I am replacing an all-in-one shower unit with a tile shower. This is on a concrete slab. I am considering using an acrylic shower pan, rather than building a mud pan. I was wondering if I could simply use Redguard or something similar to waterproof the floor (along with cement board for the walls), and then tile the floor directly on top of the waterproofing?
Also, could I use uncoupling membrane instead of waterproofing on the floor, and tile on top of the membrane?
Replies
Laticrete Hydroban is amazing stuff. I use it for all my showers, bonds to just about anything and is 100% waterproof. They use the stuff for tiled swimming pools. You will need a pitched floor to the drain, so probably need a pan of some sort. Within the Hydroban line they sell pans as well. It’s not cheap stuff, but with the ease of application and waterproofing qualities it’s well worth it. Hydroban also acts as crack isolation. Can’t say enough about the stuff!
An acrylic pan is already waterproof. It is also a poor (not to mention wasteful) substrate to tile over. If you want to tile the floor, than there are many options. I'd recommend a Schluter Kerdi system for pre-sloped deck and surface waterproofing. Install video readily available online if you've never done one.