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Installation Instructions and Spec Drawings for One-Piece and Multi-Piece Shower Units

Updated September 2026

▶Glossary9
  1. What the Spec Drawing Tells You
  2. What the Installation Guide Covers
  3. Multi-Piece Units
  4. If Your Size Is Not on the Document
  5. How to Request Your Documents
  6. Related Guides
  7. Related Videos
  8. Common Questions
  9. Still Need Help?

Installation instructions and specification drawings for Ella one-piece and multi-piece shower units are issued per model, and the team will email the set for your exact unit on request. Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 with the full model number from your order, including the size and the seat and drain side, and you will receive the spec drawing and the installation guide for that unit. If you purchased through a retailer, the retailer's listing for that model often carries the same spec sheet and installer manual as downloads, so check there first if you want the documents right away.

What the Spec Drawing Tells You

The specification drawing is the document to plan your rough-in from. It shows the overall dimensions of the unit and the location of the drain opening in the base. Builders use the drain location to confirm that floor joists or trusses will not sit under the drain before the floor is framed, so share the drawing with your framer and plumber early.

The drawing carries a note that dimensions may vary by plus or minus one half inch due to the nature of the materials. That variation refers to the thickness of the fiberglass, which can run thicker in some areas of the panels. It does not change the overall size of the unit, so the dimensions printed on the drawing are the ones to plan from.

What the Installation Guide Covers

The installation guide gives your installer the steps for setting the base and the wall panels for your specific model. Follow the base preparation steps in the guide rather than assuming a method from another brand. The shower base is designed to install on either a concrete or a wooden subfloor. If your project pairs a shower base with separate wall panels, ask for both the shower base installation guide and the wall panel installation guide, since they are separate documents.

Free technical support is available to your installer by phone if a step is unclear during the installation. Have the model number and the guide in front of you when you call so the team can reference the same drawing.

Multi-Piece Units

Some units are sold only as a multi-piece set. The Liberty low-threshold shower, for example, comes as a three-piece set and is not available as a single molded piece. Once the pieces are pinned together in place they are completely secured and behave as one unit. Many three-piece showers also arrive fastened together for transport, which is explained in why the three-piece shower arrives as one unit and where the shipping bolts are. Step-by-step guidance for the molded-seat three-piece shower is in installing the three-piece low-threshold shower with molded seat.

If your project uses a wall panel kit or a glass enclosure rather than a molded stall, the documents are different and are covered in how to get the installation guide and spec sheet for your shower wall kit or enclosure. Walk-in tub owners looking for a tub manual should see what to do if you did not receive an owner's manual.

If Your Size Is Not on the Document

Shower units are made in several sizes, and a drawing for one size does not cover another. If the document you were given does not list the size you purchased, contact the team with your order number so they can look up exactly what was ordered and send the matching drawing and guide.

