The 3 Biggest Mistakes I See in Tiled Showers

A bad tile job in a shower not only looks bad --- but can cause catastrophic water damage that cost thousands of dollars to repair. I receive hundreds of emails from viewers each month and many of the share with me problems that they are running into. These are the top 3 mistakes that I see happening on DIY and professional tile shower installations.

[@kbrdesignbuild1592]

I Literally built a Bathroom & Kitchen Remodeling company from your content, from Dec 3 2020 to today (Nov 4 2021) Less then a year, I built 3 crews, 2-3 bathrooms every 2 weeks, sold over 800k at 45% GP to date. The content here allowed me to set high expectations for all my guys, I actually use a set of your videos on my new hire training as well as a few other youtubers that you have mentioned on some of your videos. I am 26 Years old, from Chicago and truly hope to meet you some day man! Thank YOU!!!! God Bless you Brother.

[@conradcoolerfiend]

wow thats crazy!

[@TileCoach]

Go, go, go !!!!

[@g00nda]

Hello Kevin, do you mind sharing the videos you've used for training your crew? I am DIY aspiring to do his own bathrooms soon.

[@Heb101922]

Thank you for sharing this. I am an individual flooring contractor in metro Atlanta, and have turned down a number of shower jobs because of fear of not doing them correctly. I recently had the opportunity to do a shower build in a flip house and I think I did alright (at least I hope so). I have tiled showers that were already prepped, but this was my first build. I learned a lot, and no matter how many videos you watch there is nothing like the hands on experience. I have been considering branching out into full bath and possibly kitchen remodels . Your comment is inspiring and motivating. Thank you.

[@OGCJ10]

Link to you site please

[@danbartstow9829]

I really enjoy your contribution to our trade! I’m an 39 year tile setter…Too old to be on camera or explain things like you do because after schooling people for decades i get a bit crabby…It’s like repeating myself 10,000 times…Thank you my fellow tile brother!

[@theige01]

Stand up guy, craftsman, artist, great work ethic, master class professor, coach. Rare to find a person with all those traits. Thank you for all you’ve done in helping myself and others with your skills information.

[@db0nn3r]

Hey man, thanks for standing up for DIYers. They’re an extremely small percentage of home owners in this country and tradesman who think they’ll lose business by sharing quality info have nothing to fear. In my experience, most DIYers, including myself will actually recommend to others hiring a professional. And those professionals that share their methods and expertise are the first I recommend because I see the quality of their work. Thank you for you content. Carry on.

[@dad1432]

You have an abundance mentality that leads to success. The scarcity mindset causes mediocrity.

[@scoobtoober2975]

Same for brewing and homebrewers. The more enthusiasm and sharing the bigger the community and the better both sides get. Pro's and homebrew. I think many tilers see some diy jobs and get ideas too. The basics have to be met but after that let er buck

[@jeffreylonigro4081]

Isaac, can’t tell you how much I enjoy your content. I’ve been tiling thirty years. Lots of changes!! You are a fellow pro who doesn’t have to knock others. I like that. I like the seemingly insignificant details. One day I may even finish a job without getting thinset on myself.

[@TheJf5432112345]

The shower i just tore out was 44 years old. Old school setup. Never a leak. No pre slope, no mold or standing water. Shower pan liner and then sloped mortar. I did not see any other water proofing. 6 people used the shower daily.

[@elmoretile]

That’s what I’m talking aboot!!! Where/when did pre-slopey become a thing?? I want to hear this about a shower I did 50 years from now

[@r33l007]

That's crazy because I just gutted out my bathroom from a 1920 design it had regular drywall installed.. regular ceramic tile..and cast iron tub... the only thing I seen was a tiny bit of mold on the very top of ceiling and it was just a few spots... again I seen no signs of waterproofing ..and if you tell me the bathroom could of last longer I just wanted a fresh new look

[@kenhetherington756]

Grout from the 60s into the mid 80s was a LOT denser/harder. Less water penetration. When grout changed we started seeing shower problems. --Try and scratch out some grout from the 70s and then scratch out some if this new grout. That will be an eye opener.

