Hello

We are in the process of bathroom remodel. We are putting a tub (no shower) against an exterior wall. Shower will be elsewhere.

We plan to tile about a foot or so along the top edge of the tub. Above that will just be dry wall. Will probably also put drywall below the tub just for insulation (there is fiberglass insulation between studs).

We were contemplating using some sort of backerboard here for the tile, but is that necessary? We will use that for the shower, but was thinking that just painting on some sort of liquid waterproofing stuff as a base for the tile would be adequate.

We live in Maryland, where it doesn't get real cold, but does get somewhat humid in summer.

I wouldn't bother with a CBU if there was no shower. You can buy a gallon of liquid waterproofing if you think you'll use the rest of it somewhere. For a job that small, I'd probably buy enough Kerdi to go up near the top of the tile. It would be cheaper than a gallon of Redgard.

At this point we know what we want to do, but are not sure what materials we should use from a standpoint of what is easy to work with, cost and availability.

The tub is acrylic, but is a drop in, so there will be frame covered with tile. What we put between the 2x4 frame and the tile is so far unknown.

The entire floor will be tiled. We currently have 2x10 floor joists. So what we put between the joists and the tile is also not decided.

The separate shower will be tiled on two walls with single glass screen on one side. Base will be tiled, probably the "old fashioned way" as the location of drain in constrained by vent ducting. As above, just what we put on the wall is undecided.

We are doing all the work to save money and while it can be a pain, we enjoy it.

As it is, it has taken several months to demolish the old bathroom and run new supply and drain piping. (Everything is being moved.)

Happily we live only two miles from one of those big box stores with an orange sign.

For above the tub I would just use regular drywall and coat the tiled area with RedGard just to be safe. You really shouldn't see any significant water or moisture on the small area above the tub.

The other option would be to use DensShield tile backer for above the tub and in front of the tub. It's already waterproof(except for the joints and seams)and is like working with normal drywall. You still need to waterproof any seams or joints on the DensShield.

For the shower you could use the Kerdi and regular drywall as Kman mentioned but you need to know that before you build the shower pan as you will also need the Kerdi drain for the pan which will also be covered with the Kerdi membrane.

Hybrid methods can also be used depending on your choice of construction materials.
We can help with any questions relating to that type of construction.

Have you looked at any the tutorials on the home page to familiarize yourself with the different shower construction techniques?

Once you come up with a plan, then ask about specific material choices and construction methods.

Oh, and BTW don't rely on any advice from any box store. In most cases there's not enough knowledge from them to do it right.

I have looked thru the picts in the "Shower gallery" http://www.ontariotile.com/showergallery.html and am somewhat bewildered at the variety of methods and materials available.

But I will study those tutorials and try to avoid asking too many Noob questions.

We are in process of a complete gutting/remodel of bathroom. It used to be two separate rooms with double sink and closet then single sink, toilet and shower. Closet is gone as is the wall separating the rooms.

Because of where we are locating the tub, toilet, etc... we are forced to place the shower in a particular corner that has a vent duct running thru it so the drain will NOT be in the center of the base, but kinda near a corner.

The dimensions will be about 36" deep by 60" long.



On this picture the 60" is left to right and the 36 the other dimension.

I was going to do the mud base thing, but having never tried that was thinking that Kerdi base and drain stuff looks pretty sweet. Especially as I'm leaning towards Ditra and Kerdi board.

Is there any chance it can be configured to work?

Or should I try to move the shower? Due how that vent runs up into the wall, moving the door isn't really an option and we can't put the tub over there.

ajrobson, It is better if you keep all posts related to the one project your working on in one thread only. There's less confusion that way on whats already been asked or answered.

I will merge the two together if you like.

With the drain in that location your only option is to do a mud bed. Shcluter trays do not allow for placing the drain anywhere else but the centre for showers or at the end for bathtub retro fits.

You may want to hire a pro for the mud bed or I'm sure with your skills we can guide you thru the process. It's not as difficult as it seems.

Sorry about the multiple threads. I guess a good subject line would be: "The bathroom from Hades" (not sure if that other word is allowed!)

Yes... please merge them.

And I was ready to try the mud bed thing. Doesn't look too hard (not to diminish the skills of the pro's) but since we have a LOT of work to do in this house, we are trying to do as much as possible ourselves.

And heck.. even if I mess up the mud bed and have to do it over, it's not the parts are a huge expense.

It actually looks fun. I think I might try practicing with the mud first, just to get the feel of working with it. What could be more relaxing than making mud pies!

Alan

Can I use this technique, using a Kerdi drain with a mud bed?

http://www.ontariotile.com/kerdi-showerpan.html

What are the advantages of using a Kerdi drain versus something else?

What you had seen was a mud bed with a Kerdi drain. And yes you can use this method.

The Kerdi drain has many advantages when used with a topical waterproofing system.

This system places all the waterproofing on the surface of the tile underlayment(walls) and the surface of the mud bed and curb.
When done right this is the best protection for your shower.
It also allows for quicker drying of the grout and drainage for any water penetration into the thinset layer.