How to Request Your Documents

  1. Find the full model number on your order confirmation, invoice, or the label on the unit.
  2. Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and give the model number, the size, and the seat and drain side.
  3. Tell the team whether you need the spec drawing, the installation guide, or both, and whether the unit is one-piece or multi-piece.
  4. Share the documents with your installer before framing begins so the alcove and drain are set to the drawing.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower The video provides visual guidance for installing a barrier-free five-piece shower, emphasizing the importance of inspecting the unit upon arrival and noting any damage.
  2. 1:32 Dry Assembling Your Modular Shower The installer dry assembles the modular shower in an open space to ensure correct panels, drain location, and proper alignment before moving it to the bathroom.
  3. 3:04 Preparing the Framing Pocket and Subfloor The installer checks the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level, making necessary adjustments and inspecting the subfloor for integrity.
  4. 4:05 Installing the Shower Pan and Drain The installer cleans the pocket, dry fits and levels the pan, installs the drain body, and adheres the pan to the subfloor using silicone adhesive and bracing.
  5. 7:40 Assembling and Securing Shower Panels The installer places protection on the floor, caulks the pan ledge, and installs the lower and upper back panels, securing them to the studs.
  6. 8:31 Installing the Valve Wall and Plumbing The installer caulks the pan ledge and vertical back wall seam, sets the panel, drills holes for the valve and supply outlet, and connects the PEX supply lines.
  7. 11:05 Adding Accessories and Finishing Touches The installer marks, drills, and caulks around pilot holes for accessories, then caulks all seams and the front edge of the threshold, recommending a water retainer and shower curtain.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Receiving and Inspecting Your Shower This chapter explains how to receive and inspect your shower unit upon arrival, including what to do if there is damage.
  2. 1:17 Dry Assembling Your Shower This chapter demonstrates how to dry assemble your modular shower to ensure all panels and the drain are correct and undamaged.
  3. 2:49 Preparing the Framing Pocket This chapter shows how to check and adjust the framing pocket for proper sizing, squareness, plumb, and level.
  4. 5:02 Installing the Drain Body This chapter guides you through installing the drain body and preparing the drain to meet local plumbing codes.
  5. 5:44 Permanently Installing the Base This chapter details how to permanently install the shower base, ensuring it is level and properly supported.
  6. 8:12 Installing the Wall Panels This chapter demonstrates installing the wall panels using the pin and slot system, starting with the wall opposite the valve.
  7. 9:13 Installing the Valve and Wall This chapter shows how to install the valve and then the valve wall panel, including connecting the water supply lines.
  8. 11:13 Finishing and Sealing the Shower This chapter covers installing surface mount accessories, caulking all seams, and the option of adding a flange trim molding kit.
Chapters in this video
  1. 0:00 Introduction to Low-Threshold Shower Installation This video provides visual guidance for installing a low-threshold 3-piece shower, emphasizing the importance of referring to the installation manual.
  2. 0:24 Dry Assembly and Pre-Installation Checks The installer dry assembles the modular shower to ensure correct panels, drain location, and proper alignment before moving it into the bathroom space.
  3. 1:54 Preparing the Framing Pocket and Subfloor The installer checks the framing pocket for proper sizing, square, plumb, and level, making necessary adjustments and inspecting the subfloor for integrity.
  4. 4:07 Installing the Drain Body and Base Support The installer installs the drain body, prepares the drain to meet local plumbing codes, and applies silicone adhesive for proper support and adhesion of the base.
  5. 5:53 Permanently Installing and Securing the Base The installer permanently positions and levels the shower base, securing it to all available studs and cutting the drain pipe even with the rubber gasket.
  6. 7:22 Installing the Wall Panels and Valve The installer installs the wall panels using a pin and slot system, then installs the valve, connecting the hot and cold water supply lines.
  7. 10:19 Finishing Touches and Accessories The installer caulks all seams, recommends client involvement for accessory placement, and suggests an optional flange trim molding kit for a seamless transition.

Common Questions

Does the half-inch variation mean I should frame the alcove larger?
No. The plus or minus one half inch note refers to the thickness of the fiberglass, which can be thicker in some areas of the panels. The overall size of the unit does not change, so plan to the dimensions on the spec drawing.
Where do I find the drain location for my shower base?
The drain opening is shown on the specification drawing for your model. Request the drawing with your model number and give it to your framer or plumber so joists and the drain line are placed correctly.
Can the shower base be installed on a wooden subfloor?
Yes. The base can be installed on a concrete or a wooden subfloor. Follow the base preparation steps in the installation guide for your specific model.
Does the Liberty shower come as a one-piece unit?
No. The Liberty is available only as a three-piece set. Once the pieces are pinned in place they are completely secured, and technical support is available to your installer by phone if a step is unclear.
What if my exact size is not listed on the spec sheet I received?
Contact the team with your order number. They will look up exactly what was ordered and send the specification drawing and installation guide that match your unit.

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.

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