DIY shower base-- prefab vs built on site?

last year

Remodling and expanding a tiny bathroom on a budget for my son and need to install a shower. Plan is for a 36" "neo angle" enclosure with tiled walls on two sides and glass for the other three (every couple of inches we can save counts).

Last time I built a shower it was a long time ago and done by now outmoded methods-- a lead pan on a packed mortar base. Last I heard it was still performing just fine decades later

Looking around at newer options I'm debating whether to use the Kerdi-Schluter system as it's similar to what I've done before and I'm pretty confident that I can get it right, or to go with a pre-formed pre-sloped base like Tile Redi or the Kerdi Shower. Part of the consideration is that I'm older than I used to be and I still remember that doing a packed mortar base was a lot of hard work! Ending up with something that is very solid under foot is key-- hate tubs and showers that flex.

If anyone has experience in installing these various systems and an opinion as to which is easier and most likely to be successful I'd appreciate hearing about it.

I'm planning to use the Kerdi membrane on the walls as I have zero confidence in the long term performance of the painted on coatings (no data, just a gut level distrust), and had good results using it for several tub surrounds in the past.

Featured Answer

PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

last year

Follow the Kerdi instructions; you can't fail.

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Comments (9)

mojavemaria
last year
We used tile ready for a shower and it was a little pricy but simpler than building and waterproofing one. We’ve had no problems with it, it drains well and the tiles are still stuck down.
rwiegand thanked mojavemaria
Theresa Peterson
last year
First, do you have any option to remove that angle? A 36" shower is already summer-camp sized, and the angle will really cut into your space.

Second, definitely go with the pre-made shower pan. It will FOR SURE be solid and properly angled, and you won't rely (hope) on the experience /ability of your installer. It'll feel better under-foot. It'll clean more easily and will last longer.
rwiegand thanked Theresa Peterson
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rwiegand
Original Author
last year
The shower currently in that bathroom is only 26" square so 36 is going to feel cavernous for him (impossible to bend over and reach your feet nside the shower). He's tried showers that size out a showroom and is happy with the corner cut. We need it for clearance to the toilet.

I'm the installer, so experience/ability is definitely in question ;-) Fortunately I both understand physics and tend to err on the side of over-doing most things, especially waterproofing.
PRO
StarCraft Custom Builders
last year
You will like the Kerdi system. It's very nearly foolproof.

But, do yourself the favor of taking the Kerdi course. It usually offered at local tile suppliers.

If you can't find one, Kerdi has lots of videos on line that are very instructive. Youtube.com also has a lot of installer-produced videos that are helpful.
rwiegand thanked StarCraft Custom Builders
HU-951852643
last year
Neoangle doesn't work well with preformed foam pans not designed for angles. There is too much to cut off and make the drain placement work. You are better off with one of the plastic kits with the walls that snap on to the plastic base.
rwiegand thanked HU-951852643
ci_lantro
last year
I would go with a Tile Redi pan. Like the look of Wilsonart Wet Wall if you aren't 100% sold on tile walls. Gotta' agree with the negative comments about the neo angle shower. I showered in one only one time and knew that I would never ever install one.
rwiegand thanked ci_lantro
Seabornman
last year
I used a fiberglass (or plastic, maybe) pan , set in mortar. It's real solid. It came in a kit with the glass and hardware.
rwiegand thanked Seabornman
rwiegand
Original Author
last year
Sounds like we should see if we can squeeze the 36" square shower in. As I said, he's used to an absurdly small (aka old European hotel style) shower.