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
Learn how to patch drywall above a fiberglass shower without totally redoing everything.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
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
In his first interview since the stroke, Ram Dass, 66, spoke with great difficulty about how his brush with death has changed his ideas about aging, and how the recent loss of two old friends, Timothy Leary and Allen Ginsberg, has convinced him that now, more than ever, is the time to ``Be Here Now.''
http://CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM
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.