Shower Base Installation Instructions
Watch the video below and learn how to install a custom, one-piece Meridian Solid Surface shower base from Tower Industries in Massillon, Ohio. Meridian Solid Surface is the preferred material for shower bases, shower wall panels, and shower accessories in all commercial and institutional applications due to its renewability and ease of maintenance.
Shower Base Install Demo
1. Thoroughly inspect the shower base to assure that no shipping or handling damage has occurred. DO NOT install the shower base if there is any sign of damage or defects.
2. Ensure that all debris is cleared from the area and ensure that stud walls are free of protruding nails or foreign objects.
3. Dry fit the shower base in the intended space to assure that the floor is level and that the shower base fits in its intended space. There should be an eighth inch space between the edge of the shower base and the wall studs. This space will allow the shower base to expand and contract with water temperature changes.Your wall board will easily make up for this space.
4. Remove the base after dry fitting and install the floor drain strainer assembly into the shower base orifice according to the instructions provided with the drain. (The drain may be installed after the installation is complete, but ONLY if you have access from underneath the installed base.)
Note: Tower recommends the use of synthetic, non-oil-based plumbers putty, such as Hercules "Sta-Put" brand or any plumbers putty noted as "stain-less", with all Meridian® Solid Surface products.
5. Spread thin-set, mortar mix, or floor-leveling adhesive on the floor where the base will be set. Assure that the floor leveling solution is spread such that it will provide full even contact with the floor below. (i.e.: the floor leveling solution should fill all voids between the bottom of the base and the floor sheeting). Check that the shower base is level from front-to-back and side-to-side by placing your level on top of the water dams. Leveling the base will ensure proper drainage during use.
6. Moisture resistant wallboard or cement board should be installed after the shower base has been set. The wallboard will abut the top of the water dam attached to the shower base. The front face of the wall board will align with the front face of the water dam to allow the finished wall panel or tile to rest on the shower base.
WARRANTY GUIDELINES:
It is extremely important that you follow the installation guidelines as presented. Failure to do so will automatically void the warranty. You MUST install the shower base in a bed of floor-leveling solution as described above to ensure long term stability of the shower base.
Please Note: Your shower base warranty does not cover any labor or material costs associated with installation or removal of products that are damaged or defective.
Printable Shower Base Installation Instructions
Shower Wall Panel Installation Instructions
1. Be sure tub or shower pan is properly installed and level.
2. It’s best to dry fit wall panels before permanent installation.
3. If recessed soap and shampoo holders are going to be used, locate the area now, making sure there are no wires or pipes in the way. It is OK to cut the hole in the dry wall at this point. A standard hole is usually ½" smaller than the soap and shampoo dish.
4. Clean dust from back of panels and from the dry wall. Denatured alcohol does a great job cleaning the back of panels.
5. Cut holes for faucets and any recessed accessories. A standard hole saw, usually 1¼" diameter, will work for faucets. Use a jig saw for cutting larger holes.
- DO NOT LEAVE ANY SQUARE INSIDE CORNERS.
- Cut from FINISHED SIDE, but be sure To PROTECT THE SURFACE with masking tape.
6. Install back wall panels first using panel adhesive or silicone adhesive caulk. Run a continuous bead around perimeter of panel about 1½” in from the edge, then apply more adhesive in large drops approx. 3 feet apart to FORM AN X (follow instructions on adhesive container).
7. Repeat Step #6 for end panels.
Note: Hot melt adhesive can be used to hold panels in place while the adhesive cures. Apply hot melt glue on each corner approx 1” in, or cut 1x4 or 2x4 wood braces and wedge them between the two side panels. Be sure to protect the panel surfaces with flat boards or towels.
Note: There should be no more than 1/8” gap around the panel bottom and vertical corners.
8. Install any accessories.
Note: Tower recommends synthetic (non-oil-based) plumbers putty (Hercules “Sta-Put”) or any plumbers putty noted as “stain-less”.
9. Caulk using silicone or acrylic latex caulking in the color of your choice.
General Notes:
- Tower products can be cut using a masonry blade in a circular saw or by sanding with 80-grit sandpaper on a belt sander.
- Moisture-resistant wallboard or cement board should be installed down to top of water dam.
