Putting a Curb in the Tile Shower Pan

A shower curb is like a dam in the tile shower pan. Getting it right is critical. Since it has corners, it isn't the easiest part.

We'll cover the masonry part in other sections.

To build the form of a curb, you can use brick, wood, or concrete. Most commonly, 2 x 4 wood pieces are stacked to the height you choose... usually 3 - 5 pieces high.

Secure the bottom piece in place with screws and glue. Toenail or screw the 2 x 4's to the studs at the ends of the curb. Use galvanized fasteners that resist rust.

Then just stack more pieces until you get the right height. Screw the added pieces to the lower pieces as you go up. Toenail at the ends too.

Big deal follows...

The curb must slope inward. Otherwise water ends up in the bathroom floor. An easy way to get the slope in the frame is to shim under the second piece. You only need a little shim, since the slope to match the floor is only 1/4 inch per foot.

Don't forget...

And here's another thing.

You want really dry wood around tile showers. Green, wet wood moves around as it shrinks and dries. Around tile that's bad, especially if it's in the curb. That's a potential come-apart. So forget the wet treated wood.

Find yourself some old dry pieces of wood. Or at least use dry lumber grades. Ask when in doubt.