[@vidaliasoleil2714]

Yup! Studs, gypsum board, mud, diamond lathe, and tile on the walls, floor joist, plywood, mud, and sloped tile on the floor. Lasted 60 years without a problem and no mold! What gives? I will say the mud walls and floor were thick!

[@gt7492]

I'm new to this and learning alot from KZbin and on jobsites. I'm a PM for a restoration company. That's how my shower guys all do it here in Texas. Liner, slope mortar pan, no pre slope. Cement board walls with liquid membrane. 2 years Ive been around not one leak.

[@joseolivares9050]

Good info. I enjoy and appreciate all your experiments. I am an ex plumber that have not done a pan in 30 years but I like to stay informed with all these products. I am also planning to remove a cast iron tub and make a tiled shower. Thank you very much for your great work and honesty. We all benefit from gentlemen like you that share their experiences with these products. Thanks again.

[@thomaswhite518]

Didn't make it in time but watching now. You rock. info and knowledge makes us and our industry better. Much love from sw Colorado.

[@MrHamlet]

From the consumer POV, I'm super happy to see tilers discuss products, share ideas, tricks of the trade, etc. Helps me to feel more confident knowing tilers actually care about their work, because many times when dealing with contractors, finding ones who care about the quality of their work and products feel extremely rare. I'm MUCH more likely to re-hire and refer a contractor if I feel they know what they're talking about, and show they care about quality. EVEN if that contractor costs more.

[@rezn8r1]

Love the info. Been working alone doing bathrooms since '08. Takes me 3-4 weeks. I thought I was taking too long. I do all of my plumbing (because I was tired of going behind inferior licensed plumbers). I have recently started to use wedi. Finally tired of lugging around 250-300 lbs of 4to1. I can also have it all ready for tile in less than a day as opposed to about a week if I consider the wall board, mudding the seams, and waterproofing the walls. Once I install the wedi, it's done and 100% waterproof through the core.

[@KpxUrz5745]

So great to hear a real knowledgable expert in his field. The problem for most of us is that when we hire a "tile man", he typically is not expert, and makes several of the disastrous mistakes you describe here. My conclusion is that the homeowner needs to read up extensively and know exactly how things should be done properly, and is able to discuss the exact plan with the contractor and not accept shortcuts. It is the shortcuts that come back long later to cause big problems and the need to redo the job. After seeing so many poorly done contractor jobs, by now I'm afraid to hire anyone. As for "reading up" on the correct way to do jobs, sometimes it is not so easy even to find good solid instructions.

[@mickharley3262]

I am glad you have not sold out to a particular product it makes me and otherers I am sure feel more secure about what you are saying and getting a true opinion from you on products. Thank you for being true

[@kayakerian]

So nice to see a man in this modern world who holds on to his integrity!

[@johnnyadams3244]

You are a wonderful educator. I came upon your channel after I began my son's tiled shower in the basement of his new home. I have picked up great tips from each of your videos - what to do and not do. Thanks for the kindness you show on all of your videos.

[@joehorton5089]

There’s a lot to be said about this man’s integrity!! There’s great value in the consultations and your time is worth something. Don’t feel weird about it. It’s legit in my eyes.

[@JayZoop]

All this great information. Now I know why I never tried to install a shower pan. There's a lot of know-how. I respect your work.

[@seanmellows1348]

Great stuff. I agree about the richness and usefulness of the comments on here. So many great perspectives and experiences.

[@christophercasanova9335]

Man i love your videos, i bought a house last year with a terrible diy shower that leaks and you have almost given me enough confidence to redo it myself since it costs so much to hire it in.I wish i could just work with somebody as good as you to fix mine,thank you so much for the videos brother!!!

[@floorguy2947]

Your videos are great and very easy to learn from. Keep doing what your doin. Thanks for your help!

[@bullelkbullion9719]

My son has a cabin in Sierra City… nice area! I’m a General Contractor out of Newcastle and your help has been excellent! Thank you! DK

[@bobkmac]

Thank you for being a genuine dude.

[@patrickcowan8701]

Im a jack of all trades,i won't do shower pans but do tile because the tile guys price is beyond most people's budget,i take pride in my work and try to keep up on the latest installation methods,your show has given me volumes of valuable information. Never stop learning.

