Introduction: When creating a high-quality, durable shower, the Schluter Systems line of products offers excellent solutions for waterproofing and tile installation. By using individual products like Schluter-KERDI, Schluter-KERDI-BOARD, Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN, and more, you can build a custom shower that suits your design needs while ensuring long-lasting waterproofing and ease of installation. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a shower using individual Schluter Systems® products, including those without a drain grate.
Materials You'll Need:
Schluter-KERDI Membrane (for waterproofing the shower)
Schluter-KERDI-BOARD (for shower walls)
Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN (for the drain system)
Schluter-KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY (for a pre-sloped shower base, or Schluter-KERDI-BOARD for a custom slope)
Schluter-KERDI-BAND (for sealing seams and corners)
Schluter-KERDI-SET Thin-Set Mortar (for membrane installation)
Tile and Grout (for finishing the installation)
Notched Trowel and Utility Knife
Measuring Tape, Drill, and Level
Safety Gear (gloves, goggles, etc.)
Step 1 of How to Install a Waterproof Shower: Prepare the Shower Area
Before starting your installation, ensure the shower area is prepared correctly:
Clean the Subfloor and Wall Surface: Make sure that the surfaces where you’re installing the system are free of dust, debris, and any imperfections. The subfloor should be level, dry, and stable.
Verify the Slope: If you're not using the KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY, which is pre-sloped, you’ll need to ensure that the base is sloped correctly towards the drain. This can be done using Schluter-KERDI-BOARD to build a custom slope.
Step 2: Install the Shower Pan Using the Schluter-KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY
The Schluter-KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY is a pre-sloped shower base that simplifies installation. If you're not using the tray, you can use KERDI-BOARD to create your custom sloped base.
Dry Fit the Shower Pan: Position the KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY in the shower area to check the fit. If necessary, trim the edges of the tray to fit your space.
Apply Mortar: Spread thin-set mortar on the subfloor using a notched trowel. Use Schluter-KERDI-SET or another suitable mortar.
Set the Pan: Once the mortar is spread, carefully place the KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY into position, pressing down firmly to ensure the pan is fully bonded to the floor.
Check for Level and Slope: Use a level to make sure the shower pan is correctly positioned, ensuring that the slope leads toward the drain.
Step 3: Install the Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN
The Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN is a key part of the system for ensuring water is properly drained from the shower area.
Install the Drain Flange: Place the KERDI-DRAIN flange into the pre-cut hole in the shower tray (or the custom base if you used KERDI-BOARD). Ensure it aligns with the slope of the tray and is positioned correctly.
Secure the Drain: If you’re using a traditional plumbing setup, connect the drain assembly to the plumbing system using appropriate adhesives or connectors. You’ll need to ensure that the drain lines up with the slope of the pan.
Step 4: Install the Schluter-KERDI Membrane
The KERDI membrane is what makes this system waterproof. It ensures that moisture doesn’t penetrate your walls or floor.
Cut the Membrane: Measure and cut the KERDI membrane to fit the shower floor and walls.
Apply Mortar: Apply Schluter®-KERDI-SET thin-set mortar to the shower pan and walls using a notched trowel.
Install the Membrane: Lay the KERDI membrane over the mortar, ensuring it adheres completely. Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles to ensure the membrane is fully bonded to the substrate.
Seal the Seams: Use Schluter®-KERDI-BAND to seal the seams between the membrane sheets and around corners to create a fully waterproof enclosure.
Step 5: Install the Schluter-KERDI-BOARD for Walls
KERDI-BOARD is an excellent choice for waterproofing the shower walls and can be used to create a moisture-resistant, durable surface for tiling.
Cut KERDI-BOARD: Measure and cut KERDI-BOARD panels to fit the walls of your shower. Ensure that they fit snugly against the ceiling and the floor.
Attach to Wall Studs: Using appropriate screws or fasteners, secure the KERDI-BOARD to your wall studs. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for securing the panels.
Waterproof the Seams: Apply KERDI-BAND to seal the seams between the KERDI-BOARD panels and to any joints or corners. This ensures the walls are waterproofed and seamlessly connected.
Step 6: Tile the Shower
Once the KERDI membrane and KERDI-BOARD are installed, you can begin tiling the shower.
Apply Thin-Set Mortar: Use a notched trowel to spread thin-set mortar over the KERDI-BOARD and membrane.
Tile the Walls and Floor: Install tiles starting from the bottom of the walls and working upward. Press the tiles firmly into the mortar and use spacers to maintain even gaps for grout.
Grout the Tiles: Once the tiles are set and the mortar is dry, grout the joints between the tiles. Make sure to clean excess grout off the surface as you go.
Step 7: Let Everything Cure and Dry
Allow the mortar and grout to cure fully according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the shower.
Curing Time: Let the thin-set, mortar, and grout set and cure before exposing the shower to moisture. This ensures the system is completely bonded and waterproof.
By using individual Schluter Systems® products like KERDI, KERDI-BOARD, and KERDI-DRAIN, you can create a fully customizable, waterproof shower that is both durable and efficient. This system allows you to tailor every part of the installation to your needs, resulting in a professional-grade shower that will last for years to come.
