Tiled Shower Base in Warsaw — Built from Scratch
15.03.2026Tiled Shower Base in Warsaw — Built from Scratch
A tiled shower base replaces a plastic or acrylic tray with a seamless floor surface finished in porcelain or mosaic. It looks modern, lasts decades and suits any design. But building one correctly is a complex task: gradients for water drainage, multi-layer waterproofing, a Viega or Geberit drain, a properly formed screed. A mistake in any layer and within a year water reaches the flat below. We build tiled shower bases across Warsaw — from Ursynow to Zoliborz.
How much does it cost and what affects the price
The cost depends on the base size, drain type (point or linear), gradient complexity and tile choice. A linear drain costs more than a point drain but looks better and is more practical — a single-direction gradient instead of four. Waterproofing, screed, tiling and grouting are each costed separately. Materials are charged separately. Current prices are in the table below.
| Service | min | max |
|---|---|---|
| Tiled shower base — small (up to 90×90) | 900 zł | 1300 zł |
| Tiled shower base — medium (100–120) | 1100 zł | 1600 zł |
| Tiled shower base — large walk-in | 1400 zł | 2200 zł |
| Linear drain installation (tile work) | 250 zł | 400 zł |
| Waterproofing under tiles | 30 zł/m² | 60 zł/m² |
| Substrate preparation for tiles | 40 zł/m² | 80 zł/m² |
| Shower base tiling — standard tile | 350 zł | 600 zł |
How the work is done on site
- Measurement and design. We determine the base size, drain position and gradient direction. We check the slab depth — at least 70-90 mm is needed between the finished floor level and the structural slab.
- Substrate preparation. The old tray or tiles are removed and the surface is cleaned back to concrete. We check the waste outlet — the drain must connect with at least a 2% fall to the riser.
- Drain installation. A point or linear drain (Viega, Geberit) is fitted at the correct height, connected to the waste and tested for leaks.
- First waterproofing layer. Liquid membrane (Mapei Mapelastic, Weber.tec 822) applied to the floor and walls to a height of 20-30 cm. Corners and joints are reinforced with tape. Two coats with intermediate drying.
- Graded screed. A cement screed is laid with a 1.5-2% fall to the drain. For a point drain the fall runs from four sides; for linear — from one side. The screed cures for 3-7 days.
- Second waterproofing layer. Applied over the cured screed. Double protection ensures water cannot reach neighbours even if a tile cracks.
- Tiling. Mosaic or small format (up to 15×15 cm) with anti-slip finish (R10-R11). Flexible C2 S1 adhesive and epoxy grout.
Common mistakes when building a tiled shower base
- Insufficient depth for the drain — the distance from the slab to the finished floor was not checked. The drain does not fit and the floor must be raised.
- Single waterproofing layer — if the screed cracks, water goes straight to the neighbours. Two layers is the standard.
- Incorrect gradient — water pools instead of running to the drain. The gradient must be at least 1.5% and even.
- Large tiles on a graded surface — a 60×60 tile will not sit flat on a four-way fall. Use mosaic or small format.
- Cheap drain without a trap seal — sewer odour in the bathroom. Viega and Geberit include dry or wet trap seals.
- Cementitious grout — it cracks from constant water contact within months. Epoxy only.
- No upstand — water spreads beyond the shower zone.
What to prepare before the technician arrives
- Decide the shower zone size and drain position.
- Check the waste outlet — it must be within the future base area.
- Buy the drain in advance (Viega Advantix, Geberit) — the technician can advise on the model.
- Waterproofing: Mapei Mapelastic, Weber.tec 822, Ceresit CR 166. Corner tape.
- Tiles — mosaic or small format with anti-slip surface (R10-R11).
- Flexible C2 S1 adhesive (Mapei Keraflex Maxi, Ceresit CM 17).
- Epoxy grout (Litokol Starlike, Mapei Kerapoxy).
- Colour-matched sanitary silicone.
- Clear the bathroom completely.
- Inform neighbours — there will be noise.
- Ensure ventilation.
A real case from Warsaw
A flat in Ursynow, bathroom 5 m² — the client wanted to replace an acrylic tray with a tiled base and a Geberit linear drain along the wall. We removed the old tray and tiles. The waste outlet turned out to be 5 cm higher than needed so we rerouted it with additional fall. Drain fitted, flow tested — water disappears in three seconds. First Mapei Mapelastic membrane on the floor and walls, corner reinforcement. Screed graded at 2% to the linear drain, set using a laser level. After curing — second membrane layer. Mosaic 5×5 cm on Ceresit CM 17, grouted with Litokol Starlike. The entire process took five days. The result is a seamless floor with no threshold — water drains instantly and there is no plastic in sight.
Frequently asked questions
Point drain or linear — which is better?
Linear is more attractive and practical: a single-direction fall and easier tiling. A point drain is cheaper but the four-way fall is harder to execute evenly.
Can the base be built without an upstand?
Yes, with a correct gradient and glass screen. An upstand is an extra safeguard against overflow.
Which tiles should be used on the base?
Mosaic or small format up to 15×15 cm with an anti-slip rating of R10-R11.
How many waterproofing layers are needed?
Two. The first on the substrate before the screed, the second on top of the screed before tiling.
What gradient is required?
At least 1.5% (1.5 cm per metre). Optimally 2%.
Will there be sewer odour?
No, provided the drain has a trap seal (wet or dry). We recommend Viega or Geberit.
How long does construction take?
5-7 days: demolition, waterproofing, screed with curing, second waterproofing, tiling and grouting.
Can underfloor heating be included?
Yes, an electric heating cable can be laid in the screed beneath the tiles — very comfortable in winter.
Are materials included in the price?
No. The drain, waterproofing, tiles, adhesive and grout are purchased by the client.
Can a base be rebuilt if something goes wrong?
Technically yes — remove tiles and screed, redo the gradient and waterproofing. But it is almost like building from scratch, so it is vital to get it right first time.
Who does the work
Tiled shower bases are built by technicians experienced in both waterproofing and tile installation — it is a multi-stage task where every layer matters. We arrive with a laser level, straight edges and a full kit for waterproofing and tiling. We cover all of Warsaw. Call or message — we will come for a site survey and give you an exact price.