Best shower pan
#1
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Best shower pan
Remodeling existing shower. Going with ceramic tile. What is the best (regardless of cost) shower pan material for the pan? Any tips on installation?
#2
The pan is made up from a rubber membrane. Then mortar and tile.
Make sure you chose your contractor wisely. I have seen some horror stories.
Are you going to DIY?
Make sure you chose your contractor wisely. I have seen some horror stories.
Are you going to DIY?
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Not DIY. Plumber not available to install pan for a few days. Tile contractor says he's installed 5 or 6 pans. Volunteered he uses rubber membrane. Not pushed to complete this job. It's a spare bathroom. Debating whether I should wait for plumber or roll the dice on tile guy.
#4
I would wait a few extra days for someone who has done more than just a few pans. Any mistakes will result in having to redo the whole thing. Not something I'd want to do more than once.
Mike/others, what are your thoughts on the Schluter-KERDI system? It's a dense foam used as the pan, with an orange waterproof membrane. All the rage on some contractor-type TV shows. Looks easier to install and a better end result, but I've never used one.
Mike/others, what are your thoughts on the Schluter-KERDI system? It's a dense foam used as the pan, with an orange waterproof membrane. All the rage on some contractor-type TV shows. Looks easier to install and a better end result, but I've never used one.
#5
I was going to mention the Schluter system, but got distracted. Completely waterproof, no need for cement board or moisture barriers, install right over sheetrock. Relatively easy to install...no real special skills required. Costly...well...maybe 1/3-1/2 more than typical installs. Materials cost is higher...but labor goes way down due to the speed of install.
I've seen reviews on many sites...some Pro's were reluctant, because it was new stuff (though used in Canada and other places for years), but once they tried it...they were hooked.
Sand mix and membrane is pretty cheap...but if the installer makes just a little mistake (slope, sealing, corners, etc), it has to all be ripped out to correct the problem. Those are learned skills as opposed to just reading the very detailed instructions from Schluter.
I've seen reviews on many sites...some Pro's were reluctant, because it was new stuff (though used in Canada and other places for years), but once they tried it...they were hooked.
Sand mix and membrane is pretty cheap...but if the installer makes just a little mistake (slope, sealing, corners, etc), it has to all be ripped out to correct the problem. Those are learned skills as opposed to just reading the very detailed instructions from Schluter.
#6
Mike/others, what are your thoughts on the Schluter-KERDI system?
Wait I looked it up...
Amazon.com: Schluter Systems: Tools & Home Improvement
Hmm , seems it may take on an additional $1000 or so in materials. Then essentially you are in a sense tiling twice so double the labor if you are highering a contractor.
Would it be fair to say cost may run an additional $2000? ( just my guesstimate)
Possible to meet on a budget stand point just do the pan and install the walls in the conventional way...
Just my thoughts.
Last edited by lawrosa; 12-18-12 at 02:25 PM.
#7
Looks to be around $500
Kerdi Shower System Kit (48"x48" tray), Schluter-Kerdi-Shower-Kit - eComfort.com
I've seen it used on some TV shows and it does look great. I'd try it on my next shower.
Kerdi Shower System Kit (48"x48" tray), Schluter-Kerdi-Shower-Kit - eComfort.com
I've seen it used on some TV shows and it does look great. I'd try it on my next shower.
#8
Don't use your plumber to set the pan, he can set the drain but that's it. If you go with a membrane and traditional mud set pan, you want to have a double slope. One for the pan membrane to slope toward the drain, another for the tile to slope toward the drain. Two sets of concrete/floor mud done on subsequent days with a flood test in between. Quiz your tile guy to see if the couple of pans he has done resemble the instructions in the following link. It will give you the upper hand as far as knowledge as you choose a contractor to install your shower.
How to build a shower - Building a shower pan with pre-sloped mortar bed, liner and curb.
How to build a shower - Building a shower pan with pre-sloped mortar bed, liner and curb.