Description
Download free 3-panel shower wall DXF template. Flat Panels configuration, 48x36 shower size.
Related Templates
Larger shower enclosures demand templates that balance material efficiency with the dramatic visual impact that natural stone installations can deliver. This 3-panel flat shower template is designed for 48x36-inch shower alcoves, providing the expanded footprint increasingly popular in master bathroom renovations and new luxury home construction. The 48-inch wide back panel creates a commanding focal wall that showcases book-matched stone veining or the consistent patterning of premium engineered quartz. The flat panel configuration eliminates the complexity of integrated features while allowing fabricators to demonstrate their expertise through material selection, edge detailing, and installation precision. This larger format presents unique opportunities for dramatic stone presentation, with the back panel serving as a gallery wall for exotic materials with sweeping veining patterns. The 36-inch side panels maintain proportionality while remaining manageable for transportation and installation logistics. Professional fabricators leverage this template to deliver high-end shower installations that compete with imported systems while providing the customization only natural stone can offer. The absence of cutouts and specialty features streamlines production scheduling and reduces opportunities for installation errors, making this an ideal template for shops building efficiency into their architectural stone offerings. Whether creating a minimalist modern shower in white quartz or showcasing dramatic marble in a traditional setting, this template provides the foundation for premium bathroom fabrication.
Installation Overview
Installing 48x36 shower panels requires enhanced attention to substrate strength and panel support given the larger format dimensions. Wall framing should incorporate additional blocking at panel mounting locations, with waterproof cement backer board providing the installation surface. The back panel installation is critical, establishing level and plumb references for the entire assembly. Many installers prefer a hybrid mounting approach combining mechanical fasteners through the panel thickness with continuous polyurethane adhesive coverage to distribute load across the panel back. Side panels are positioned after back panel adhesive has cured, ensuring the corners maintain proper alignment. Expansion joints at panel intersections accommodate thermal movement while maintaining waterproof integrity through color-matched silicone applications.
CNC Cutting Notes
The 48-inch back panel width approaches or exceeds the cutting envelope of many fabrication shop CNC machines, requiring careful material positioning and potential programming modifications to optimize tool access. Program all edge profiles as polished finishes, with particular attention to the vertical edges where panels meet, as these joints are highly visible and subject to close inspection. If your CNC table cannot accommodate the full 48-inch width, consider programming the back panel as two joined pieces with a vertical seam positioned to align with shower fixture locations. Mounting hole positions should be programmed at stud locations, typically 16 inches on center, with holes sized appropriately for the mechanical fasteners your installation method requires. Consider adding small chamfers to back edges to facilitate adhesive placement and reduce edge stress during installation.
Material Compatibility
Larger format panels like this 48-inch back wall perform best in materials with consistent structural properties and minimal natural fracture planes. Engineered quartz excels in these applications, offering predictable strength and the ability to create seamless-appearing installations through pattern matching. Granite with tight crystalline structure provides excellent durability, though exotic varieties with complex veining should be carefully evaluated for structural integrity across this span. Marble can create stunning visual impact but requires 3cm thickness and potentially additional mechanical support depending on the specific variety. Quartzite offers an excellent balance of marble aesthetics and granite durability. All materials should be evaluated for their performance characteristics at this size, with 3cm thickness strongly recommended for the back panel.
Where to Buy
This DXF template is available as a free download from Slabwise, providing complete dimensional specifications for professional fabrication. The file includes all three panel layouts with edge profile recommendations and suggested mounting hole locations for standard 16-inch on-center stud spacing. Compatible with industry-standard CNC programming software including Alphacam, Vectric, MasterCAM, and RhinoCAM. Fabricators seeking additional shower configurations can explore the complete Slabwise architectural template library.