If it was me i would use the schluter shower system and follow the instructions perfectly it is a great system and IMO the best.

Quick and easy DIY friendly is to buy a Kerdi kit and trim the pan to fit your custom size. Not a big deal at all. They sell a 60"x60". It will have everything you need, and there are dozens of YouTube videos from the company and others showing you how it should be done. Amateurs should not be building a mud pack pre slope. They always get it wrong.

Can i still build my own curb out and use the Kerdi pan and drain?

Looking at the Kerdi is quite expensive and the dimensions of my custom shower dont seem to work with the dimensions of the Kerdi Pan

Why are you so set on skipping the liner? Always cheaper to do it right than redo it.

What are the dimensions of your shower? Screwing something up as vital as proper waterproofing is a VERY expensive mistake. Kerdi is fast, and relatively easy. That counts for a whole lot in DIY. You sound inexperienced enough to not understand that. Don't be penny wise and pound foolish.

Its 31.5" x 58.75". I am definitely inexperienced in the shower building department and that's exactly why I'm reaching out to get the proper info. I looked more into Kerdi that I can buy a pan that's 48" x 72" and cut it down to size, i think they'll work well for me. Question is do I have to use the Kerdi membrane fabric? or Do you think I can use laticrete fabric and use hydro ban or aquadefense.

to answer the skipping the liner question.

I know liners are difficult to install and a little error can cause a big issue, I'm not looking to skip the liner, rather looking for alternatives on how to do it. I know everyone has their own way of doing things. Just looking for advice.

Mixing components from different manufacturers will not only result in less than ideal performance, it will virtually void any warranty claims should problems arise down the road (as will failing to use all of the recommended products within the same line/brand). For example, we needed a new roof a few years ago and chose GAF Timberline HD shingles. They're beautiful shingles with a great warranty, but since the roofing company didn't install the required membrane (or even a drip edge, for that matter), that warranty is useless. If only I'd know then what I know now.

Yeah, I've read extensively on the warranties and that if guidelines aren't followed as per the manufacturer the warranty will void. But granted everything is followed per manufacturer specs and something fails, how likely is the manufacturer to reimburse for the damage? Just thinking logically and from experience with other products, manufacturers are going to fight to prove that they are right and you did something wrong one way or another. Just my two cents on that issue.

Just use ONE system and stick to it. It's really that simple. The product engineers have already taken the guesswork out of it for you, so why mess around?

You have an issue. You need 1/2". More would be better. You need to be able to fit a 30" circle under the shower head. That requires 32" of width. More is better.

Buy a 36"x60" Kerdi kit, and 100% follow the instructions with zero deviation. You don't know enough to try to reinvent the wheel. And you should not even try.

Hello D Zak!

Aquadefense is approved by IAPMO for use as a shower pan liner, but be sure to check your local building codes, as some areas of the country still require the PVC liner.

After installing your mud bed, make sure it is fully cured before applying Aquadefense. A good rule of thumb is 24 hours per inch of thickness, then one more day on top of that to be sure. If you choose to use Aquadefense as a shower pan liner, be sure to continue it up the walls at least 6", tying into your waterproofing on the walls.

Once all that is completed and the Aquadefense has dried, you can install your tile with a polymer modified mortar meeting the ANSI requirements of A118.4 or A118.11. If installing large format tiles (over 15"), be sure to give the Aquadefense at least 8 hours to cure first.

MAPEI makes products for each step of the remodel process, giving you a single source solution, and only one phone number to call if you need assistance!
Please feel free to reach out to our Product Support Team at 1-800-992-6273 if you need anything.

I would steer you away from the Kerdi system. USG is nearly triple the density, less $$$, same installation procedure, no washers or patches, much better drain, membrane so much easier to work with plus .08 perm. rating. Custom trays made to your shower, any shape shipped to place of purchase in 5 days. The longest I've waited was 7. I have not been in an orange shower since I tried it.

You can't sandwich mud between two waterproofing layers as you suggest... that has the potential to trap moisture and create a mold issue in case the upper waterproofing fails. For the two showers I built, I opted for a PVC liner and don't regret it. But I know some people do their mud slope and then put a paintable membrane on top of it (not one on it and one below it). Kerdi gets lots of fans, but it is expensive, and if you have a large shower, the cost can add up. But the methods you suggest aren't going to work. I'd suggest heading over to the John Bridge tile forums and libraries for lots and lots of expert help on how to do it right the first time.

To add to what Creative Tile said, USG has a much better warranty.

Another vote for USG's new durock shower system, it plays nice with concrete pans/curbs as well

@ Tundra. Nice clean job!

Excellent thread. I've been trying to figure out how to approach a tiled shower and it looks like USG is the solution.

We found our local tile store that markets the USG system to be very helpful. They took us down to Charlotte for a demonstration and discussion with the manufacturer before we used the product. The tile store and the manufacturer both offered to have a representative on-site to assist/oversee our first install to make sure everything would be done correctly for warranty purposes. Nice to see a company willing to do this.