waterproofing shower walls -- need help planning

[Robin Bobula]

It is time to frame the bathroom, and I'm stuck on plans for a small shower. It will be low-tech, just a camp shower bag or pressurized garden sprayer arrangement. I'm still trying to figure out a low cost, low hassle way to do this, and have looked at shower pans, all types of homemade set-ups, etc.

I am leaning toward using this:

http://www.amazon.com/Camco-11480-24-Inch-Plastic-Fitting/dp/B0060HOYWM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2B7DOCPS2JBI3&coliid=I2HUGSUNMQUHF4

along with something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Bendable-Shower-Curtain-White-Finish/dp/B002TZF4GO/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=2B7DOCPS2JBI3&coliid=I29AR5CFMT2BLU

That leaves me with needing to waterproof two walls, those against the corner of the shower. I've never worked with FRP, but would not be opposed to it if it were the best answer. But I was wondering whether there is a paint that could waterproof those two walls? Maybe something like the stuff they use to waterproof basement walls? The walls will probably be lightweight plywood/luan. I don't really want to wrap the shower curtains all the way around -- don't like the feeling of bumping into curtain every time you move... The corner shower is the best option for the space I have available.

Any help/suggestions will be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Robin

[jwhite]

I originally tried to build a shower base and it did not come out the way I wanted and I think the shower pan is the only way to go,they are more expensive but they work alot better to drain the water out.
The one I built never drained right and the water would build up water in the corner and was always damp and would eventually lead to water damage,and when I tore it out I could see if I had left it that way it was going to be replaced at some point,so I wasted money on tile and calking and the time it took to build it and tear it out and start over.
For the walls I am glad I asked them at Lowes because I thought anything would work but they sell white sheets that are made for showers for around 16.00 each it take 3-4 sheets, I had to use liquid nails or something similar to make it stick.
I use regular shower curtains also.
For a cheap water heater I bought one off Ebay for 60.00 and it works great.
I have a photo in my photo album.
I have used the black solar bags and they work good but I didn't want to fool with them with in my trailer but they do make a good outside shower in the summer.

[eamarquardt]

The pan posted has the outlet higher than the pan and you'd have to tilt it to get it to drain. I'm not sure that it's really meant to be walked on.

I think I'd just make one. Take some half inch plywood for a base. Put one by one around the perimeter followed by one by two outside of that. Cut some wedges that start a the one by one and tape to zero at the center leaving enough flat area that a standard drain will fit in. Now cut a piece of 1/8" ply so it fits on the one by one . Then take a bolt and large washer and put it in the center and pull the center down so you have a low spot. Glue and screw/staple the 1/8" down on the wedges to hold it down. Then a layer of glass cloth and resin and it's as waterproof as you'll ever need. Use a hole saw to cut a nice hole for a drain, install the drain and yer set. You could make any shape you desire this way and any dimensions.

Sounds complicated but a couple of mornings and you'd be set.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,

Gus

[Robin Bobula]

Thanks, guys!

jwhite, did you use FRP or something else on your walls? ( FRP is about $30 a sheet at Lowe's.) I thought that required a special, pretty expensive adhesive, but if Liquid Nails would work, FRP may be the way to go. I was intimidated by someone's post about how much trouble they had installing their FRP. What did you do in the corners of the shower area, just use some caulk or something else? Did you install anything between the shower pan and the floor, like a membrane or something?

Gus, sounds like you are a handy guy. I have zero experience with fiberglass, or that would be the way to go, getting just the shape I needed.

You are both right about the pitfalls of the drain pan I posted. For now, I'll probably use that for "bird baths" and buy a real shower pan when money allows. Getting the bathroom placement and dimensions figured out is the next hurdle on my way to putting paneling on the walls.

Thanks again!
Robin

[jwhite]

I thought the white sheets I bought at lowes were 16.00 each but I may be wrong but I would ask the sales person about what to use in a bath room because I thought it didn't matter and maybe it won't as long as it doesn't get wet alot.
The sheets I used has a side that is meant to be glued to the wall and has a label telling you what to use and liqued nails was one they suggested,it's easy to cut with a razor blade.
I used 4 sheets because I have 2 doors one that goes in to the back v-nose area and the door that closes the shower and 2 walls,so I glued the sheets to the doors with about 4-6 inches extra and it bends and covers the corners.
I also have 2 long shower curtains that surrounds the inside of the shower so I don't think haveing the white sheets is really needed, the main thing is just keeping the water in the shower base and not on the walls.
I bought a shower base from ebay and it was 150.00 but it is hard rubber and shaped so that the hole is in the center and the bottom so all the water drains out,Looking at the base I have now it looks like the ones made for RV"s are shaped so they will drain out evan if they aren't perfectly level.?
The one I built it had a flat base and if I wasn't on exactly level ground the water would build up in the low end and the water leaked around the base, if I had left it that way the repair I would eventually have to do would be major.
I think the base your looking at would be fine I think that as long as the water stays in the base and drains out that would work.if you have to install your own drain I would just use alot of the clear caulk that is made for installing windows.

[droid_ca]

Do you have any pictures to he4lp get a better idea and does the shower have to be inside as that might make things a little more easier for you and give you more space

[tnriverluver]

This is how I built my shower using an RV shower pan and the white panels from Lowes. I glued mine to some fake tile board that was used for the remainder of the bathroom. Instead of using liquid nails however I used Loctite Power Grab since it is white, cleans up easily, is thinner, and grabs the panels instantly unlike Liquid Nails. Oh yeah firsr post and all LOL. My build will be put on here soon.