sealing around the drain is important, since that’s where leaks can occur. It’s recommended to apply waterproofing across the whole installation area, including the walls next to the base, using specific sealing tape and corner pieces. Sealing tape is applied at the junction between the base area and the rest of the floor.
Installing natural stone tiles on the walls. Done by “combing” adhesive on, following the usual technique.
Installing the glass support between the base surface and the rest of the floor.
Installing natural stone tiles on the floor.
Final sealing with silicone
Recommended products:
Superflex D2 waterproofing
Sealing tape and corner pieces
Superflex Max² adhesive
Soudal High Tack sealing adhesive
