Barrier free shower install how to step by step

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Curbless, zero entry or Barrier free shower, in this Time Lapse video see the entire build process of how the shower was prepped to achieve a curbless shower using a traditional mud bed. The shower floor area was depressed by the carpenter to allow enough depth to use drypack to create the slope to the drain for this barrier free shower. An alternative to a mud bed would be a foam tray of the correct size. This shower was built using Laticrete Hydro Ban Board and sealant and other Laticrete components and Ditra XL on the main floor. The same can be achieved using Schluter Systems or other shower system manufacturer. Also in this video is the installation of the floor tile, shower floor tile and wall tile. This result is a shower that has easy access and has no curb but still completely waterproof. All tile installed by Sal DiBlasi, Elite-tile Company, in the Boston North Shore area. This video contains affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission if you click on the product link. #tile #transformthetrade #howtotile #installingtile #howtoinstalltile #laticrete #mapei #Schlutersystems #diy #construction #ardex
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[@mimihealy5046]

This video answers SO MANY questions we had about using two different systems for waterproofing the seam between the main bathroom floor (Ditra Heat in our case) and the curbless shower pan. Your timing in posting this video is PERFECT. Thank you.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@stevenle1760]

Tile work is such an interesting blend of art, science, and good olde hard work. Thanks for sharing these videos.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching!

[@minnyjay4332]

You really are the Michael Angelo of bathroom renovations. With perfection to every detail, it's elevated to a work of art to be admired.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@zw4522]

I was thinking the same thing!!

[@Titantitan001]

Luckily most professional tile guys try and do this. Given us the right atmosphere. In commercial all bets are off sadly.

[@AutismusPrime69]

Don't simp

[@skipmagil]

@@AutismusPrime69what simp

[@colmonator]

I Spend all day tiling a bathroom, come home and watch a 45 minute on tiling a bathroom!! Great job Sal

[@splanzza]

I watched it on the slowest 0.25 playback speed for almost two hours with often rewinding and it was not enough. LOL

[@SalDiBlasi]

Don't worry normal speed how to is coming.

[@vanman3752]

I know what you mean, it's relaxing to know someone else is doing the work and if it's Sal you can be sure it will be done right.

[@TerryPullen]

I give him tips on what to do next... and sometimes I'm right!

[@billzima7068]

I love how you installed them mats. It never even crossed my mind to use a bigger trowel and then smooth it out. I can not stand cleaning all that mud out of all them lines. Thank you sir

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks, glad it helped

[@laurenharper1510]

You are my hero ❤️. I am doing a job like this in summer 2022. I was going to do a schluter curb but now that I’ve seen this video, I’m not going to use a curb. there is no need to put a curb and now I know how. Thank you so much Sal. I wish I lived in your city, I would bring you a home baked pecan or apple pie 😀

[@SalDiBlasi]

An actual how to of this bathroom is coming soon where I explain everything in detail. Thanks, but my wife has the apple and pecan pie thing covered. 😊

[@TerryPullen]

@@SalDiBlasi Let's all go to Sal's house. 🥧

[@Raniz88]

Yes! A classic how to, step by step by the one and only👍👍

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@billyphantha]

im regular guy that works on computer but i love watching these videos. thanks for creating the content good sir. amazing work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad you like them!

[@enrriqueayala824]

Currently in the process of learning how to install tile. Your video has helped a lot, made a lot of sense. Thanks for the show down, please make more of these! I want to be like you when I grow up!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Almost 900 videos on my channel

[@jaandel1]

@@SalDiBlasi maybe its a silly question buts if you use pcv linear below the mud pad it will be ok as well.

[@olivierflhd6965]

Awesome job, my 3yearold son said : woooow!! He is working fast!!! 🤣

[@SalDiBlasi]

That is awesome!😊

[@deeeeeeps]

I like no words just straight to getting er done. Saw everything i needed to know.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@adrianromerocodes3211]

so cool seeing master's at their craft, thanks Mr DiBlasi!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@stiofain4693]

For a fellow tiler it’s great to watch your work… 👍🏼

[@darrencorbett9883]

Thanks for your time and effort Sal, I’m learning heaps👍👍🇦🇺

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad to hear it

[@sonofthunder.]

now i see why you grouted the transition ,on ours i had a cold joint,so used dilex eke for cracking,expansion, along where yours has the glass channel, looks sooo clean sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@bigdaddy7670]

Gorgeous! What a master craftsman....

