Everything you need to create a walk-in shower in your bathroom with our DIY wet room kits.
Are you planning on renovating your bathroom this year? Why not include a walk-in shower in your design – these are just some of the many benefits:
- Easy to keep clean – with less nooks and crannies than a bath its easier to keep a wetroom shower clean
- Great for the whole family – from toddlers to those with additional needs, walk-in showers are accessible for all
- Future proof – as you and your family age your needs may change, and a level access shower may become even more practical
- Stylish – there’s no denying that an open plan, fully tiled bathroom looks great, plus you can add extra touches such as niches, heated towel rails and feature walls
To make it even easier to get everything you need to install a tileable shower tray in your bathroom, we have put together a range of wet room shower tray kits that include everything you need.
What is a walk-in shower?
Walk in shower, wetroom, level access shower, open plan shower room…there are plenty of names but essentially what we are referring to here is a shower area in a bathroom that doesn’t require a step to get into it. Some showers have a tray (the part you stand on) that sits above the floor, but in a walk-in shower the tray is beneath the tiles – so you don’t actually see it.
These trays have a built-in slope, or ‘fall’, that allows the water to easily drain away. They are made of a lightweight polystyrene material with a coating that allows them to be tiled. This means you can continue the same flooring throughout the room, making spaces feel larger and creating that modern look.
What’s included in a Wet Room Shower Tray Kit?
Our DIY shower tray kits include everything you need to install and waterproof the floor of your walk-in shower area.
- A shower tray in your choice of size and drain position
- A compatible drain with cover
- Waterproofing tape & compound to seal the edges
- Cement based adhesive
- Waterproof silicone sealant
Don’t forget you will also need to waterproof the rest of the floor and walls in the shower area, using tile backer boards or a suitable waterproofing compound.
Can I install a Wet Room Shower Tray Kit myself?
Most people confident in DIY jobs in the home will be able to install a shower tray themselves. Depending on the substrate you are fixing the tray to, you may need to get someone to help with the preparation – for example if you need to dig a channel into a concrete floor for the drain.
Prior to installation, carefully read the instructions from the manufacturer of the tray and drain. The basic steps may be the same but will be affected by your flooring type and choice of tray/drain.
For wooden floors you will need to cut out a section of the floor and create slightly lower ‘shelf’ level with the top of the joists to support the tray. You can use Orbry TrayFast joist hangers to make this quicker.
For solid floors consider how the finished floor height will affect the doorway and entrance to the room – you probably do not want to step up into your bathroom. You may need to excavate an area to create enough height to install the drain and tray.
Once the flooring is prepped you can solvent weld your drain in place, allow this to dry then test the drain by pouring some water into it.
To install the tray, first ensure the area is clean, clear of debris and level. Mix up the adhesive according to the instructions on the bag, then apply a thin layer where the tray will be installed. If installing in a corner or against a wall you may need to add a line of silicone to the edges of the tray. Press the tray into the adhesive, adding some heavy bags of adhesive or boxes of tiles to the top to ensure it is firmly bedded in.
The grate/cover for the drain is usually installed at the same time as the tiles – check the manufacturer instructions for your chosen drain for specific information.
Below are installation videos from Marmox for wooden and concrete floors.
Tiling a wet room shower tray
The trays have a built-in slope for drainage which means that you cannot easily lay tiles flat onto them. For larger tiles, you will need to cut them to match the slope. Alternatively, you can use small mosaic tiles as these can be installed in sheets directly onto the tray without cutting. The additional grout joints also provide extra grip to the floor which is a key benefit in your shower area.
You will need to level and waterproof the rest of the floor in the room before you begin tiling.
Shower Tray Kits at Tile Fix Direct
- Tray size – this depends on the size of your room and how far you want the shower area to extend. The trays can be slightly trimmed to size, but try and keep this minimal to preserve the falls
- Drain placement – where the drain sits in the tray – ie. In the centre, corner, offset or at the end
- Drain type – horizontal (square) or linear (long and thin), and with a stainless steel or tileable cover
Once you’ve picked the right kit simply add it to your basket and complete the checkout! Don’t forget to add in any other things you might need for your project including tile backer boards, underfloor heating, adhesive, grout, spacers and niches.
If you have any questions about our wet room shower tray kits give us a call on 0333 320 0424 and our team will be more than happy to help.