My Master Bath Project

[sespeboy]

Hey everyone....I just want to start out by saying this is a GREAT and FRIENDLY site!! Just a ton of good and useful information.

As my title suggests I'm starting (actually halfway through) a Master Bathroom project....I had a whirlpool tub in the bathroom which was improperly installed and tiled and which I knew I would eventually replace...well the time has come to get er done!!

My son and I tore it out and found that the surround and the the steps leading to the tub had been improperly installed and that water had been working its magic on the walls and floor for probably years. We tossed the tub (wish I had kept the motor though) and tore out the flloor and walls and ceiling to boot.

After reading many many posts on this site, along with TYW and John's Kerdi book I have replaced the rotted floor and framed a new 4 x 5 shower (screwed not nailed) with a 32" entry. I am waiting for my Kerdi to get here and will be drywalling the stall and rest of the bathroom in the interim.

My initial question is in setting the new shower valve...it will be on the opposite side of the shower from the shower head, in order to avoid cold shower startups.

I will be using 1/2" drywall, and the instructions call for setting the valve cover 2.8 inches away from the stringer back plate.

Since this is my first tile job (other than a 4th grade summer school project which my mom still has in the closet somewhere) how far out should the faceplate extend beyond the framing to take into account the kerdi, thinset, and tile?

This is a Delta valve which I believe has a little bit of adjustment in and out, but I would rather be safe than sorry!!

I know this is a relatively simple question compared to some of the challenges others have faced when doing the same type of project. I am fortunate in that I have access both overhead and below the shower so setting the drain or adding a light will be relatively easy.

Thanks for your answers!

[ddmoit]

Welcome to the forum, Jaydee.

What tiles will you use on the wall? Specifically, how thick are they?

[sespeboy]

Thanks for the quick reply...and you know that's a great question....because my better half hasn't decided yet!!! I do believe she's leaning toward something out of one of the 2 big box stores...probably something like this



Tumbled stone appearance
PEI rating 5
Easy to clean and maintain
Thru-body porcelain color is consistent through entire tile


Tile Type: Porcelain
Length (inches): 6
Width (inches): 6
PEI Rating: 5
Piece Coverage (sq ft): .25
Master Carton Quantity: 14
Master Carton Coverage (sq ft): 3.5
Surface Type: Textured
Indoor / Outdoor: Indoor/Outdoor
Frost Resistance: Yes
Water Absorption (%): 15
Surface Abrasion: 4-5
Chemical Resistance: YES
Dry Coefficient of Friction: .80
Wet Coefficient of Friction: .60
Breaking Strength (lbs): 500
Finish: Unglazed
Color: Beige
Commercial / Residential: Commercial & Residential
Abrasive: Yes

[ddmoit]

Porcelain is a great choice in a shower. I don't see a thickness mentioned there. And that 15% water absorption doesn't make sense for porcelain either.

[Brian in San Diego]

Jaydee,

Welcome to the forum! Before I take a stab at your question, I want to talk about the valve and the piping for the shower. I installed a Kohler Purist shower head and the appropriate rough-in valve. One of the warnings was to make sure there was only one elbow between the valve and the shower head. I installed more than one, but it was still close and had no detrimental effect. With the flow rates of these new valves set at the factory, I think the reason they warn us not to install extra elbows is because of the pressure drop associated with them. So if you are putting your controls on one side and the shower head on the other, you are going to have a bunch of elbows and pipe which will increase the pressure drop and lessen the flow. You may have thought this all out, but if you haven't, it's food for thought. I wouldn't want to see you get the thing all installed and then have water trickle out of your showerhead.

The total of your thinset/kerdi/thinset should be 3/16 - 1/4". Add the thickness of your tile to that and you should be close.

Brian

[sespeboy]

Hmmmm......guess I'll have to make a trip to the big box store tomorrow and check it out......what would that measurement be if the tile was 1/4" thick (which the previous tile was)?

And I don't know what the 15% absorption factor is either...and I'm sure no one at that store will either....LOL

Thanks again!!

[Brian in San Diego]

7/16" - 1/2"...?

[sespeboy]

Thanks Brian....after reading the instructions the only warning on the one 90 degree elbow is for the tub spout...with no mention of the shower spout....This is a Delta 17 Series MultiChoice Valve from one of the Big Box stores...maybe someone else has experience with this valve and having the shower head on the opposite wall?? Thanks again!!

Rubbed Bronze Victorian Tub/Shower Faucet

Delta
Rubbed Bronze Victorian Tub/Shower Faucet

Item #: 211655 Model: 1755RB-716RB


Venetian Bronze finish is hand buffed for a unique look every time
Delta Monitor Pressure Balance Valves have the Scald Guard feature - giving you the confidence of knowing water temperature will remain comfortable
Dual Spray Showerhead

[sespeboy]

I have been hard at work on my bathroom remodel.....quite a job...well tomorrow I am going to Kerdi my shower walls.....I only have one question...are either of these 2 thin set products suitable for kerdi???

http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/d...ts/lds2970.pdf

http://www.laticrete.com/Portals/0/d...ts/lds6960.pdf



Thanks in advance..and btw....John I can't wait to lay down that mud bed!!!

[Brian in San Diego]

Jaydee,

The first (Laticrete 220) is a definite "No". I am not familiar with megabond. What's it's price point? If it's less than $12, I'd be suspect. I have always recommended (and used) Laticrete 317 for kerdi. I see they now offer Laticrete 272 (premium floor and wall). Bottom line you want a premium unmodified thinset to apply kerdi.

Brian

[sespeboy]

Thanks again Brian....went to HD and got some Versabond....I know I know....its "modified".....but JB says its good....thanks again.....