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@luthermartinjr6504]

Like a boss Sal! Wait you are a boss.

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@wesleyjames4549]

Beautiful Job Sir

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you kindly

[@leningomez2393]

you the best ever man congrats!!!!!!!

[@hugomontelongo9799]

There is levels to this trade !

[@timbodtoolman7025]

Nicely done you sir are a master craftsmen nice job 👍👊🏻😎

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks 👍

[@o.ggonzalez3470]

Man sal. You my mentor sir ... thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@Titantitan001]

You work so fast!

[@joelgranados5808]

MAESTRO eres un crack 👍👍

[@RealtorJosephLubbock]

Really amazing job. Thank you for the help.

[@kstoff2218]

Amazing work as always. You make it look easy.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you very much!

[@kenschneider2100]

OMG a mud bed pan. That's so labor intensive and slow. I use to help my dad put those in back in the 70's and 80's. Now I'm tearing them out and replacing them with Schulter pans

[@SalDiBlasi]

For a foam pan to be quicker than a mud pan, the subfloor has to be level, the drain location has to be in the right place and the pan has to fit exactly. If you have to fix all that, which is pretty much every time, then a mud floor is faster because non of that matters.

[@kenschneider2100]

@@SalDiBlasi The Schluter pan can be cut down, you just lay the pan on the floor and draw a circle for the drain hole. very easy. but you're old school, but it is much slower. I've been doing this for 40 years. worked with my dad doing mud pans, and been working for myself and using modern technology that not only saves time but money. enjoy!

[@simonrizk4451]

thank u Sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Very welcome

[@danewgirl4]

Hi Sal this may be a dumb question, but why did you use the notched side of the trowel on the shower wall facing bathroom, but on the shower wall w plumbing you used the smooth side of the trowel (and back buttered w notched side) ?

[@00HiGhGuY00]

I'm here to learn. I'm not a tiler, but I'll be building my own house in the not to distant future and will be doing a curbless shower. I'm just curious why you didn't run ditra into the shower? I've seen it done that way before and that's how I was planning on doing it. Is there a reason it would be bad to do it that way?

[@enj878]

Does it not make the most sense to waterproof the shower pan first and then overlap your the pan with the sealing tape at the base of the wall.

[@daviddobiesz]

Looks great! But haven't these thinset bonded membrane systems been proven to fail miserably without a roll on applied afterward? And even then depending on the roll on product...

[@SalDiBlasi]

No not at all, they work as designed. A video on KZbin does not qualify as proof.

[@digitalQ33]

At 39:50 you used a 90 degree notch and suction clamp to guide the hole saw, can you please provide a link or name of device? Thank you, have learned so much from you - is there a full audio, normal version of this video anywhere? I would love to hear you talk about the lower shower pan elevation and how you solved it, it’s not clear in the fast version - keep up the good work!

[@SalDiBlasi]

amzn.to/3lZ54IX kzbin.info/www/bejne/in_JoXqtaM54mrc

[@dustinscroggins3382]

I like the trick for the shelf Nice one

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@slipppete]

Sort of epic Sal

[@QuontumGnosis]

Beautiful Uncle Sal. Where can i get those soap dishes from? I like the look and it looks easy to install.

[@SalDiBlasi]

amzn.to/42cKi8u

[@neilrafferty2097]

I hate to see timber in such close proximity to water! Aren't there any alternatives to wood to provide the structure?

[@Grant_S_M]

Fantastic, smart tip to pre-cut a slot for the corner stainless soap shelves! Cheers, and seasons greetings.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching my video.

[@acollins9277]

Great job, I always learn some much.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glad to hear it!

[@Roket4]

Incredible job sal!

[@Roket4]

What is that linear metal piece in the corner of the shower floor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Channel for glass so no holes have to be drilled.

