We would like to avoid the look that the usual shower basin creates (not very elegant) and would like to simply tile the floor with a slant toward the drain– a “walk-in shower”. What are the concerns about the floor being leak-proof? The shower will be the entire end of an 81/2 x 16 bath with a wall that is 51/2 long to deliniate the shower and no door. Will this work?? Any suggestions for what to use for tile, especially for easy cleaning and good cost value?
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
The best tool for straight, splinter-free cuts is made even better without a cord.
Featured Video
SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than BeforeHighlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Unless you have considerable experience with DIY projects, this is one that should be done by a remodeling contractor.
What you describe is quite possible -- even common in high-end homes. But if the floor joists and the subflooring were not designed for the slope that you need (with no curb to step over), then the changes could be tricky (and expensive).
As to the choice of tile and fixtures, you and your contractor should visit a Ferguson's and a Daltile. These are nationwide chains that supply high end fixtures, and tile.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
This is not a DIY project and has been discussed on this BB many times before. Do a search for the other threads. The problem is that this type of installation turns the entire floor into a shower pan, and the entire floor must be pitched to the drain. So it is likely that at the door of the bath there will be a rather large step up; or the entire flooring system has to be taken down to the joists and the floor lowered.
This type of installation is very common in Europe. The typicall call out for the membrane is a product called "Kerdi" by Schulter.
You are looking at $20K-50K for this bath. The Kerdi alone will run you close to $1,000. And you haven't even done the structural stuff yet.
Hope you have good jobs.
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
I have a shower very much like the one you describe. It is 7 ft. by 6 ft. and is full tile and has no shower door. I also have one wall of glass block. I mounted 2 towel racks in the shower and they do not get wet when I shower. I have 3 walls and the celing tiled. I know it did not cost $20,000 or anything like it. The bathroom is on the first floor with a full basement below. There is no special support below and so far no problems. (2 years old) The shower is beautiful and the "gee wiz" part of the house. All the tiling in the house 1 1/2 baths laundry floor and full backsplash in the kitchen cost $8,500. I know because the builder complained. The floor has 2 in. x 2 in. tiles and the walls and celing have 6 in. x 8 in. tiles with decorative strip of tiles. There is about a 3 inch step up into the shower including the marble threshold. My builder was so impressed with the finished project he brought his wife to see it. She is Japanese. When she saw it, she asked "why is it it so big?" I told her we have a tradition here similar to the japanese group baths. Whenever our friends come over we all take a shower together.
It is doable and in Florida, (I'm in PA.) it is done all the time. Big selling item.
Dennis
If this shower has a curb it is not the European type where the floor is the shower floor. That curb makes the cost difference and really cuts down the expense. The floor no longer has to be pitched.
Regards,
Boris
"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934
Dennis,
It sounds like your shower is part of a new home. Kristen sounds like she wants to put such a shower into an existing home. There would be a considerable cost difference between those two situations.
In your case, the house framing was built to accomodate the shower in the first place.
In Kristen's case, the structure of the house is going to need some adjustment, possibly with a lot of difficulty.
Edit: I see in another thread that Kristen is building new, so....
Rich Beckman
Another day, another tool.
Edited 3/10/2004 6:56 pm ET by Rich Beckman
Here is an example of a curbless shower, tho with a curtain. Built accessible for it's occupant. Knew not of the kerdi membrane at the time. Was built new as a part of an addition. Joists were blocked narrowed in the shower enclosure, slope dry packed to the drain. Curtain contains water from the rest of the durock floor and walls. Small tiles in the floor make an easy transition to the slope. Tile on walls, your choice. No idea of cost, tile installer contracted with the homowner. 10 or so years later am swapping laminate (on plywood) on the counter as bleach stained the forest green plam. Go figger.
best of luck.
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time
sorry, pic didn't load. Maybe this time.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time