Custom shower design and expert installation from local contractors who know Portland bathrooms inside and out.
Call {{PHONE}} NowA quality shower installation isn't just about ripping out the old and throwing in the new. It takes planning, skill, and attention to detail. We start by meeting with you to understand what you want. Whether you're looking to replace an existing shower, convert a tub, or build a brand new wet area, we need to know your vision and your budget before anything else happens.
The process begins with a careful assessment of your current bathroom layout and plumbing. We'll check water pressure, drain placement, and the condition of existing walls. This foundation work determines what's actually possible in your space. A lot of homeowners think they can put a shower anywhere, but plumbing lines and structural elements set real limits.
Once we've planned everything, we start demolition. This is where things get messy. We remove the old shower unit, tile, fixtures, and anything else that needs to go. We protect the rest of your bathroom from dust and debris. Then comes the rough-in work, where our plumber installs new supply lines and drain pipes if needed. Electricians handle any new lighting or ventilation wiring.
The walls get framed, waterproofed, and prepared for tile. This waterproofing step is critical. Moisture gets into walls if this isn't done right, and that leads to mold and structural damage down the road. We use membrane systems that create a proper water barrier behind all your tile work.
We start by looking at your space and talking about your needs. We consider plumbing locations, water pressure, and how the shower flows into the rest of the bathroom. Proper planning prevents expensive mistakes later.
The old shower comes out completely. We remove fixtures, tile, and substrate while protecting adjacent areas. The space gets cleaned and dried before rough-in work begins.
New supply lines and drain pipes get installed to code. Rough-in plumbing happens now, before walls are closed. Electrical for lighting and exhaust fans is also roughed in during this phase.
Shower areas need serious waterproofing. We apply membrane systems to walls and floor, creating a complete water barrier. This prevents leaks that can damage your home structure.
Cement board, tile backer board, or specialized shower panels go up to create the surface for tile. The substrate needs to be solid and level for tile to sit properly.
Tile gets cut and set with proper spacing and slope for drainage. Grouting happens after the tile sets. Final trim, fixtures, and hardware complete the installation.
What you choose for your shower goes a long way toward how long it lasts and how much you enjoy it. Tile remains the most popular choice, and for good reason. Ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone all work well in showers. Porcelain is denser and more water-resistant than ceramic, which matters in Portland's humid climate. Natural stone like granite or slate adds luxury but requires more maintenance and sealing.
The grout and substrate matter just as much as the tile itself. We use epoxy or urethane-based grouts instead of standard cement grout because they're more water-resistant. The membrane system underneath is equally important. A poorly chosen waterproofing system will fail, even with perfect tile work.
Fixtures and hardware round out the installation. Chrome, stainless steel, and brushed nickel handles all work well. We source fixtures that won't corrode and that match the style you're going for. Showerheads come in dozens of styles. Some folks want rainfall showerheads. Others prefer a basic fixed head or a combo with a handheld option.
One thing Portland bathrooms need to handle is moisture. That's why we spec ventilation carefully. A proper exhaust fan pulls moisture out, preventing mold in the corners and on the ceiling. We also make sure the shower pan slopes correctly so water drains and doesn't pool.
Our contractors know Portland's climate, building codes, and what works in older and newer homes. They understand rain, humidity, and the specific challenges Portland bathrooms face.
Moisture control isn't optional in Portland. We use proven waterproofing systems and apply them correctly. That means your shower stays leak-free for years.
Bathroom work requires permits and inspections. Our contractors follow Portland building codes exactly. You get a shower that passes inspection and is built to last.
Shower pans need to slope correctly so water goes where it should. Poor drainage causes pooling and mold. We engineer the slope right from the start.
We help you pick materials that work for your climate and your budget. We've installed thousands of showers and know what holds up in Portland.
Details matter. We caulk trim correctly, set tile straight, and finish grout cleanly. A professional installation looks good and functions properly.
We serve all of Portland with shower installation and remodeling work. Whether you're in Northeast, Southeast, Southwest, or Northwest, or anywhere in the greater Portland area, we connect you with contractors who know your neighborhood. Here are some of the areas we serve:
The difference between a shower that works for 20 years and one that fails in 5 years comes down to installation details. Here's what separates real quality from cutting corners.
Waterproofing Membrane: The layer behind your tile is what stops water from getting into walls and substructure. We apply this to all walls inside the shower and to the floor pan. The membrane gets applied to the framing before substrate and tile go down. It needs to overlap at all corners and penetrations. Many contractors skip this or do it poorly, but moisture damage is expensive to fix.
Shower Pan Slope: The shower floor needs to slope toward the drain. Too flat and water pools. Too steep and it's uncomfortable. The right slope is around 1/4 inch per foot. This gets engineered into the substrate or pan itself.
Drain Placement: If your current plumbing doesn't have a drain where you want the shower, we run new lines. This sometimes means opening walls or crawlspace, but it has to be done right. A drain in the wrong spot ruins the shower design.
Ventilation: A proper exhaust fan pulls moisture out of the bathroom. Portland's humidity means ventilation is essential. We make sure the fan is sized for the room and ducted to the outside, not just into the attic.
Tile Setting: Tile gets set with the right trowel size and adhesive type for wet areas. Each tile gets pressed into place with proper spacing for grout. Lippage, the uneven height of tiles, is minimized. We use spacers to keep lines straight.
Grouting: After tile sets for a couple days, grout goes in. In showers, we use epoxy or urethane grout that resists water better than standard cement grout. Grout lines are packed full and tooled smooth. After curing, we seal tile and grout to protect them.
These details matter. A contractor who rushes through them will end up with callbacks and unhappy customers. We do it right.
Shower installation often connects to other bathroom work. We help Portland homeowners with the full range of bathroom projects. If you're doing a shower, you might also consider a bathtub installation or vanity installation to make a cohesive design. Many folks doing a shower remodel also want new tile work and updated lighting.
If you're thinking bigger, a full bathroom remodel or bathroom renovation might make sense. And if you've got a tub you want gone, we also do tub to shower conversions.
Connect with Portland contractors who've installed hundreds of showers. We handle everything from design to final touches.
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