[@Roket4]

@@SalDiBlasi thank you!

[@romezoneSTILE]

That flofx drain would of worked out perfect in this situation with how the cuts landed around that drain

[@boggs8219]

Hey mate, what's the product you use before the glue on the walls??

[@mfr336]

Hi, just a housewife here trying to tile the curbless shower for my husband so he can rest when he comes home. He already did all the hard work. I'm just wondering, because there wasn't even a question in my mind about it before. Do I grout the corner seams, and the seams where the floor meets the walls? Now I'm second guessing because of expansion.

[@tufriverboards2054]

What is the groove where the shower pan tile meets the floor tile?

[@leroiobi5928]

Very informative video as always

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@stephensimon7621]

with an 1-1/2 ' drop, 1" mortar at the drain, looks like your drop side to drain is less than 1/4 per foot. I would like to hear from you on creating the drop, that seems to be an issue especially on larger showers. I love your videos, i like to see people who know what they are doing.

[@Daumcontracting]

Looks to me 1.75”. 5’ shower would make him good. Plus he can cheat the drain flange down. I’m pretty sure he uses 4:1 deck mud that can go down to 3/8” thick on a unbonded bed.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I had the GC cut the joists down, which he then sistered with sections of lumber to compensate. The drop from the main floor to the shower was 2" when the Ditra XL was installed. I actually had a slope of more than 1/4" per foot.

[@SalDiBlasi]

SMD 😊👍

[@MrTHEBRITINWA]

Ace work

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@carloscortes4312]

Love these videos! What are you using to shave down the studs Sal?

[@SalDiBlasi]

amzn.to/49AmD5r

[@turboflush]

Suprised you didnt use the Hydroban uncoupling mat. Dont feel it is as good as the schluter?

[@SalDiBlasi]

The Strata Mat has ventilation holes in it so it is not waterproof. Ditra is waterproof.

[@damianvazquez8878]

Super

[@michaelwross2000]

Why the piece of tile trim, on the floor inside the shower? Is there glass going in?

[@SalDiBlasi]

yes

[@burthamilton3564]

What did you do for lighting and ceiling in shower

[@sama8670]

On the shower walls, the back wall you butter tiles and valved wall you butter the wall. Why the difference?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Some times it is easier to do one than the other. All that matters is transfer and coverage is achieved.

[@pejon2269]

Great work of course. Why did you put that short u channel on the floor (at 24:54)? Is it for the none movable part of shower glass? If you were to have just one doorless glass panel for the shower, would you install the U channel?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Correct, for the glass.

[@jefffree6990]

Who says a bathroom cant be done in 45 minutes? I learned so much from you when i did my bathroom/tub several years ago. We're about to do a shower this time, so I'm back. i thought the banding along the bottom would go on top of the floor membrane ?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Floor is completely waterproof, First video in the series here kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJDPYWeIjbRmiZI next part deals with just that.

[@markkevin2114]

it this video supposed to be at high speed or is there something wrong with my settings?

[@david888a]

It’s your settings…lol

[@iansalawe9034]

How long did this take you?

[@jayirvine6621]

is there a version of this where you slow it down when you speak? I would like to hear your comments/explanations.

[@SalDiBlasi]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJDPYWeIjbRmiZI

[@brianmurphy4866]

I thought on these 2’ long tiles the manufacturer likes 30% offset ?

[@ohmsweethohm7259]

Just out of curiosity why did you nock down your trial ridges when laying the mosaics in the pan area?

[@thorjohnson5237]

Have you ever played with roll-on pans? I was kinda thinking about putting the drain in and using a polyaspartic+chips (garage floor coating) as a "all in one" thing...

[@Fedgery007]

So nice!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thank you! 😊

[@UpsideDownCanoe]

What's that orange stuff?

[@BZ1340]

Did I miss something. How is the floor gettiing to the R.O. level to start the shower pan.

[@doziboy803thethird6]

Sal at 26:33 you place hydro board on the back of the tile. Is there a video that goes in to the method in more detail for the transition for curbless

[@sonofthunder.]

its beautiful sal....

