Frameless Glass Shower

[phmade]

I'm currently remodeling an old home to live in with my wife and new son.  I'm adding a master bathroom and my wife (and I) really wants a frameless glass shower.  Has anyone here ever installed one?  I'm not too intimidated with the glass- I work with glass fairly often and I can get the hardware (hinges, sweeps, etc) from a current supplier. I'm more scared of fabricating / waterproofing the pan.  I looked at some prefabricated pans, but they are starting at about $500.  Does anyone have any thoughts or can you guide me toward a good source? 

 

[Brice Burrell]

I recommend a prefabricated shower base, it'll be far easier to install.  The process of a custom shower a layer of neoprene and sloped concrete.  You have to get it all right for it to stay watertight.  If you pay a plumber to do it for it may well cost more than a prefabricated base.

 

[live4ever]

I have found the John Bridge tiling forums as the best resource online for tiling and shower construction.  Lots of good folks there (a lot of pros, like this forum) who are happy to help you with everything ranging from the mud pan (if you choose to mud your own pan) to the waterproofing.  They will literally walk you through your project if you want.

 

[phmade]

Thanks guys - I think I probably should use a prefab base but I'd really like to learn how make a custom one myself.  Luckily our house has 1 bathroom already completed so I may work on the master shower over the winter.  I just found the John Bridge tiling forum and it looks awesome.  Thanks!

 

[Paul Uk]

I have built a lot of wet rooms over the last 10 years, I normally use 'wedi board' or 'Schlüter-KERDI', both systems have a small learning curve, attention to detail is the most important thing.

 

[Tinker]

My vote is for the prefab base.  You still must pay attention to details, and especially to water barriers, or you can still run into problems later. 

I was a mason for many moons and along the way, i have done several tile jobs.  tile was not my specialty, so i stayed away from such work for bathrooms where there were just too many variables of heat and moisture to contend with.  Did do several underlayments of entire bathrooms with concrete.  I put down a moisture barrier, galvanized wire lathe and 1-1/2" of a dense concrete (hand mixed on job site) under the tiles that I subbed out to a good tile man.  That job never broke down in any way.  Often, if not done properly, tile joints will start to break down and from there, the real troubles begin. 

If you are not familliar (and experienced) with hands on working with any kind of masonry, i do not advise making bathroom tile your first adventure.
Tinker

 

[Holzhacker]

Yes, full tile showers with a tile shower base are very popular. You see them on TV or high end homes all the time. While they can be built properly to last and not leak they rarely are. I looked at another one just yesterday afternoon. Unless a builder/developer/owner can state in writing what materials and methods were used to build the tile shower base I write it up as defective. It is critical these shower bases be built properly as a system. Otherwise, it not a question of if it will leak but when.
I would recommend using a prefab base. There are a lot of nice options but a decent one does cost a few bucks.
If you do it yourself think about using the Schluter base and membrane. Nice products. If done right you shouldn't have any issues. Also consider using Laticrete mortars instead of the big box crap, which is decent. Also consider using the Laticrete SpectreLock epoxy grout on the floor. Really expensive but good product.

 

[tjbnwi]

Seeing as your question was about frameless shower doors. If you want it truly frameless you need to plan for them in the framing stage. A channel is placed on the framing prior to the finish wall/tile being installed. The panel that the hinges captures is set in the channel so the panel appears to grow out of the wall. If you want to go full height you can do a top and bottom pivot.

As other suggested, Wedi, Schulter, and there is also Noble. This is a good source for Noble products;

http://www.tools4flooring.com

I like single slope with a lineal drain, not the best if a wheel chair is added to the equation;

https://picasaweb.google.com/tbadernwi/MyBath

Tom

 

[hockey_magnet]

Good job you found the John Bridge forum. Definitely join that forum and ask your questions there. If you build a base using their instructions for Dry Pack, with a Schluter membrane on the floor and Schluter drain, you won't have any problems. You have a lot more options with a custom base than a pre fab one. I highly recommend the Schluter system. If done according to directions, it is perfectly watertight and will last.  I built a full tile shower using Schluter Kerdi on walls floor and ceiling with a dry pack base covered with Kerdi and a Schluter drain. Built it about 5 years ago. It has had daily use, zero leakage and I'm confident it will stay that way. I found the John Bridge forum invaluable as this was my first shower build.

Chris

 

[phmade]

Thanks for all the info guys.  I am going to try and build my own base with the Schulter system.  I talked to a friend who has done many showers and he highly recommended it.  I have already put blocking and channels in the wall - drywall goes in on Monday!

 

[Kodi Crescent]

Also consider using the Laticrete SpectreLock epoxy grout on the floor. Really expensive but good product.

+1 on this.  I'll never use concrete grout again.  This is expensive, but you can get decent deals on this if you check eBay and other online suppliers.

You have to move fast to install it, and have your cleaning materials ready before you start.  But each batch is color consistent, and in many ways, I think it's easier to use than the concrete stuff.

If you choose to install it make sure you follow up with a drying cloth after you scrub the joints.  The dried residue is not coming off.  Drying the tile afterward the wash process helps prevent this.