Today, I want to share my experience with installing a cultured marble shower pan. Let me tell you, it was quite the adventure, but a rewarding one!
First things first, I gathered all my materials. I already had the cultured marble shower pan, which I ordered from The Marble Factory. They offer a bunch of standard sizes, which is super convenient. I made sure to double-check the measurements of my shower space before placing the order – measure twice, cut once, right?
Then came the prep work. I spent a good amount of time making sure the subfloor was completely level and clean. Any debris or unevenness could cause problems later on, so I was extra meticulous about this step. I used a long level and some shims to get it just right. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was necessary.
Next, I dry-fitted the shower pan. This basically means I placed it in the shower space without any adhesive to make sure it fit perfectly. I wanted to see if any adjustments were needed before committing. It was a bit heavy to maneuver, but luckily, I had a friend help me out.
With the dry fit successful, it was time for the real deal. I applied a generous amount of adhesive to the subfloor, following the manufacturer’s instructions. I used a notched trowel to spread it evenly. Then, with my friend’s help, we carefully lowered the shower pan into place.
Once the pan was in, I pressed down firmly to ensure good contact with the adhesive. I walked around the entire surface, putting my weight on it. I even did a little dance on it, just to be sure. It probably looked silly, but hey, it worked! After that, I placed some heavy buckets filled with water to hold the pan down while the adhesive cured.
The waiting game began. I waited a full 24 hours, as recommended, before doing anything else. It was tempting to rush, but patience is key in these situations, you know? I occupied myself with other stuff around the house.
Finally, the moment of truth! I removed the weights and inspected the shower pan. It was solid as a rock! No movement, no gaps, just a perfectly installed cultured marble shower pan. I connected the drain, which was pretty straightforward, and then sealed around the edges with silicone caulk to prevent any leaks.
The Results
- The shower pan looks fantastic! It really elevates the look of the bathroom.
- It feels incredibly solid and well-made.
- The installation, while a bit of work, was definitely manageable with some planning and help.
I’m really happy with how it turned out. It was a bit of a challenge, but seeing the finished product makes it all worth it. If you’re thinking about installing a cultured marble shower pan, I say go for it! Just make sure you do your research, gather your materials, and take your time. You might even have a little fun with it, like I did with my dance.
