Building Shower Curb Using Durock And Then Sealing Screws With Contact Cement

[6mopregnant]

I'm 6 mo pregnant and trying to get our master bath back together before #2 arrives. I'm having a hard time finding a contractor that will pour the base and float a curb for me. (I'm comfortable in my ability to tile, but not lay mortar.) The contractor that I'm considering working with says that he has never had a problem covering the curb with the membrane then applying Durock over the curb and sealing the screws with contact cement. I've read the articles on this forum and also Michael Byrne's book, and I know that floating a curb from mortar is best. However, given my situation, I'm considering going with this contractor. Tell me, am I going down a disasterous road? Please tell me.

Thanks

BTW...He's going to build the curb with pressure-treated 2x4s; Install the rubber membrane and test for water-tightness 24 hours prior to pouring the concrete shower base; Pouring 3" of concrete sloping towards the drain

[ChrisIL]

Hi, 6mopregnant, welcome to the forum. Got a first name we can call you? I presume you aren't always 6 months pregnant.

Tell me, am I going down a disasterous road?

Yes.

His plan to leak test, then penetrate the liner with screws completely defeats the purpose of leak testing. Floating the curb should be well within the ability of any competent tile contractor.

Take a look at this article here, and if needed print a copy for your contractor.

Also, his plan is messed up on a couple of other things. Pressure treated lumber too moist for use as a shower curb. You need kiln dried dimensional lumber. Deck mud used for the preslope is different from concrete. Look at the article on deck mud in the Liberry, here. .

[6mopregnant]

Thanks for the response. I live in Washington DC, and I'm having a really tough time finding a competent contractor to do this piece of the work. Any advice on how to find someone? I haven't had any luck with referrals so far. The guy I reference above was actually a referral from a friend and Union Hardware in Bethesda (an upscale bath/kitchen hardware store).

[Mike2]

Hi pg. How about a first name? Even making one up will do.

If that contractor doesn't know how to do one of the basics of all basics like floating a curb, then continue looking.

We have a few experts here from the DC area. I'll see if I can get you some help to locate the right person.


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P.S. Boy, girl, or surprise?

[6mopregnant]

Thanks Mike. My name is Mary, and it's a boy. We already have a 21-mo old girl, so finding the time to look for someone who knows what they are doing is proving to be a challenge. I'd appreaciate any help you can provide. I'm looking for someone who would be willing to install the rubber membrane, pour the mortar floor and float the curb. I plan on doing the tiling myself at night after our daughter is asleep.

The shower is 36" x 48", and there is a 21" knee wall separating the shower from the neighboring vanity. As a result I need to float a 27" curb.

[Mike2]

Lucky Mom. Girl then a boy, back to back. I have daughter with 2 son's (1 & 3 years) who now is going through that, "Should we try one more time for a girl?" thing...again.

P.S. I sent a message to one of our experts (and regulars) from the DC area. He's probably working right now but if he logs in tonight, I'm sure he will stop with some thoughts.

By the way, nice to meet you, Mary.

[Shaughnn]

Hey Mike,
What ever happened to Airborne? Isn't he in Washington D.C.?
Shaughnn

[Mike2]

Seems like there's at least one or two pros in the DC area besides Rob. I'm thinking he'll know who they are. The only Airborne I'm familiar with around here is from Nebraska.

If we don't get some action on this one in the next day, probably best to move the entire thread over to the Pro Hangout.

[Shaughnn]

Yeah, I was mistaken about Airborne. I thought he was in D.C. but I was thinking of someone else.
Rob should know a couple of numbers.
Shaughnn

Hi Mary,

Where do you live in DC?

We are working right now in Chevy Chase, just off of Western and Beach Drive.

[6mopregnant]

Hi Rob,

We live in NW DC. If your interested in helping us out, I'd love to learn more about your company.

Mary