i am installing a 5ft by 6ft shower room in my new addition. i was wondering what would be better to use- a mortar bed (with vinyl lining as discussed in an issue of fine homebuilding back in 1991) or have a fiberglass contractor come in and do a fiberglass bed. Any and all suggestions and hints are definitely appreciated.
thanks walt
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Replies
A few years ago, I installed a custom shower pan made from solid-surface material (Similar to Corian). The treshold, sides and flanges were all integral. It was pretty expensive, but simple to install and made a very neat shower.
Al Mollitor, Sharon, MA
As Al said....there are some nice solid surface pans. I prefere tile in mud though.
Just a personal preference. Plastic pans totally suc. You'll hate that choice compared to stone under yer bare toesies.
Be floored
Namaste
andy
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Pre-sloped base. Your choice how you do that. CPE liner. Then mortar base to accept the tile.
Im currently in progress of installing one of two built-in shower stalls for two different clients. Im using the Schluter system which I completely swear by. The system consists of a mortar bed with an intergral drain flange and a polyethelene waterproof membrane that is used over the cured mortar and up the shower walls. The membrane can be installed over drywall, but I prefer Hardi-backer cement board. The shower base and walls are then tiled. Im certain other products could be installed versus tile as well. http://www.schluter.com/. I havnt taken photos, but intend to with my digital camera. Schluter has a video tape and cd rom available.
I was speaking with a tech rep from Schluter Thursday and learned some things. They've just come out with a pre-formed foam drain pan mold. Create a 2" recess in the slab--no slope necessary--plop in the drain pan form, and cover with Kerdi membrane. They say you don't even need a plumber for the drain. Also, the membrane can be coated with appropriate plaster, if you prefer that to tile. That works well for some of our curved surfaces.