[@tilemike]

As long as you jack of all trade guys are doing showers us hi paid tile contractors will always have work redoing your failures. I see it way to much.

[@PrePaidLegalForYou]

This is pretty deep for a tile video. Your analysis of government being puppets of corporations is spot on.

[@superbee7115]

You’re the men a really good skill tile guy .since I have been watching your videos I understand is a hard work the way I see it you’re educating people like me homeowner that don’t know anything about tile I hire a guy to do my bathroom he did a good job I told him what I want and how I want it he told me his charge we agreed I told him what to do step by step he tried to cut corners I told him we talked about all this you agreed I agree to your change he got mad it’s hard work to do a good job he never returns to do the second bathroom I going to do it my self thanks to your great couching I really appreciate your passion and dedication to your job thank you very much

[@bobby350z]

As a homeowner it is shame that I need to read up on all this to make sure my contractor does things the right way. Even when I am paying good money you never know how the work will be done. I wish you were closer to SF, would have hired you for our remodel. Very good info on your channel. Thanks.

[@spdglez6663]

There is a lot of value on what your are doing. Do not short change your self by not charging for your knowledge. God bless you.

[@joaoslovinski6335]

Awesome video! Always great information.

[@humbertoacosta4012]

I’m sure glad I seen this video …. I’m updating a bathroom and you hit it right on the head the nail that is !!! I installed the traditional drain, and was just about to do the dry slope . Now I will go ahead and make the new drain cut and use one of the newer drain … thanks a lot for your knowledge…!!

[@christopherreyes2356]

First time I floated a motar bed! I watched your videos. And man let me tell you. It came out solid!

[@lynngetz3893]

Hello Issac...Im Ex Canadian Coast Guard, one of a group of 5 that were Morse Code personnel in Vancouver B.C. Canada...we were called the "Final Hand" back at the end of the 90's... I'm doing my 1st bathroom tile endeavor at 66yrs, You're an Awesome Mentor, Phenomenal Integrity, I'm learning Coach...I Appreciate You! Lynn Getz (Mr...Ha!).....Cranbrook B.C.

[@hdwood76fxe]

Awesome videos. Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@Daniel-wd4jg]

California has always been the heartbeat of our craft. Best culture combining Spanish and Tuscany style with mortar work with the budgets to deliver. Spot on!

[@cynthiabrenton9615]

Video & audio all great. Thanks.

[@tjoyce81]

Thanks for adding the 4th mistake. I'm doing my first tile job , and THAT may have just saved me some headaches down the road.

[@splanzza]

The One and Only - Tile Coach!

[@marlacocina2149]

Thanks for keepin' it real . . . . I appreciate it

[@vhajmik]

great content! not many professionals talk about this

[@kg9247]

Tuning in from AK, thank you for sharing the knowledge.

[@TileCoach]

you’re awesome!

[@nicolasroman9468]

Thanks for all your information I'm a tile setter in Reno NV for the last 16 years and I don't agree to the schluter system waterproofing

[@derykbigelow320]

Just found your videos. I started watching Star Tile and realized it wasn't necessarily all the information I was looking for to be a bit political..... Kind of like this video, which is great by the way! I fully agree with your thoughts. With that said, I plan to fully renovate our shower in the next year or so and have made the decision to use your coaching system. I look forward to talking with you! I love the great unbiased information and honesty! Tell your lovely wife that it's OK to let your true political feelings out once in a while, even if you're in California! 😉

[@unicornbaits1622]

Great knowledge per usual.

[@keithdomzalski6638]

Yooooooooooooo im grouting a totally marble shower w prism while watching/listening U ROCK BRO (Brunswick Ga) 12:20pm

[@zqdiego]

Watch your videos all the time. Press on! the info you provide is very helpful to me. I pass your shop all the time. Can I stop by ?

[@TileCoach]

Sure!

[@datileguy301]

Thanks for the good info here 👍

[@danknutson6941]

looks great here and sounds great

[@daltonlopez4623]

I appreciate your videos. I was following another youtubers waterproofing method and I totally botched two showers in my 1960s home. They look decent on cam and to the untrained eye but I had too much lippage. I'm glad they are waterproof at least but I am striving to do better. I sold the home and now I'm doing it over. I agree its a shame there is a skilled labor shortage however I feel no one wants to give young guys like me a chance. I'd love to work under a real pro like yourself.

