ᐅ What should go under the shower? What is the correct approach?

Could you please help me? As a woman, I’m completely overwhelmed by this.

We want to install a new large, super-flat white shower and have asked around among friends and some tradespeople beforehand. Everyone gave us different advice. The only thing they all agreed on is that the shower needs to be securely fixed.

Originally, we just wanted to let the tradespeople handle it. However, some recommended installing a so-called frame, which isn’t exactly cheap, while others said we should use styrofoam to simply place the shower on.

Just yesterday, someone suggested using a stone frame and placing stones underneath. Everything else sounds good in theory but only if the floor is perfectly level. You can adjust it with a lot of effort, but it will never be completely right. If the shower is built in with masonry, it won't wobble for years, and we wouldn’t have to worry about the grout cracking eventually.

We shouldn’t have asked! But now it’s all going around in my head. What is actually the right way that will last long-term?

Well, usually the shower tray manufacturer also provides the matching frame. If you use that, it will fit properly. What is much more important is the waterproofing, for example with a coating and a sealing tape between the shower tray and the wall. The silicone joint is not meant for waterproofing.

The right frame alone is not enough. The polystyrene carrier is a minimum requirement. The bricks are the best solution when installed professionally. Do not forget the waterproofing.

tomtom79 schrieb:

Well, usually the shower tray manufacturer also provides the appropriate support frame. If you use that, it fits properly. What’s much more important is the waterproofing, for example with a coating and a sealing tape between the shower tray and the wall. The silicone joint is not intended for waterproofing.

Thanks, yes, a company in Germany also recommended that to us when we were looking at the display. However, a tradesperson said that “these things look nice in theory. But if we want to make sure nothing wobbles, the shower should be built into the wall.”

New build house or existing house?
For new builds, this must be integrated into the screed or recessed.
For existing houses, there are ultra-low renovation shower trays,
all of which can be securely installed without any movement.

Maybe you have a picture of it?
Who is supposed to carry out the installation? I would discuss it directly with that person, as they are responsible for ensuring it is done as agreed and guaranteeing the functionality.
Maybe they will also purchase the desired product themselves; this might cost a bit more, but it provides you with the greatest possible security that it will work. Probably, everyone involved has some validity, and after all, there are many ways to achieve the goal.