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@kevinlynch2369]

Does it matter if the bed liner is on top of the side and corner bands? 13:35

[@Lu-cho]

WHY YOU DOING THE EXTERIOR TILE FIRST AND NOT THE INTERIOR SHOWER FLOOR FIRST? WOULD SAVE TIME TO COVER AND FREE WORRIES ABOUT PROTECT THE TILE WHILE YOU WORK ON SHOWER WALLS/FLOORS?

[@mfr336]

I'm just guessing, but probably to keep busy while the shower pan and walls dry thoroughly.

[@gac5646]

Before all of these product, hydraban, schluter ditra corners, etc… has you work had leaks or fails?

[@sama8670]

Why the choice of Laticrete in shower and shluter ditra for floor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Strata Mat has hydration vents, so installing banding on just the seams will not make it waterproof.

[@jpmm4063]

Ok so I'm doing same thing in two weeks. Going strata though. Would you hydro ban paint prior to underlayment or fill the strata then paint. Using 3701 and 254

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@jpmm4063 No, install sheet membrane over the entire floor, or just use ditra and do the seams.

[@geraldgrantz8205]

Is the glass channel a schluter product

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes

[@frenchis19]

Sal, if I do my shower floor like this but don't want to use the heating floor system, do I just use the cement board on the other floor and shower walls?

[@josebecerra8561]

Hello what kind of sand mix did you use?

[@smilejesuslovesyou8108]

What would something like this cost? Round about

[@Chevylack]

What kind of thinset do you use to prepare the shower?

[@BotanicalAmy]

What was the height of the dry pack mortar at the drain? Basically asking the minimum thickness for the dry pack…

[@BotanicalAmy]

Then I looked at the dry pack mortar specifications like a responsible person and saw that is recommends 3/8", leaving this here in case anyone else wondered- or maybe you think that's not adequate...

[@emmanuelespinoza8950]

What’s the minimum width that a walk in shower have?

[@olms82]

Great video, learning all kinds of things. What do you use for a wet saw?

[@mattpicariello5842]

Wet saws r a tile installers least used and needed tool. Get yourself a "snap cutter" from any big box store(home depot, Lowes). Practice with a tile to get used to it...only time you need a wet saw is cutting "notches "like a corner of a floor/wall. And a grinder would be needed...grinder and snapcutter you can install any tile and make any needed cuts

[@tichucko1]

are you planning to do more detailed video how to drop a shower floor?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, soon

[@eunicom]

What are those boards you’re using to screed the shower pan? Are those melamine boards? Thanks for the great vid! Studying up to do our own bathrooms.

[@SalDiBlasi]

amzn.to/3Ra4T8N

[@strongholds12]

Thats right, you better post something worth watching. Your views where wavering.. Shake it gurl. Shake it!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Actually views have constantly been in my usual range.

[@snoodle877]

Sal, continue thanks for these great videos, I recognize the very hard work and craftsmanship. Can you share with things that you used to set the Ditra and tile (in the event they are different)? I assumed you mixed the thin set center for the Ditra/hydroban and more of a thicker consistency for the tile?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Most thinset that can be used for both will have a range of water rations for tile and membranes, it will be listed on the bag.

[@snoodle877]

@@SalDiBlasi got it, sorry, My question is what specific thin-set did you use?

[@WM-xd8zc]

Sal, I have been watching your videos for awhile. I was wondering how do you determine which leveling system to use. I will be doing three rooms. kitchen that connects to a butler pantry and bathroom . I will be using slate tile for the flooring in all three rooms. I believe the slate tiles are all the same thickness. I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.

[@SalDiBlasi]

As you probably know, I have tried many different kinds of systems, I settled on the one I use now because it works the best for me. I will be trying new ones in the future and if I find a better system, that is what I will start using.