[@chrisward7796]

Hello Coach, Watching your videos to get me through my own shower. First of all your frickin amazing. I got my pre Slope, pan liner and bed down. My problem is my liner which runs past the glass door location and after watching this vid you mentioned you can't thin set over top of it and laying a thin coat of bed mortar over seems to crack and chip. What do you propose I should use?

[@matthewdefer8215]

Love the low key jab at Star Tile !

[@user-handymanjp]

Great information for us rookies

[@yvettemendez5537]

Your videos are great source. Thank you. Do you have any videos that support the placement of a niche on the outside wall and how to deal with load baring studs?

[@tmactheplumber4966]

Good stuff, thank you !

[@thomascurran9807]

You have answered most of of my questions regarding 'showers' much appreciated! What grout would you recommend for 1/16" grout line on 12" x24" ? Thank you, TC

[@jgocar24]

Most of your information is good and I do appreciate that you show your failures as well. Where I disagree 100% is that if you use a topical waterproofing membrane on a poured shower pan, and waterproof right down to where the pan meets the 3 piece drain then you won't have that mold sandwich issue. The neck of the drain has weep slots in the treaded part so it still allows water to weep.

[@kurtbilinski1723]

Depends what type of drain. The FloFX drain has no weep slots

[@massud88]

That is not correct. the FloFX Grate Carrier in fact has weep channels, however these professionals have mistakenly blocked them with thinset. I am looking for best way to protect the weep channels during the tiling stage, otherwise Grate Carrier will act as a dam collecting any water soaked down the grout. @@kurtbilinski1723

[@bryanmoorhead4615]

Couldn't have said it better myself I've noticed in my years of Bathroom remodels and flooring installs, it's not so much that there's not enough of us but more the fact people don't want to pay the price for quality because it has become more of a luxury and the general person does not know not know how much it cost to do these kind of remodels kind of remodels so they're always blown away blown away on the price So they start scraping around for I think I can installers.

[@sonofthunder.]

covered some good topics,i agree linears are challenging ,esoecually the first time as you learn,and puddles, yeah i did that too,and permits all good stuff...

[@TileCoach]

Thanks Mark!

[@Stevelemontrudy]

Could you make a video that is like a flow chart of all the decisions for method and materials? Starting with the substrate, should I choose a liner vs felt membrane, then once I've chosen one of those, what's my next decision point? It seems like there are options, and variables, some of which can or can't overlap or be used in tandem. Thanks for all the great videos and information. I've never tiled before, but would like to get it in my skill set and my understanding improves every time I watch one of your videos.

[@TileCoach]

Ya I hope they don't hit me with that. I usually don't have music in the background but Kirk can't work without it.

[@jayteitelbaum9905]

Great videos. Thx. Question. In florida redoing a master shower that is about80x36. Chopped out old mud job to slab. No waterproofing and no weep drain. Used 9 bags of leveling to remove a 2 in step in the shower for a now flat floor. Installing a linear drain about 2 feet from shower head wall. Didn’t want to move drain. Planning on using hydoban water proof over new mud job and seam tape at floor wall joints and where drain meets mud. Do i need to use a hydroban membrane over entire floor. Thx. .

[@billycarson3408]

Great vid, no doubt that it helps our industry. Keep up the good works brother. I love you and I love being your tile audience. Lol

[@waysaunut]

Video and audio are great on my end

[@kramregnu2945]

As a homeowner, I ask "how is green drywall authorized for new bathrooms in the US"? I had to replace 2 bathroom's shower and tub surround. What did I find? green drywall and washed out grout. I knew nothing about bathrooms then. Later, I waterproofed both of them with your help, Home RenoVision, and Home Repair Tutor. Thank you! Just subscribed.

[@silviutudor4635]

It's authorized for bathroom not good for showers. It's the craziest thing that so many contractors trust a green paper...just mind blown

[@zsoltmatisz3146]

Thanks!

