Best way to install shower tray

[sandyman]

Hi All

I know this has probably been asked a thousand times over, but here goes:

I am in the process of completly renewing my bathroom, everything lock stock an all. Anyway I am coming to the point of installing the shower tray etc, what I would like to know is this: -

1) Is it best to complete all the wall tiling down to the floor and then butting the shower tray against the tiles.
OR
2) Fix the shower tray in first and then tile down to the top of the tray.
ALSO
3) I do not want to put one of them nasty looking plastic strip things around the tray, and have read that just using silicon gives a better finish. If this is right then do you grout between tray & tiles first or just use silicon. Is also the corner joint only filled with silicon to allow for movement of walls?

I hope that you can point me in the right direction regarding this as I would like to get it right.

Thanks for your time

Sandy

[darrenba]

You want to:

Fix the shower tray in first and then tile down to the top of the tray.

I also seal the shower tray to the wall with silicon too before tiling.

Then when tiling leave a gap (3mm ish) between the tray and the bottom tile and then silicon that gap when you've finished your grouting. As you mention also silicon the corner joint to allow for any wall movement.

Are your walls currently plasterboard? If so, then I use this to ensure the plasterboard doesn't get wet.

Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit

[RICO]

Hi there,

As already said, this is the normal UK way to install. But just be careful and check the install instructions on your show cubicle.

Some european ones need to have the whole wall tiled first then fit the tray.

Rico

[sandyman]

You want to:

Fix the shower tray in first and then tile down to the top of the tray.

I also seal the shower tray to the wall with silicon too before tiling.

Then when tiling leave a gap (3mm ish) between the tray and the bottom tile and then silicon that gap when you've finished your grouting. As you mention also silicon the corner joint to allow for any wall movement.

Ok thanks, so is the silicon applied over the grout or is the gap not grouted but just filled with silicon?

Are your walls currently plasterboard? If so, then I use this to ensure the plasterboard doesn't get wet.

Yeap walls are plasterboard at moment, but will be renewing stud wall so might use aqua panel on this instead of plasterboard. What do you think?

Dunlop Shower Waterproofing Kit

[darrenba]

Leave the gap not grouted and fill with silicon.

Yeah aquapanel is good for shower areas. I've used it here. Make sure you follow the manufacturers fitting instructions.

[sandyman]

Thanks Darren, and Rico for your help.
Cheers

Sandy