[@davidly042]

Hey Sal, Can you tell us why you prefer cement shower floor and not foam pans?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Now let's see, they are a fraction of the cost, they don't have to be measured exactly and ordered, they don't need a level subfloor, they will always fit every shape size depth and drain location and take about the same time to install if you add up all the time to fix the subfloor modify the foam and fit it in. Mud is every size shape and fits every situation

[@ShailendraKumar-on5bc]

No RedGard or other water proofing?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Look again, the whole thing is water tight. Look up Hydro Ban Board Laticrete Sealed Shower System kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWq4nIOgo5aaj7M

[@JoeyPenuela]

Sal, wondering if you could just lay tiles (river rocks) over an existing fiberglass shower floor.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Don't even think about doing that!

[@davegordon6943]

I like that suction bit guide. Is there a particular place/store that you get your supplies or do you get them here or there?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Get most of my stuff at Genrose Tile www.genrose.com/

[@davegordon6943]

@@SalDiBlasi thank you sir

[@JustinMentionedIt]

Would using a kerdi shower pan not work here bc you need the mud bed a custom size?

[@SalDiBlasi]

A foam tray will work. I just don't use them.

[@vanman3752]

Does this shower get a door? If not it looks like lots of water is going to end up out of the shower pan.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Glass panel on one side where the track is. The entire floor is waterproof so no problem.

[@vanman3752]

@@SalDiBlasi Ok that should keep most water in. I did a shower about the same size and layout with a rain shower from ceiling which helped but still quite a bit of water gets outside the pan area. All the bathroom floor was waterproof so no issue there. Thanks for your help Sal, it's nice to know you care.

[@9mmkahr]

I noticed you dropped about 1.5". I'm a rough carpenter and typically with our builder we drop 2". BUT sometimes with different builders we only drop 3/4. How does that even work? Pre built pan or something? Thanks!

[@SalDiBlasi]

dropped just under 2", hard to make it out in the video

[@9mmkahr]

@@SalDiBlasi how do they make a 3/4" drop work?

[@tommywalker5348]

sal since the floor wasn't dropped how high was the bathroom floor brought up? did it affect the bathroom doorway👍

[@SalDiBlasi]

Shower Floor was dropped, transitions were all flush

[@tommywalker5348]

@@SalDiBlasi oh okay thank you sir👍

[@stevebelieve6276]

Would you get a good result by starting with a level line (on the walls) around the perimeter when making the pan?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Use any method that gets the job done, just be sure that it is where it needs to be when you re done.

[@stevebelieve6276]

@@SalDiBlasi Thanks

[@chasecarter6489]

What kind of thinset are you using to install the sheet membrane?

[@SalDiBlasi]

In this case it was Laticrete 254 platinum

[@doziboy803thethird6]

Is there a normal speed to this whole video

[@SalDiBlasi]

Part 1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJDPYWeIjbRmiZI Part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHTVe4aHiN5nqdE More to come.

[@zachwaters4951]

@@SalDiBlasi Any chance the "more to come" #3 and beyond will be available any time soon-ish?

[@ronsirolli8533]

Do you have a video on going over Electic heat mat on the floor

[@SalDiBlasi]

several

[@ronsirolli8533]

SAL THAT IS NOT WHAT I AM LOOKING I HAVE INSTALL A MAT HEAT ON THE FLOOR WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GO OVER THAT I HAVE NOT SEAN ANY OF YOU VIDIOS ON THAT

[@vanman3752]

@@ronsirolli8533 What's with the all caps bro?

[@johndillian1018]

Pan mat AFTER corners? That makes no sense. Water can run under mat easier.

[@nbrown1310]

How long did it actually take to do the installation?

[@SalDiBlasi]

This was actually pretty quick took me about seven days which includes some half days. I am 64 i don't puss it.

[@hansr6rd]

How do I slow this video down? I don’t speak chipmunk 😂

[@jerryhuff86]

Yes he is, and fast too! Lol

[@joeoathkeepernuno7086]

Nice work brother but sometimes when you're doing a big job I would like to see it at normal speed and hear what you have to say. sometimes I'm doing a job in the people think that it's supposed to be done in 2 to 3 days.

[@SalDiBlasi]

There will be a full how to on this in normal speed soon.

[@trickyvicky371]

That is what I was looking for as well! I did my first shower reno after watching many of your videos Sal, and now ready to start my second and wish to do without curb so I was hoping you had the full video!