Schluter Shower System
Last winter, I finished remodeling my master bathroom. What started out as a plan to replace the vanity quickly became an entirely new bathroom. What happened? One day into the work we discovered mold growing on parts of the drywall behind the sink, and a small leak.
But let’s cut to the chase. Once the bathroom had been gutted and we began to prep for the new tile, Jocie and I heard about the Schluter Shower System. Basically, it is a kit that provides materials for waterproofing and grading your new shower.
The Kerdi membrane is a polyethylene mat used to waterproof your shower. It goes up similar to wall paper using a thin set mortar and is rather easy to install. They even provide pre-fab corners for the tough spots. The only stipulations are to maintain a two inch overlap and keep it as wrinkle free as possible.
When this was demonstrated for contractors, they lined a cardboard box and filled it with water. Six hours later, the box was still dry. Another big plus: even if water gets past the tile, the membrane will channel that water to the drain. No more mold for me!
The other major advantage to this kit was the pre-sloped shower tray. This eliminated having to poor concrete and try to slope the floor myself. It’s lightweight and also goes down on a bed of mortar.
My shower is 5 foot long (used to be a tub) about 30 inches deep and tiled 7 feet high. The kit (membrane, corners, shower tray, curb and drain) cost me about $470 from a local distributor.
What do you think? Is it worth the cost? Is poring a shower floor easier than I think? Has anyone else used these products?
Image courtesy of Tina Lawson
July 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Schluter products are great! I’ve used their floor underlayment products several times and it’s the only product I’d use now. Great post!
July 25th, 2008 at 10:26 am
I’ve been wanting to hear about re-modelers’ experience with the Kerdi system because it seems like a winner to me. In NY hot-mopping a shower base is still considered the gold standard and I have real problems with this method. I went with a good quality mti-whirlpool base in my last bath remodel simply to avoid the hot mop job. That was a whole lot more $$$ than $470!
I also think it would cost me more to pay someone to build a traditional shower base than this and I expect the Kerdi to have less problems with failure down the line. I’m glad I waited until this system was available before starting on the master shower as it gives me the option to have a tiled base with a simpler install.
July 25th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
@Modernemama, I’ve had a great experience with the Kerdi membrane. It was recommended by a contractor I know who helped me install it. I had my shower tiled by another contractor who recognized it right away and had only positive things to say when I asked his opinion.
July 25th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
I haven’t used one of the systems so I can’t compare. I used concrete backerboard, with a manually cut vinyl membrane on the floor, lower walls and curb. Making a graded floor for under the membrane was easy enough. I figured out where the top would be on each wall based on a constant slope (1/4″ per foot) from the drain and drew lines. The only thing I didn’t like about the whole process is the adhesive for the membrane is *nasty*. Even with ventilation going and a filtered mask, I got a bit light-headed working with it.
The Kerdi stuff looks pretty nice to work with. If I ever do a custom shower again (not likely any time soon) I’ll look into it.