[@briankowald6465]

Great video. Can you put redguard or another liquid water proofing over Kerdi for double protection?

[@Fight284life]

Great info and I've been watching off and on for year or two now. Great Stuff!

[@cybersewingschool874]

Your vids are great! I'm learning a lot about the backerboard and tiling process to do my tub walls. My question is this: I have a window in my tub and am using GoBoard. I looked through your vids titles for more info on this. Do you have any vids with waterproofing the area around a window with GoBoard, or perhaps Kerdi?

[@sandralodato1548]

Need your expert advice on wall to ceiling vertical subway tile gaps. Hired contractor stated "Yes I started with a full tile on top of tub and that's where it ended up on top I installed the tub dead level but the ceiling is out of level so it comes up shorter in some areas I got tubes of grout caulk same color as grout I will be able to run a bead around all three edges to close gap or silver of tiles" My question is should he have accounted for this even before grouting you can see a difference. One side is a about 1/8 gap to ceiling and then slopes to 1/4! Perhaps tiling ceiling would correct however, ceiling wasn't in mind for tiling. Can it still be done. Suggestions 🙏

[@user-fs7zc8qj1t]

It’s perfect!

[@ronwall5600]

Tile the world with Issac Ostrom sounds like a show I would sit down to watch. cool idea

[@DCUPtoejuice]

Doing shower pan liner system and brought in a guy to finish and he raised my mortar bed with thinset and put redgauard over! So I am back to doing it myself, and I have removed the redguard and my question to you is if the 1/2 inch of thinset on top of the mud deck is too thick and could cause problems?

[@jpm7430]

Your tiling videos are amazing as is your presentation.. Very genuine and good hearted. Ive gutting my entire master bath and put Kerdi on the walls and Durock on the floor. I am to that point of tiling the floor and the wall is next... . My 1 question is.... because you brought it up and now I am a little confused... is it correct that in your opinion I can use MODIFIED thinset to set my 12x24 procelain tile to the Kerdi walls and that it is not, in your experience, necessary to use unmodified thinset on the walls? Again I realize its your opinion and personal experience and any decisions I make are my own... ;) Thank you for everything and sharing your skill and knowledge and wisdom.

[@datileguy301]

Sorry to but in. Schulter sales their own thinset you are better suited to buy theirs and use it. Helps with the warranty also they sale at local tile stores near by

[@jpm7430]

@@datileguy301 Thanks Dat.... I have the unmodified Schluter thinset but I need to buy more. Was just wondering if I could just purchase all the floor and wall stuff at the same time. I appreciate the reply. Ill stick with Schluter unmod

[@Jukester1515]

Schluter All set is the way to go on any schluter underlayments. It's modified but for some reason also warrantied, which begs the question, "why can't you use another modified and still be warrantied" but it is what it is. All-set for the win.

[@mrjoehimself]

Could you make a video about how home owners can maintain their showers and tubs? For example, drying it, ventilation, problems to look for early, etc.? I see some of these problems and think to myself "Oh my gosh how did they let that happen, and, how did they not catch it?" How can we prevent problems before they happen.

[@tonynguyen5362]

I used KBRS linear shower pan , so much easy than try to do sloped mortar,

[@jdr03272]

Coach, your content is incredible for this homeowner DIYer trying to figure out what to do about our leaking 13-year-old shower and just learn the fundamentals as we try to hire a professional. (Shower was here when we moved in). Question, it's disheartening to see how all these systems have these little nuances and at the end of the day none are truly waterproof. What are the options for somebody that wants just an absolutely bulletproof shower essentially on the order of an aquarium? I follow hydroNYC and watching him do lead pans. That seems like an interesting option? Or maybe just solid surface like quartz preform pans? I think there's a company called Infinity doing 316 stainless pans. Any thoughts about going those routes?

