Shower Project

[eagle4x]

@Dan
Excellent idea for back bevel!

I used a Ryobi handheld wet saw to cut the 1st piece of tile and clamped a 4' long metal square to use as a straight edge. I was nervous cutting it but turned out perfect. I've never cut a bevel using a handheld saw, so what degree setting do you recommend (my wet saw cut a bevel up to 45 degrees)? Or would a grinder cause less risk of chipping the tile, if so, what type of blade do you recommend?

[ss3964spd]

I think a grinder will be easier and quicker, Mike. Any ceramic/porcelain blade would work.

You wouldn't want to bevel the edge to a sharp point. Need to leave some material there so that the flexible sealant between the bottom of the tile and the top of the pan has something to grab on to.

[eagle4x]

I cut a back bevel on a scrap piece of porcelain with highest degree setting on my saw but did not overcome the bump out on the flange. On the other side of the scrap, I cut the edge of the tile 3/4" inward and 1/4" down on the back side to create an inward "L" shape, and that solved the problem! I put a metal clamp with a 1/4" x 1/2" bar in front of the edge of the tile so I could cut it straight.

The back bevel suggestion gave me the idea to try the alternate method, so thanks!

[eagle4x]

Attached are 2 patterns I'm considering for the walls:

1) All rows horizontal (1st pic below...broken piece used for 2nd row for taking picture).

2) 1st row horizontal, 2nd row vertical, top row horizontal (2nd pic below).

Opinions on what looks better?

[ss3964spd]

I kinda like the 2nd one, Mike, at least with those two panels.

[eagle4x]

I want to install a niche in the knee wall of the shower and I'm considering 18-gauge black stainless that will be facing the shower head. Has anyone installed a black stainless niche, and if so, any issues with rusting?

I prefer the stainless vs than the types that you tile because less work installing them. I've considered ceramic but they cost a lot more $.

[jadnashua]

When using stainless steel, make sure to quickly clean off any thinset that may get on the exposed surface, or it will tend to stain it and leave a mark.

[smifwal]

I have a black stainless steel fridge and it scratches very easily, The "black" is just a coating or a skin. I am not sure they are the same in composition, but you might want to check the durability of the finish before installing it. God forbid you hit it with a green scratch pad and it came off after it was installed

[eagle4x]

@Jim, the type of niche I'm referring to is the type that has a lip around the edge and is inserted after the tile is installed, therefore, thinset is not an issue getting on it.

@Shawn, I'd be ordering online, so I wouldn't be able to check the finish before buying. So, would the silver finish stainless be a better option, or has anyone on here had any issues with stainless niches rusting?

[smifwal]

From the internetespite being known for its extremely corrosion-resistant features, stainless steel is prone to rust in certain circumstances. Although rusty metals are often a result of water exposure, stainless steel will also rust from exposure to damaging chemicals, saline, grease, or prolonged exposure to heat.

I have 7 stainless steel salt spreaders that have a rust stain or 2 but they are put through hell every winter with treated and no treated salt, I would say that in a shower the chance of rust would be minimal but not impossible. I suppose it will depend on your water

This is pic of the fridge scratch, that part touched the drywall a few times when opening the door before I noticed it happened

[eagle4x]

I cut the corner of the back edge too deep and I want to fill it in so doesn't chip from the finished side if hit against it after installed. What would be the best product to fill in that corner so it's even with the remainder of the cut...thinset, bondo, jb weld, or other? If jb weld, which item#?

[cx]

If I understand the question, Mike, I'd likely fill that with thinset mortar as I was setting the tile. Or you could pre-fill it if you were mixing mortar for other applications.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[eagle4x]

I have a folding shower seat and I drilled 3 holes for each side and screws will be drilled into studs 16" on center. Has anyone installed this type of seat and if so, any problems? I should have asked this before drilling the holes but want to make sure before the tile is installed.

If consensus is that no problems, I want to use stainless torx head screws 4" long with flat head on bottom side for installation instead of phillips because phillips strips easier than torx. Suggestions on where I can find that type of screw?

[eagle4x]

Thanks CX for your answer.

[cx]

What do you have between the seat bracket and the stud that would indicate a 4" screw, Mike? Sounds rather extreme to me. And what fastener does the seat manufacturer recommend?