BillyBob's Steam Shower Project

[macbillybob]

Starting this project thread on the advise of CX.

I am building a steam shower in a 3'x6' space. Removed an old (and very pretty) baby blue fiberglass tub/shower enclosure. This started out just to be a shower and has grown to the steam shower project with bodysprays and a corner seat.

I have sloped the ceiling 6" (width is 3').
Insulated the wood framed walls. (pulled off the kraft vapor barrier, or put slits in it)
I had started with Hardibacker but only had a couple of sheets up when I decided to do Kerdi (bought JBs Kerdi shower book, well worth the price)

First question. I already had green rock when I read that it is not necessary and does no good. Is it a bad thing? I would like to go ahead and use it if it is not a problem. Not worth taking back to HD. The cost difference is minimal since this is only a 3'x6' enclosure. (plus it is perrrty, think I could use in the bathroom and not have to paint)

Thanks for the space to share my ramblings.

[muskymike]

Hi macbillybob, welcome! Gotta first name we can use? You can leave the green board, you are covering it with Kerdi in the shower right? If the area is outside the shower no problem. Tile right on it.

[macbillybob]

Got a first name? I've got two first names. In Texas you have to have two names.

Actually I go by Bill, but have been called many other things.

I will be ordering Kerdi from Tile-experts it looks like. I am assuming I need the following items. Roll of Kerdi, Drain, inside corners, outside corners, band and some kerdi fix.

I will be have to build a mud floor (odd shape)

2x2 on the floor
6x6 on the walls
4x4 on the ceilings (diag)
All porcelain

Is that going to be wierd looking?

1 niche, and 1 corner bench

Looking at Mr. Steam for the generator.

Thanks again for all input.

[muskymike]

Hi Bill, I think it will look fine. You could use the 6x6 on the ceiling if you wanted to.

[macbillybob]

Here is a pic of the shower floor. I have some left over paving stones from a patio project. These look like they would work for the curb. Any comments?

I am going to move the drain more to the center of the space. Closer to the seat. Install a Kerdi drain, then do the floor. The furthest point from the drain will be just over 3', in the corner (bottom right of pic, near date). I am assuming that will make my slope about an 1" plus the 1 1/4 at the drain. Does this look like a correct calculation?

[muskymike]

Hi Bill, the bricks will be fine for the curb, just wrap them with the Kerdi. Use some thinset to set them to the concrete.

[macbillybob]

This is a steam shower and I have insulated the walls with unfaced insulation. Should I insulate the ceiling? I have installed new joists (12" oc) for the slope. The old ceiling is above (see pic). It is insulated. The hole is from the old exhaust fan, planning on closing that in and reinsulating the attic area.

[muskymike]

Yes, insulate the ceiling.

[cx]

Welcome, Billybob. Good to have a proper Texas name.

What Mike said.

On that slab you don't need 1 1/4" of mud under the drain flange. The spacers that will come with your Kerdi drain kit will space it at about 3/4" or a bit less. That's what I would recommend.

Lots of insulation is good for a steam shower. I'm still working to get my head around the use of sheetrock behind the Kerdi for a steam shower. I know it's done, but............. You're correct that the MR board won't give you any advantage over regular sheetrock, though. But there's no reason not to use it under the Kerdi as far as the Kerdi is concerned.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[John Bridge]

Welcome aboard, Bill.

Gotta have two front names in Texas, eh? Well, call me John Boy.

I can't tell whether your floor is concrete or wood. if it's wood I wouldn't use the bricks. I'd go to 2x4s or 2x6s. Reason is there's no good way to anchor bricks to a wood subfloor . . . and there's no fear of moisture coming into the curb from the slab.

Other than that, I think you're on track. You don't need a whole roll of Kerdi from Tile Experts unless it's one of the smaller rolls. The ones I get are 323 square feet, though, way more than you need for one shower.

[macbillybob]

I grew up in the Panhandle and all guys had two names. Probably because there were too many Garys, Billys, Jimmys.....

The floor is concrete.

I have calculated the square footage of the shower. What factor should I use for overlap, waste etc??? I am looking at about 180 sf (generous). This is for ceiling, walls , floor and bench.

i guess the guys at tile-experts can answer these question.

Thanks

[John Bridge]

I think they might have a 200-square foot roll. No sure, though. They will cut whatever you need, though. As I said, the regular roll is 323 square feet. And at over a buck and a half you could end up with a rather expensive tarp to cover your very small boat with.

Answer: 200 will do it.

[cx]

They have a 20-meter roll that will give you about 216 square feet.

Yes, the guys there at Tile Experts can answer many question.


Some correctly.

[macbillybob]

Question... Setting some plumbing valves. Is this a correct assumption.

Measuring from the framing, 1/2" for drywall, 1/8 for Kerdi and thinset, 1/2" for tile (3/8" thick tile) and thinset.

Total 1 1/8".... or should I plan on more than 1/8" for the Kerdi? I think I saw somewhere in the forum to allow 1/8

[muskymike]

Hi Bill, an 1" to an 1 1/8" will be fine.