Walk-in Shower in New Slab Home

[run2jeepn]

Thank you Dan

[run2jeepn]

So I planned on using 12x24 and making cuts, but thought this Hexagon might be easier to lay.

This tile is rough 9in Hexagon. I have a few questions before I mix up my mortar and start laying.

1. The gap underneath the tile around the drain. Do I just fill this with mortar?

2. There are a few tile that teeter a little around where the Kerdi drain bands edge is. I must have a small about of build up. I'm thinking I can float it though. What size trowel would be best for these?

3. My last question is about Spacers. I've been using the spin on caps that lever aswell. But do I need to worry about those puncturing the Kerdi pan when I hit them to snap them off?

[cx]

Awfully big tiles for a shower floor, Jarod. I wouldn't be surprised if you have some lippage problems.

1. Yes.

2. See above.

3. Don't know which ones you're using, but I've not heard of that being a problem. But, then, I don't think I've ever seen anyone use tiles that size and shape on a center-drain shower floor, either, nor have I seen lippage control systems used on center-drain shower floors.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[run2jeepn]

I wanted to try the 12x24 tile with relief cuts like this. But I thought it might be a little slick and more grout lines would be safer.

I have a few dents in my Kerdi pan from my knees when I put it in. I didn't notice I was doing it. There not bad at all and pretty small, but I tried one time to float some 2in Mosaic to meet up with some. Thicker tile. I couldn't get it to lay flat or keep the mortar from just mashing up between. So I'm hesitant trying them again. But I think I was going about it the wrong way.

[ss3964spd]

Jarod, attempting to install large, flat tile onto a bowl shaped surface will result in what you're seeing; the tile will rock and you'll have lippage. Rocking/lippage, and a lack of traction is why smaller tile for a shower floor is recommended. Small format tile will conform to the bowl shaped shower pan much better, and the numerous grout lines aid traction.

Installing a 2" mosaic without excessive mortar squeezing into the joints really comes down to selecting the right size trowel, and carefully placing the sheets to minimize having to slide them into position. When I installed my (roughly) 2X2 inch, 3/8" thick shower floor tile I used a 1/4" square notched trowel, positioned the sheets carefully, and bedded the tile with a foam grout float. Worked really well. If you do get some mortar in the joints try to wait for an hour or so before cleaning it out; the mortar will stiffen up in that hour and it'll be easier to clean from the joints.

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

Just put the relief cuts in the hex tiles like the photo you show in post 34. That'll work just fine.

That 12x24 tile looks slick. The hex tiles look like they have a texture to them. When you look up technical information from the tile manufacturer, do they list a DCOF number?

[run2jeepn]

Said the DCOF is greater then .42

[run2jeepn]

Ok So I returned the Hexagon tile and bought some 2in Mosaic that pretty much matched the Hexagon color.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/American-Ol...ile/1000314037

[cx]

Good move, Jarod.

Keep in mind that the DCOF was developed as a test "for ceramic tiles for level interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet." It is not intended to evaluate tiles on a sloped floor covered in running water contaminated with various soaps and oils and walked upon in bare feet. Shower floor tiles will be slippery when wet. Period. Some will be more slippery than others. The more grout joints you have, the less likely your feet are to slide.

Not to mention that the smaller tiles will fit better on a compound slope without excessive lippage.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[run2jeepn]

Whats the best way to fill that gap around the drain under the tile? Those larger tile it would have been easy. With the Mosaic ones. Won't they sink in? Or should I mix a tiny batch up and prefill that void. Have that set up first?

[ss3964spd]

Those will make your life much easier, Jarod.

Yes, you can fill the divots and such with thinset mortar, so long as the depth of the divots and such are not excessive., and I don't imagine they are. I would allow the fills to cure for several hours so to don't end up raking any of the fill out when you start setting the tile.

[run2jeepn]

Thanks Dan,


I'm ordering a new Blade for the wet saw. Going to try the P4 7in.

Whats a good polishing pad either by hand or with a 4in Grinder from Amazon?

Looking to clean the edges of the porcelain after cutting. Want to dull the sharp edges and clean up any chipping from cutting.

I can pick up a Cheap Variable Speed Grinder if thats better.

[cx]

Usually all you need is a small hand-held rubbing stone, Jarod. Can get one at your local home center.

[Tiger Mountain Tile Inc]

If you already have a grinder then picking up a 100 grit diamond pad for it might be useful beyond just smoothing the edge of tiles.

If you dont' have one then getting a 100 grit hand diamond pad would work great.

Originally Posted by CX

Keep in mind that the DCOF was developed as a test "for ceramic tiles for level interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet." It is not intended to evaluate tiles on a sloped floor covered in running water contaminated with various soaps and oils and walked upon in bare feet.

There are several different DCOF classifications that cover a variety of applications including floors where oils and fats may be present along with ADA ramps and inclines, and excluding, of course, shower floors.

However, it can still be a useful bit of information when selecting tile even if it doesn't specifically apply to the intended situation.

[run2jeepn]

Thanks CX and Tiger,

I got the Polishing pads in yesterday. Tried them out on some scrap tile to get a feel for them. Like them a lot. Wish I knew about them before. My P4 Blade comes in today. Don't need it till I tackle the walls.

Going to try and get the floor done today.

Any tips before I lay down this tile

https://www.lowes.com/pd/American-Ol...ile/1000314037

I'm using Kerdi's All-set

Which is better for these?
I have a 1/4in trowel and 3/16 V Trowel.

They are kind of thin at 6mm.

This Mosaic doesn't have a mesh backing. So I don't know if they will back it hard to work with or not.

I haven't tried cutting it on the wet saw yet. Saw a tip where they used a thin piece of wood as a backer while they cut it.