While traveling in Ireland, I stayed at a B&B that had a wonderful pea gravel and epoxy shower base. The pea gravel was just proud of the epoxy so that the shower was easy to clean but you still had very good traction. And the base was comfortable to stand on. I’d like to duplicate that in my home. Concrete slab construction. Has anyone tried something like this? What epoxy would work? Thanks.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Source control, ventilation, and filtration are the keys to healthy indoor air quality. Dehumidification is important too.
Featured Video
How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post CornersHighlights
"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
West System or System Three - either would work. People build boats out of both (I've built four), so 30 minutes of water each day is no problem.
Their instructions are very clear and easy to follow. RTFB!!! There is the issue of heat buildup in such a large "pour". Usually epoxy goes on like a thick coat of paint over fiberglass clothe so the heat doesn't build (once you get it out of the mixing pot). But you can easily do multiple pours, 1/8" thick each. First one and let it solidfy but still be tacky. Spread your pea gravel and do 3 more pours.
Two-part epoxys like these aren't cheap ($50/gallon?) but are much easier to work with polyester resins.
http://www.systemthree.com
It sounds like what is called "river rock" around here. It was all the rage for pool decks for 10 years or so before better products came along. It is porous which is why it was favored for pool decks,it's really tough on your feet and is a regular greenhouse for mold and mildew. Here is a website for a company that still sells it.
http://www.decostone.com/index2.html
You can get epoxy grout as well, but it depends on the "look" you are looking for...
Billy
Sounds like exposed aggregate work to me.
I have done ex ag two ways. One way was to "seed" the top surface of the fresh pour with the deco gravel, the other was to make the whole mix with the good stuff.
Either way, we screed the top off when wet, all nice and flush, then wait the appropriate time, and water-wash away the "cream."
I would feel OK doing this in a shower base, only if I could wash the cream from the spray-off right down the drain. I would want the drain not connected yet below, and just have my wash-off go to a bucket or can.
Wouldn't want to run cement down my permanant drains.
A couple of coats of clear waterproofing sealer, and regular maintenance, should keep it looking good and working just fine.
Thanks for the input. I think you might be right - it might be a haven for mold and mildew. I'll see if there's some new product in Europe that works well, because I also saw the same surface in some of the high end kitchen and bath shops in London.
Andy