New shower renovation

[salbrecht]

I think we have run across a strange problem and want to get some direction. We removed our separate shower and tub to install a new larger Kerdi shower. We are on a concrete slab and when we took out the shower pan, there is a 12" square, 4" deep tar bottomed hole that the drain comes up thru. Obviously, there is no surface to put the drain on, so could we fill the hole with concrete or would we need to put a plywood sheet on the concrete? We will use a mortor bed under the Kerdi as the drain isn't centered. What type of membrane would we use on top of plywood, and how thick of a sheet should it be, if we need to go that route?

--Susan

[cx]

Welcome, Susan.

No plywood.

I strongly recommend you move the drain to (or very near) the center of your shower floor. Then fill the hole with sand or gravel to the bottom of the existing concrete, then fill the rest with concrete to the top of the existing slab.

Pewt something (I like 4" PVC pipe) around the drain pipe when you make the concrete patch so you'll have room to install the Kerdi drain later (remove the pipe or whatever before the patch hardens). You can fill the remaining gap with deck mud when you make your pre-slope.

You have purched and downloaded John Bridge's Kerdi shower eBook for this project? Is good tool. Cheap, too.

My opinion; worth price charged.

[salbrecht]

We are getting ready to start installing our new Kerdi shower.

First question - Since we are down to the studs, do we install the new drywall all the way down to the concrete floor before putting in the mud base? The Schluter website video shows it done this way, but I also see some pics directly against the wood framing so not sure which is best.

Second question - This will be a frameless glass enclosure, so brackets will be attached to the curb. Since the floor is concrete, we understand that wood is not necessarily a good option. Would a waterproof barrier under wood enclose it too much with the Kerdi? Could the brackets be safely attached if we use bricks, ie with masonry screws?

Thanks
--Susan

[Mike2]

Hi Susan:

Since we are down to the studs, do we install the new drywall all the way down to the concrete floor before putting in the mud base?

Yes.

Could the brackets be safely attached if we use bricks, ie with masonry screws?

No. Absolutely no penetrations of the membrane/or liner on top of curb. If doing so is a requirement of the doors you have chosen, then select a different door/manufacturer.

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P.S. Hinge and/or support penetrations of the membrane along the wall lines (jamb) are fine and can be caulked with silicone for a watertight install.

[Marge]

Hi Susan, welcome to the forum!!

We have merged your two threads about this project so we can keep all your info together in one thread. Feel free to post future questions right here and we'll help you as best we can.