[@tomsouther7292]

Hello Isaac. I watched this video and was concerned because I also use a hybrid method which I thought was indestructible but now I am questioning it. I use a wedi shower pan for a base and hardi backer board for walls. I use the wedi water cut off in a tube where all seams meet. Thats day 1. Then day 2 I come back and put the wedi tape in all the inside, outside corners and let that dry. Then day 3 I come back and red guard everything but the pan. If you overlap the tape with redgaurd you end up with a bout 2 inches of red guard on the shower pan. 3 days of prep which is a bit much but helps me sleep at night

[@tomsouther7292]

Forgot to ask. Whats your honest opinion on my set up. Be honest! I can take it. And thanks so much for your videos

[@TileCoach]

Since you used the wedi tape I think it will be fine. That’s is an important step.

[@blackjack444....]

@@TileCoach so DONT Red guard the shower pan?

[@Yamaha_Bolt]

Too much thinset under my fabric membrane on the foam base created small waves in a few spots. Can I thinset it smooth apply hydro ban and then tile?

[@cindicavallaro6956]

Great video and advice. Just wondering why you don't use Laticrete grout when they offer grout to match SW and BM paint colors. You don't have to use their standard grout colors if their colors don't work for you. Was their "any color" option not offered when you made this video?

[@mrjoehimself]

Love your video, sorry I missed you live. Do you use modified thinset on Schluter products...even when they recommend to use unmodified thinset?

[@michaeljubenville896]

Thx thank you

[@devoehle]

Great information! Thanks for sharing! Not sure on which of the two systems you mentioned is the best to use for a steam shower pan? The boss (wife) wants to have tiled shower so fiberglass pan is not an option...

[@kevinrogers4747]

you can use a fiberglass pan you need a special,( i don't know the name,) epoxy

[@patrickcowan8701]

If i, a non pro tiler were to do a shower pan go with the one piece pan and use the epoxy, guaranteed leak free. Redi base is one i would recommend.

[@shawn1869]

How do you feel about caulking the corners where tile meets in showers? It's it legit or a way to cut corners... New home build layed down straight up painters caulking on the corners... I'm not happy about it. What are your thoughts?... Thanks!!

[@shmerd1]

Yup, you nailed um!

[@MEG-pm5si]

if you use the Kerdi system do you recommend an additional water barrier (like red guard)? I know Kerdi say not to use anything but I'm worried about not using something over it to seal the drain.

[@leeboriack8054]

I used to sell tile and my preference for wet areas is porcelain tile over stone. The new generation of higher end porcelain tile looks like the real deal, offers more color consistency, little or no water sealing issues.

[@brucemarjlampley8527]

Isaac, I appreciate your videos. Your tips helped me with some questions on my first tiling project (subway tile tub surround), which I'm just finishing up. I have a question I hope you can answer. My tile ends, where the tile meets the drywall, are uneven because I cut some tiles a bit shorter than others. I want to finish with bullnose, but some are as much as 3/16" shorter than others. How can I fix this so it looks as good as possible?

[@Lildude69505]

With a grinder and a nice smooth, finish grinder blade, strike a line and cut the tile all in line with the shortest tile. The only way I know of without pulling tile off the wall.

[@user-pwfus]

Dude I love what you do and the way that you do it however I would love to see you use products that were not meant to be used for certain applications such as Aquagard a water base product for boats made for wood and fiber glass ;) I would love to see you reaction to how well it holds tile to it compared to cheaper more known products like Schluter.

[@geared2cre8]

Using a sponge to wet an area you're about to spread thinset on could also extend the open time, especially if you're going on a porous material

[@danknutson6941]

i'm confused......I want to use the old type drain system with concrete floor and pan liner. Do I use the pea gravel with this system of drain/pan liner?

[@danpark417]

Great livestream Isaac! I love your general viewpoints on life and not going to the extremes of varying political and economic spectrums. Question: you had mentioned in this video several times that you don't trust applying liquid Waterproof membranes onto the trough of the linear drain ie, hydroban, kerdifix, redguard, etc. I'm assuming you've seen these fail in the field hence your opinion. What is your solution then? To buy the preapplied membrane linear drains? But your anecdote about a fellow installer having a failure on the schluter affixed membrane makes me a little worried as well. At least he had the warranty cover it so that's good. Thx again and keep up the great work!

[@TileCoach]

Hi Dan- I have only seen one schluter kerdi-line that broke at the seal. I think it is best to use a Kerdi line drain with a liquid applied membrane over that for double protection, especially on a wood foundation.

