I'll be remodelling a 7 yrs old bathroom originally completed by the builder for the original owners who didn't choose any upgrades. The shower has basic plastic pan/some cheap white tile.

Based on on everything I've read here and other places, Kerdi is the way to go. But not much is mentioned about Kerdi shower pan - standalone or as part of their shower kit. Any experiences? The pan will have to be cut since my shower is not exactly square (30"x40"). The main reason I'm looking at this option is I've never built a mortar bed before, yet alone a pre-sloped one.

The only drawback to the Kerdi shower base is the drain must go in the center. Check to see if there is a floor joist in that location. If so, you will have to do a custom mud bed. You can still use the Kerdi drain. You wont need any liner or pre slope with that drain.

I thought I read somewhere that they could make a custom pan, but I don't remember if it still required the drain to be in the center.

The mud pan isn't as tough as you think. And if you have problems, it isn't the end of the world. Worst case scenario, you have to bust it out and redo it. Total cost for a redo, maybe $35.

Hi

I agree with RC and Kman...you should give it a shot doing the mud floor and see how it goes. The main things to get right are setting the drain level and solidly bedded in mortar, and to get the perimeter mud level. The rest of the floor will work itself out from there.

The video on the Schluter website is a good one. I watched it numerous times before I did my first Kerdi shower.

Ok, I'll give it a shot. Today was day one of the project - demolition of old shower. Despite the cheap approach by the builder (plastic pan, tiles directly on drywall), after 7 years there was no water damage inside the shower. I guess I was lucky...

Now, question: I removed the 3/4" plywood since it took some damage during tile removal and looked weak in one corner. When installing new plywood, would it make sense to put under it a sheet of that paper they use for harwood installations (I have some leftovers)? Not sure about the benefits, but thought I'd ask.

I don't see any benefit there. You'll have some plastic or felt paper on top when you do the mud floor, but there's probably no need for it underneath. Plus, you'll want to glue and screw the subfloor to the joists.

Slowly, but the project went from the demo to creation phase, and I've completed the shower base yesterday. This was my first time doing this, so few observations that may be usefull for undertakers like myself:
- It really helps if you have a helper preping the mortar for you. I had to make 3 batches, and not that it's difficult, but it takes away from your break time.
- Building the mud bed is actually quite easy, I'd say I liked it more than mudding the drywall. But may be it's because I was dealing with drywall too much.
- Builiding the curb, on the other hand, is PITA. Considering the alternatives such as Schluter curb, it's not worth the effort IMHO. If I ever have to repeat, I'll be definetelly looking for other solutions.
- Either way, your back will be tired and hurt the next day.

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