Shower & Wet Area Installation
Shower floor slope, linear drains, curbless showers, niches, edge finishing, and wet area best practices.
- Calculate and install proper shower floor slope to the drain
- Install shower niches and accessories correctly within the waterproofing envelope
- Select and install appropriate edge trim and transition profiles
Lección 1
Shower Floor Construction & Slope
Shower Floor Slope Requirements
Every shower floor must slope toward the drain to ensure complete water evacuation. The standard slope is 2% (1/4 inch per foot) in all directions toward the drain.
Drain Types
- Center drain - standard point drain, four-way slope required
- Linear drain - channel drain along one wall, single-direction slope
- Trench drain - similar to linear but wider, used in accessible showers
Center Point Drain
Four-way slope from all walls
More cuts on floor tiles
Best with: Small mosaic tiles
Traditional installation
Linear Drain
Single-direction slope toward one wall
Fewer cuts - large format tiles possible
Modern appearance
Better for: Large format floor tiles
Curb Construction
The shower curb contains water within the shower area:
- Build curb from wood frame, cement board, or pre-formed foam
- Waterproof membrane must cover the curb completely
- Minimum height ensures water stays inside the shower
- Slope the top of the curb toward the shower interior
Curbless (Zero-Entry) Showers
Curbless showers require the entire bathroom floor to slope toward the shower drain. This is more complex to construct and requires careful waterproofing of the transition area. Linear drains are ideal for curbless designs.
Shower floors must slope at 2% (1/4" per foot) toward the drain. Center drains need four-way slope; linear drains need single-direction slope. The curb must be completely waterproofed and sloped toward the shower interior.