Comments on: Schluter Shower System

By: Ethan

Ethan — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 22:34:07 +0000

@Richard, I didn’t have access to the waste pipes from below either. So we just cut out a portion of the subfloor to give the plumber a little room to work. He reorganized the waste pipe a little and extended it. Then we replaced the piece of subfloor. Bottom line: couldn’t have done it without calling a plumber.

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 20:32:42 +0000

I’m beginning a complete bathroom remodel, and will probably go with the “Schluter Shower System” for all the reasons all of you have mentioned. My only concern is the Kerdi drain. As the bathroom is on the second floor I don’t have easy access to the drain waste pipes from below. The instructions for the drain seem a little complicated. Anyone have any thoughts or experience with the kerdi drain system?

By: Gene

Gene — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 17:30:23 +0000

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.

By: Ethan

Ethan — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 16:19:04 +0000

@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.

By: modernemama

modernemama — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:26:00 +0000

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.

By: Todd

Todd — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:17:55 +0000

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!