C.C.R.

Hey guys, I'm trying to find the "industry standard" for preparing a shower base for tile. I got to my site today to frame for the shower and it turns out the plumber had already installed a copper pan for the shower. There is no sloped base under this pan which, according to veteran tile setter and multi-author Mike Byrne, there should be. The way I see it the procedure is something like this:

1. sloped sub-base (1/4" per foot)
2. copper pan (which according to M Byrne should also be painted with roofing tar or equivelant)
3. second sloped mud base
4. floor tile (after walls)

Also do I need to leave my cement board off the shower floor any to avoid any water wicking? I haven't started this yet so if the above procedure is wrong, no harm done. But I would appreciate any advice you veterans have to offer.

__________________
Complete Custom Remodeling
"When Quality is Top Priority"
www.completecustomremodeling.com

JPF

Here's a common way on ply....a little different on concrete
http://www.ontariotile.com/preslope.html

firemike

If I don't use a molded pan (fiberglass, Swanstone, etc.) I use Schluter Kerdi for all my shower enclosures with a custom dry-pack base. I have been using Kerdi for the last few years, really love it.

Check it out here: http://www.schluter.com/8_1_kerdi.aspx

It has a bit of a learning curve, but I like the simplicity of it once you get the hang of it. It takes a lot of the risk out of showers leaking down the road if installed properly, and the installation is not that hard. The nice thing is you don't have to fight with the heavy rubber liner, it gives you a little more flexability in design, and you actually save time in the long run.

I just finished one up over the weekend at the cottage of one of my commercial clients.

__________________
-Mike-

rex

shower pans suck im pretty good at them but if its a rubber membrane pan it should be the tile guys job...

PIPES

Sorry rex but, I hate answers like that. " If I don't like working with it , it's someone else's problem"
Guys I don't care whether you use copper pans , lead sheets , plastic membrane , or whatever... just read directions or find someone with the knowledge of the product you choose. Just do it right or to the best of your ability. All I ever ask is be proud of what you do right or wrong, if wrong, learn right.

C C R , floor tiles then wall tiles.