Kris' Shower Project.

[KRS62]

Hello all. First time post in this great forum!

I tried to search for this info first, but no luck. (Also read articles on libery.) I am looking for the best material for a base/foundation for the curb. (Installing on concrete slab.) I demo'd my shower and have new drain assembly and pre slope complete. On to the next step!

The original curb was a row of bricks (2 high.) I busted them out for various reasons and will build a new one in its place. My first thought was wood as that is what I see most people using. But why not concrete or something similar?

Should I build a form and make it out of concrete? (Question then would be how to affix liner/lath to outside of curb if it is concrete.)

or

Should I use wood, the follow the instructions from here on the site. What type of wood? I have heard conflicting suggestions.

thanks!

KRS

[doitright]

Hi Kris, Welcome

Personally, I'd use anything but wood. Even if you waterproof properly the shower door guys can screw through the waterproofing and create a nightmare for your brand new installation.

I prefer cinder blocks myself, but there are many simpler options available today with preformed curbs.

Others will pitch in with their recommendations.

Depending on how you water proof your pan will determine what you need to do to waterproof the curb.

[jadnashua]

On a concrete slab, wood is probably the last thing you want in your curb...on a wooden subfloor, they're okay. Bricks, concrete pavers, concrete blocks are all decent to make a curb and likely easier to do than to put in a form, add reinforcing, and pour a monolithic curb, but it would work. Harder to do now if the preslope is already in, though!

[Lazarus]

Yeah, I just buy concrete "brick-type" pavers at the local box store and cut em' down to the size I like to form the curb.

[KRS62]

Not that this is something you haven't seen before, but thought I would post a pic.

KRS

[doitright]

Hi Kris

I don't know if there's a question with that photo.

Is that your prepitch that we're looking at?

[KRS62]

Doitright - no questions, just a pic of the area where the curb will go. That is showing the pre slope as well.

KRS

[KRS62]

What would you guys recommend to use to put down papers, etc? Should I use same thinset that I use for my tile?

Kris

[doitright]

Hi Kris

Don't know what you mean by "put down papers".

Same thinset is fine.

[cx]

Another on the papers.

I'm also having difficulty seeing the photos in post #15.

[doitright]

Hi CX

He's referring to the photo in Post 12.

[chuck stevenson]

I think Kris means pavers

@Kris,

Put some solid wood blocking between the studs at the bottom for your liner. We often notch the studs as well, 1/4" or so, deeper at the corners.

[KRS62]

When I tore the shower apart, the curb butted up against the greenboard. (So if I were to recreate it, see first pic on left. I would build curb and leave enough space for CBU to fit in.)

From this fantastic forum, I think I have learned to do it differently, but I have so much info swimming around in my head I want to double check with you guys. I would like to do it like in second pic on right, then trim CBU to fit over curb.

This area will be covered with liner of course, so what say you? Does it matter? What is the preferred way?

PS - not sure why the pics rotated...sorry.

thanks!

KRS

[KRS62]

Located in FL, house is concrete block. Shower has one exterior wall as shown in pic. When I tore out shower, there was a "vapor barrier" I am assuming that is shown in other pic. It is a waxy type paper with foil backing. (FYI, there was mold on the paper part.)

I am assuming that I need to replace this, but what do you guys recommend. I researched, but couldn't find much clear info.

thanks!

KRS

[cx]

Kris, it'll help if you'll keep all your project questions on one thread so folks can see what you're working on and what's been previously asked and answered. We can give it a more generic title any time you'd like to suggest one.

Not sure I follow your thinking there. Your curb and lower wall will be covered with a folded-to-fit waterproof liner. Your wall CBU would not go into any space you might leave at the end of your bricks on accounta the liner needs to be covering it so's your shower water stays inna shower where you really want it, eh?

What am I missing here?

[Edit]

I just merged another of your threads here, Kris, and didn't see the new question. I can't see where the plastic you're holding might be in relation to anything and can't tell you just what might have been the purpose.

My opinion; worth price charged.