This is a great site. I love tiling!! Anyway, I've never done a shower before, although the rest of my house is tiled. I'm also experienced in mosaics. The more I've read on this site, however, the more I think this is going to be a pain in the butt.

Here's my deal: I'm removing the preformed shower enclosure and will have a cement floor underneath. I'm in Arizona, so no basement, nothing underneath. I plan on using Hardiboard for the walls. Can I use that for the floor? I read the technique of building a sloped floor and becoming a 'mud man', but it just doesn't sound very fun. My sister said that's what she did. Was that stupid of her? I guess I would like to know what my options are.

I will be tiling the entire shower with glass 3/4 X 3/4 Carter tile from Hakatai.com. I probably will be following their recommended installation using Laticrete 4237, and Latricrete 9235 (do I need this?). I will be putting the backerboard on top of the drywall. My shower is about 2.75' X 4.33'.

I'm not sure if I want to go curbless or not. I'm also considering using those glass cubes as the actual curb. Is that possible? Or would this cause the water to not drain into the shower? I would prefer to go curbless.

Would this shower keep the water in? I found this site, and I liked the idea.

http://www.desertdragonpottery.com/tileprojects/images/shower/glblock1.jpg

Anyway, thanks for any help you can give me, and I'll definitely have to send in some pictures of my stuff.

Hi MyWave
You need to build a slope in your floor so that water will exit right away and building a slope allows this to occure. It's very easy to do and we'll help you every step of the way.

It's always good to have a curb, but it doesn't have to be huge. Just a subtle rise to act as a dam for the water ... something like in a handicap shower.
Figure out what design and materials you're going to use so that we can advise on the best system for waterproofing.

Nice idea on that link, we'll be anxious to see your results to post here.

I was wrong about my sister using Hardibacker for the floor, however she did not slope it.

Do you think it would be best for me to take down the drywall, and install the hardibacker or does it not really matter, other than the bit of area I would lose?

One more thing, for tiling the floor in the rest of the bathroom, is there anything different I need to do other than what I've done in other rooms?

I'd get rid of all the gypsum wall board and start again right from the studs. Hardibacker or any other 1/2" cement board should be used when moisture is a concern.

Before you install the backer board you should decide how you're going to build your shower pan first. Your pre-slope, liner, waterproofing, drain and curb are all related in some way so it's good to do the whole installation in your head before you start.

Thanks Harry,

I am going to take down the drywall first, and work from the studs. I will also build the shower pan as illustrated on this site, as well as the curb.

Is it correct to reinforce the area between studs which is perpendicular to the curb, in order to install the shower door later after tiling? Is there anything I need to keep in mind for a shower door while tiling other than that?

One more question...What type of transition is used between the Hardibacker board on the sidewalls in the shower, and the normal wall not in the shower?