We are in the process of installing an 8' x 5' shower pan...after readind about Ditra it sounds like the way to go but the standard pvc drain has already been set in concrete. Can we use the Ditra with this set-up or is it necessary to use the Kerdy drain system?

Also we have a built in seat (plywood) running the one 8' wall , we intended to cover the seat with 40mil pan material . Now after finding out about Ditra we'd like to use it on the seat as well but I'm concerned about the thickness of the Ditra as well as how well it will go aver the edge of the seat . The CB on the wall would cover the 40mil with no big problem in height but it seems like there will be quite a step using the Ditra. What do you think?

Also can NUHEAT be used in the shower pan? or is that out of the question (due to the bad mix of water and electric)

Hi
Ditra won't work on a shower floor, for a few reasons..one, unless you are using large tile on the floor, you can't use Ditra, since it's for tile larger than(don't quote me, but I think 6 inches)...and 2, there isn't a way to seal it around the drain.(since it's already installed)

You mentioned the drain was in...is there a waterproof membrane under the cement? Kerdi membrane would work, but again, I'm not sure what you would do at the drain now. Maybe a liquid applied waterproofing would be best with what you have.


The seat covered in pan material is not going to work either...you can't attach anything to it, without making a hole in the material..so it won't be waterproof anymore. If you covered it with Cement board and then Kerdi membrane, that would work...since Kerdi is applied with thin set...or again you could use a liquid applied waterproofing.

Did this help any?

thanks for your reply Brian, the drain is set in the existing concrete floor ( in the basement) but we have not done the preslope or anything yet. the drain was ste high to accomadate the building of a mud base.

Hi
So it's just the drain pipe sticking out of the floor then...no actual drain assembly is attached yet?

I'm in the chat room by the way.

Good thinking Bri ... this is one of those topics that needs a few questions and answers and the chat room is great for that.