Darker tile, or granite in steam rooms - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

A.W.Davis · 03-19-2009, 12:35 PM

Anyone have any past experience with darker color tile or granite in a steam shower? I am just curious if any hazing or discoloration is prevalent over time with the darker colors?

A.W.Davis · 03-19-2009, 12:44 PM

Also, has anyone ever installed the steam unit with a tub? The specs for Mr. Steam call for the manifold to be no higher than 6-12" above finished floor....with a tub the manifold is obviously well above 6-12"

Any thoughts?

kevjob · 03-19-2009, 12:52 PM

The tile color shouldn't matter, are you using kerdi? I would call Mr. Steam we usually set ours at 10 inches off floor to fill from bottom up.

A.W.Davis · 03-19-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevjob

The tile color shouldn't matter, are you using kerdi? I would call Mr. Steam we usually set ours at 10 inches off floor to fill from bottom up.

I will definitely call Mr.Steam today. As far as the steam room, we will probably just sheetrock with regular 1/2" rock, apply bituthene over and then lath wire nailed to the studs with a mortar bed. My setters are old school and have never used the Kerdi on our remodels

jarvis design · 03-19-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.W.Davis

I will definitely call Mr.Steam today. As far as the steam room, we will probably just sheetrock with regular 1/2" rock, apply bituthene over and then lath wire nailed to the studs with a mortar bed. My setters are old school and have never used the Kerdi on our remodels

Your "old school" installation will work adequately for a shower, but a steam room??

Do they really coat drywall with bituthene then nail lath to it, therefore creating a lot of holes?

I know you are going to tell me that "that's the way its been done for so and so years", but, that doesn't mean it is the best way.

I realize that in different parts of the Country their are different prevelant installation methods, but I honestly can't believe installations are still done this way.

Myself, concrete board, kerdi, and epoxy grout is my preferred installation method, but thats just me.

Cheers!

kevjob · 03-20-2009, 09:03 AM

I use durock then kerdi in all my steamers.

A.W.Davis · 03-21-2009, 06:19 PM

I can discuss the Kerdi with my tile subs. Definitely not opposing it, if there is a better way I am all for it....we are a strong believer in overkill on certain things and most importantly doing things right.

You don't see many residential steam rooms here in Northern California. This one is for medicinal purposes of my client. Its all in the works right now.

Lets get back on topic here and focus.

WarnerConstInc. · 03-21-2009, 11:03 PM

Medicinal puposes in northern cali?

Sounds like a vaporizor room. Sweet, I mean oh.

jarvis design · 03-22-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

Medicinal puposes in northern cali?

Sounds like a vaporizor room. Sweet, I mean oh.

lmao

jarvis design · 03-22-2009, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.W.Davis

Lets get back on topic here and focus.

Your question about dark tile, any porcelain should do the trick as well as the majority of granites - although with the variety today I think I would consult with the supplier on that one. The only thing I would stay away from would be certain species of marble, like green, for example.

Are you using epoxy grout??

Your question about locating the steam outlet, I am wondering if locating it under the spout would be a good spot?? Or, depending on the type and style of tub, between the overflow and the top edge??

A.W.Davis · 03-22-2009, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarnerConstInc.

Medicinal puposes in northern cali?

Sounds like a vaporizor room. Sweet, I mean oh.

A.W.Davis · 03-22-2009, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jarvis design

Your question about dark tile, any porcelain should do the trick as well as the majority of granites - although with the variety today I think I would consult with the supplier on that one. The only thing I would stay away from would be certain species of marble, like green, for example.

Are you using epoxy grout??

Your question about locating the steam outlet, I am wondering if locating it under the spout would be a good spot?? Or, depending on the type and style of tub, between the overflow and the top edge??

I contacted Mr. Steam and they haven't returned my call on the location of the steam spout with a tub, and there are no obvious code violations on having a steam unit with a tub so we shall see.

As far as grout we will definitely be using epoxy grout.

kevjob · 03-22-2009, 08:19 PM

For code they will rely on manufacturer specs like how big of an access etc...

Mike Finley · 03-22-2009, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.W.Davis

Also, has anyone ever installed the steam unit with a tub? The specs for Mr. Steam call for the manifold to be no higher than 6-12" above finished floor....with a tub the manifold is obviously well above 6-12"

Any thoughts?

That 6" figure is about safety. That steam head will be like a red hot poker when it is in use. Keeping it down by the floor just helps as an overall process to reduce the chances of putting it somewhere where it will be more likely to be a scald issue. Steam also rises so the 6" figure helps keep the head low where it will work the best.

6 inches above the tub is fine. The 2nd criteria to the spacing is keeping the steam head at a minimum of 4 inches away from anything that might react to the head of the head (like an acrylic tub).

Keep in mind the more important issue here is how you will plumb the steam line when you doing something different then the more normal shower only installation. Keep the fall of the line to the steam head in mind and keep it within the manufacturers recomendations such as not creating a steam trap and having the fall in the right direction.

jarvis design · 03-23-2009, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A.W.Davis

As far as grout we will definitely be using epoxy grout.

Nice, just curious, are you using Laticrete Spectralock??

J. P. · 03-29-2009, 04:44 PM

Dark tile, especially the grout, in showers tend to show crud and soap scum alot more than lighter tile. Ive noticed this mainly on tiled shower pans that people never clean. If the homeowner dosen't mind cleaning it regularly it shouldnt be a problem.

A.W.Davis · 03-30-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Finley

That 6" figure is about safety. That steam head will be like a red hot poker when it is in use. Keeping it down by the floor just helps as an overall process to reduce the chances of putting it somewhere where it will be more likely to be a scald issue. Steam also rises so the 6" figure helps keep the head low where it will work the best.

6 inches above the tub is fine. The 2nd criteria to the spacing is keeping the steam head at a minimum of 4 inches away from anything that might react to the head of the head (like an acrylic tub).

Keep in mind the more important issue here is how you will plumb the steam line when you doing something different then the more normal shower only installation. Keep the fall of the line to the steam head in mind and keep it within the manufacturers recomendations such as not creating a steam trap and having the fall in the right direction.

Thanks Mike

tang · 03-31-2009, 09:37 PM

I can highly recommend schluter school. I went to Anaheim in Dec. Nice motel, great food, and drinks all on Mr. Schluter. I am now a believer. Schluter might say sheetrock would be an acceptable backer board with kerdi. I would use cement board and kerdi.