Description
Download free 3-panel shower wall DXF template. Flat Panels configuration, 36x36 shower size.
Related Templates
Flat panel shower walls represent the quintessential approach to stone and quartz shower fabrication, offering clean lines and straightforward installation that appeals to both contemporary and traditional design sensibilities. This 3-panel template is engineered for standard 36x36-inch shower alcoves, the most common residential shower footprint in North American construction. The design eliminates unnecessary complexity while maintaining the structural and aesthetic qualities that make natural stone shower walls a premium bathroom feature. Fabricators benefit from the efficiency of this flat panel configuration, which minimizes material waste and reduces programming complexity compared to designs incorporating niches, benches, or recessed elements. The three-panel system divides the shower enclosure into manageable pieces that can be handled by a two-person installation team while still allowing for dramatic veining displays through book-matching or sequencing techniques. At 84 inches tall, these panels provide complete wall coverage from the shower base to standard ceiling heights. This template serves as the foundation for countless custom stone shower projects, from builder-grade efficiency installations to high-end residential remodels. The absence of cutouts and specialty features allows fabricators to focus on material selection, edge profiling, and surface finishing to differentiate their work. Whether executing a simple white marble enclosure or showcasing exotic granite with complex veining patterns, these flat panels provide a reliable starting point for professional shower fabrication.
Installation Overview
Flat panel shower installations begin with thorough substrate preparation, ensuring walls are plumb, level, and structurally sound to support the stone weight. A continuous waterproof membrane must be installed before panel mounting, extending from the shower base to above the panel height. Panels are typically installed starting with the back wall, using a combination of mechanical fasteners through pre-drilled holes and high-strength polyurethane adhesives applied to the back surface. Side panels are then positioned, with careful attention to maintaining consistent reveals at vertical joints. Silicone caulking in color-matched or clear formulations seals joints between panels and at the shower base connection, while expansion joints accommodate thermal movement.
CNC Cutting Notes
Programming flat shower panels requires attention to edge quality since all four edges of each panel are visible in the finished installation. Set up your CNC to execute polished edge profiles on all sides, with consistent edge width throughout each cut. The back panel can be cut as a single piece on most 5-axis machines, while side panels are identical mirror images requiring only one programming sequence. Ensure adequate tool clearance when programming corner relief areas if your installation method requires them. Drill mounting holes at specified locations, typically positioned to align with wall studs or backer board fastening points. A light chamfer on back edges can facilitate adhesive application and prevent stress concentrations during installation.
Material Compatibility
Flat panel designs work exceptionally well across the full range of natural stone and engineered materials. Granite provides superior durability and moisture resistance, making it ideal for high-traffic family bathrooms. Marble delivers timeless elegance but requires regular sealing and maintenance awareness from homeowners. Quartzite offers marble aesthetics with granite-like durability, though material costs are typically higher. Engineered quartz performs excellently in shower applications, with non-porous surfaces that resist mold and mildew growth without sealing. Material thickness between 20mm and 30mm is recommended, with 30mm preferred for larger format installations that minimize visible joints.
Where to Buy
This DXF template is available as a free download from Slabwise, providing immediate access for stone fabrication professionals. The file includes precise dimensions for all three panels with recommended edge profiles and mounting hole positions. Compatible with all major CNC programming platforms including Alphacam, Vectric, RhinoCAM, and MasterCAM. Fabricators can access additional shower configurations and architectural templates through the Slabwise template library.