We have a mobile home on a family ranch in the middle of no where. There will be no issues with code or inspections, however we obviously want to do it right. Warranties are if no concern either as the distance from civilization seems to disqualify us from them! LOL We are removing the standard gargantuan corner garden tub and replacing it with a shower that will be tiled on three walls and have glass blocks on the wall with the opening, with one of the tiled walls having a glass block window, well have to work around. I've read suggestions on the window on this forum and purchased Johns shower book, both parts. I've given it to hubby as a father's day gift since I dream up the ideas and he is the one who has to implement them!
I'm still in the planning stages and hope to start the demo this week, and I have some questions.
1. Since this is a vacation house for us, we are on a budget. I'm seriously looking at Kerdi for several reasons, one being the ease of transport of the materials, possibly having UPS deliver it. I think the kits are terribly expensive and am wondering if I'm missing something as when I part price out the kerdi shower, I can save over $300 over the kit... Surely I'm missing something?
2. The shower will be 60 x 60. Is my best bet to buy the 72 x 72 kerdi base and cut it down or are there other options short of a mud pan (which I want no part of since the last one nearly initiated a divorce.
?
3. I'd like to install the curb ONLY where the glass blocks will be stacked and leave the opening with the small 2'' lip of the base. With a shower this big will a curbless entry like this be acceptable? I'm planning on running my waterproofing throughout the bath floor area.
4. I also like the hydroban waterproofing a little better than the kerdi sheets, but laticrete doesn't come close to a base the size I need. Can I use a kerdi base and paint on hydroban for my waterproofing method?
Hubby and I have installed a mud pan shower before, but we were much younger AND the hardware store was around the corner. Hardware store is a day away from us now!
5. Currently the walls are standard mobile home thin Sheetrock. I was under the impression I could put the kerdi sheets right up over this, true? I'm unclear about the hydroban, does it have to go over backer board? If so, would I be better off to put backer board up with both the kerdi or hydroban?
The entire bathroom is being gutted so any types of changes that need to be made we can do. We will have access to under neath either through the plywood flooring or we can remove the skirting around the house to get to the plumbing.
Basically I'm needing to know about the substrate walls and opinions on the kind of shower to put in. I'd like to stay away from backer board if at all possible as the hauling of heavy material creates a small problem for us, but if it is recommended, we can definitely do so.
Thanks in advance for your invaluable opinions and knowledge!
Rehj
