[SMLWinds]

So with the help of many of you, I have now tiled 6 floors and a backsplash with great results. Now I want to tackle a shower.

My shower will have tiled walls and has a Kohler shower pan insert (basically it is a floor pan only) already installed. I have cement backerboard on the walls.

So, starting the pan installed and cement board on the walls, what is the next step? I use Ditra for all of my projects and have heard many people recommend Kerdi, which I assume I will be using. The tile will be porcelain.

Any advice about what to do with seams, thinsets to use, Kerdi or waterproofing that is necessary, etc. is appreciated! I'm a true rookie with showers so don't know where to start!

 

[oh'mike]

I build a lot of showers, but I have never used the Kerdi---Jaz, on the other hand,has lots of practical experience---so I won't offer advice unless Jaz is to busy to answer--Mike--

 

[SMLWinds]

Mike-Thanks for your response. I will eagerly await for Jaz to chime in. Out of curiosity, what do you do for your showers? Regardless of what I use, it is good to hear approaches so I can research them, read about them, and learn. Thanks!

 

[Ron6519]

Mike-Thanks for your response. I will eagerly await for Jaz to chime in. Out of curiosity, what do you do for your showers? Regardless of what I use, it is good to hear approaches so I can research them, read about them, and learn. Thanks!

A search of "How to tile showers should get you all the choices. Some people like Kerdi, some like an applied finish you paint on like Red Guard. In either case the seams are fiberglassed taped suitable for concrete board. The thinset would be suitable to the waterproofing material.

 

[oh'mike]

Like Ron mentioned, I use a paint on waterproofing--

Hydroban , Red Guard or Aqua Defense----over Durrock.

 

[firehawkmph]

If you go to Schluter's website, they have all the information on all of their products in downloadable PDFs and also have videos of each type of installation. I use Schluter products when building showers and bath floors and find their products easy to use, IF you read the directions.
Mike Hawkins

 

[SMLWinds]

Thanks for the feedback. So what are the advantages of Kerdi over more traditional waterproofing? I assume it may be a decoupling layer like Ditra but is that really necessary on a wall where there is no substantial load? I'm doing some research and learning more--comments from you guys are definitely helpful though because it gives me a starting point.

 

[oh'mike]

Time and cost are why I choose the paint on-----

 

[JazMan]

Hi SMLWinds, welcome back,

I prefer and built all my showers using the Kerdi Membrane & Kerdi Drain method since '05. I think it is the best way to make a shower water tight and completely waterproof. However in your case, the difficult part of building a shower is eliminated because you're using a separate molded base.

You can build a great shower using a liquid applied membrane if you prefer. All that's required is you apply the correct film thickness in at least 2 coats and treat the seams per directions of the product you're using. Some people use liquid because for one reason they think it's a little cheaper and it's easy to find. No problem with running a little short and having to buy another roll.

Go to the Schluter site and just read. Also take a look at a few of their videos;

Come back to this thread with any questions.

Jaz

 

[SMLWinds]

Thanks for the responses. So I guess my follow up question is primarily directed at Jaz since he seems to be the strongest Kerdi supporter, but anyone feel free to chime in.

I have done some education now and certainly could lay the Kerdi. However, correct me if I am wrong, but I am guessing Kerdi is tougher than paint on water proofing. Given the fact I am using a premolded base pan, is there any advantage anyone sees to using Kerdi? If there is any reason why I should use it (ie-any way it is better) then I don't mind the extra cost and effort to lay it. However, if all other things are equal, I'll take the quicker/cheaper/easier route.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[JazMan]

Kerdi is an overall better system, but.............. In your case you are not using the entire system, it's only going on the walls. So, first of all, the project will work even with no waterproofing on the walls. But it's best you apply one. Being that you don't have rolls of Kerdi in your tile-van, I would be fine if you used Redgard or Hydroban or (?) and just apply 2 coats an be done.

The layout is such that the pan serves as the curb right?

Treat the gap between the CBU and the base per directions.

Jaz