I had a shower kit installed with no subfloring. It has now started to leak. I did a little fix,…but now have decided to replace it. I would like to put in a shower pan and tile the entire shower. Is this a good idea?
I had a shower kit installed with no subfloring. It has now started to leak. I did a little fix,…but now have decided to replace it. I would like to put in a shower pan and tile the entire shower. Is this a good idea?
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Replies
It's a good idea if you know how to do it and do it right, which means starting by getting a good substrate on adequate framing support, a proper drain installed correctly, a preslope, a membrane properly installed and tested, waterproofing on the shower walls, a tile backer on the walls and then tile, with careful layout around valves and fixtures...and grout...and sealers....
If you hire it done, get hooked up with a tile guy who knows how to do it and has a good track record....your tile supplier can probably give referrals.
I've done a few of these; my first one was as a DIYer and it took me awhile.
But, while it's not rocket science, you have to pay attention to details and be prepared to buy (or rent) some specialty tools and get yourself educated before you start.
I don't mean to discourage you....my first one came out fine....but it is a bit more involved than an ordinary tile job.
The upside of a custom shower is that you can be really creative and make your shower a place that's fun to be in. Mine is built with hand-picked river stone, little alcoves for soap and shampoo and stuff and a perch for my parrot who also likes showers.
Good luck!
Derome-
After dealing with the flooring issue, I recommend a pre-built shower pan. I have built one (full mud pan) and it's alot of work. Bonsal makes one, and I think you just bring your rock board down to it, then tile over the whole deal. Has the built-in 1/4" to the foot slope. Also check out the Better Bench if you want a bench in the shower. They also make a nice premade cubby for shampoo etc. Seems a good way to go.. we are going to do that in a house we will be building soon.
good luck
Johnny
Edited 2/27/2005 1:53 pm ET by achome
Hi Derome.
Don't let notchman scare you. As long as you pay attention to details, you can easily build your own shower pan...and the cost of this pan is about $100 in materials compared to the $300 to $400 for a store-bought, pre-made cement board shower pan.
To learn how to do it, buy yourself a copy of BLACK & DECKER's Complete Guide To Bathrooms....this book can be found at Lowes and HD and other places. The ISBN # is 1-58923-062-0
Turn to page 148 in this book and start reading....plenty of real life photos and text to coach you through the process. If after reading this chapter, it seems too complicated for you, then at least you know. Book retails for around $25....a very good investment.
Davo