[@danpark417]

@@TileCoach I think that's that's great solution! Now you will have 2 layers of waterproofing protection instead of just the 1. I think I'll try that on my next install with a kerdi preapplied membrane linear drain either from kerdi or infinity drains, and apply hydroban liquid applied waterproofing on top. Let dry and continue with thinset and tile. Thanks again Isaac for your dedication to this craft!

[@HB-yq8gy]

Good points these young kids to learn a trade.

[@susanmorton57]

I have used green board on the shower walls, I have now heard some comments not to use this.. what if you already bought it and hung it?

[@silviutudor4635]

Hey boss,i have mixed the actual drain with the waterproof. The idea is that if you use a kerdi liner and put a sealant between the flange and the membrane ,you are golden. I actually don't like using the schluter because of the way they treated us in the past(with their unmodified garbage rules) and i do the "paint on " type. Ardex 8+9,hidroban ,ardex S1k...just not red gard😊. But with this method i ALWAYS use a mesh all over the floor. This has been my best method as of 16+ years ago . So first is the foam board, then the zero clearance drain, a good deck mud,mesh imbedded in 4to 5 coats of waterproof. I tell my customers that as soon as the water proofing dries they can use the shower if they want to(not that that happens but that's how much I trust my shower pans) Btw .Sal and you have been a go to for me and i always send your videos to guys that don't know how to correctly do shower pans. You guys are awesome.

[@fishrowe420]

Which drain will go lowest to the floor? I'm looking to get minimal hight difference in and out...

[@ED-uh5xl]

Has anyone ever used GoBoard shower pan kit by Johns Manville? I used just the board on the walls of a tub/shower combo a year ago with great results. I now need to do a shower pan floor and want as few risks for leaks as possible. I'm installing this over concrete.

[@frankmcnaboe221]

Installing 60 x 30 acrylic tub and tub surround but tub is about 1 1/8 too short for alcove. How to shim out studs a least 1 inch, seems a lot, but main concern was having bathroom walls , at least the remaining 4 foot wall of a 5 x 7 bathroom will have to be shimmed out 1 inch as well . ( wall has baseboard water heater at bottom and may not allow 1 " shim out.

[@Donahuetileandbath]

I don’t see why you can’t do the old school way and still screw cement board into the curb if everything else is done correctly. That’s the way my grandpa did it for years, along with my uncle and they have showers all over the county that have been there for god knows how long without failure. Pan liner over the curb, just like you would do. Wrap it in cement board using proper fasteners of course. Skim the whole thing filling screw holes and joints then waterproof the curb. I understand your argument but if done properly it shouldn’t be a problem

[@jcdominguez9243]

Schluter sells a Kerdi drain flashing used to connect to a 3 piece drain in place of a shower pan liner.. Can’t find any information on it online though. They sell it at Contempo and Modern tile in my area

[@TileCoach]

Yes they do. It works when you do not want to remove the bottom flange of the old drain. FloFx has an adapter in every drain they sell.

[@Ron-dj1cm]

After looking at MANY videos about drains I see bonded, traditional 3 piece, and hybrid (traditional w/ liquid membrane drains. I wonder if it would be better for a dyi person to use a prefabricated shower pan. If so I was thinking acrylic…any thoughts about their quality.

[@Ron-dj1cm]

Oh, I don’t want to do a foam pan.

[@babbybaker4120]

I'm on my kindle and I can hear you very well And you are not out of sync

[@boydskaggs5057]

Every time I do a shower pan, I stress over it for a few years. I’ve always done the preslope with a pan liner. Recently I’ve tried a kerdi preslope under the liner and I really regret it. No call back on it but I stress on it.

[@AllBayEveryDay]

Under the liner? Why would you do that lol

[@grandlaketilena9603]

I have used all the epoxy grout and hands down Kerapoxy CQ is the easiest. Way easier than CEG lite. And I hated Mapei when I left Cali but it's everywhere in Oklahoma

[@independentinstallations8419]

I agree 100 %

[@kerryroberts8323]

As mentioned audio and video sync is off a bit. Minor stuff - this is about tile and I think from all classes ever taught about tile that you are without one of the best. Appreciate your videos!