DO THIS BEFORE Installing FOAM SHOWER PAN --- Self Leveling Underlayment for Tile

Foam pans for tile shower installations have become a popular choice for those looking for an easier way to make a tile shower pan. Revolutionary Shower Systems, Schluter Kerdi, Wedi, KBRS, and others have made it possible to build a shower pan without the traditional way of using mortar. Foam pans are lightweight, pre-pitched, and waterproof so that beginners and DIY installers are able to use them without the time, skill, and effort it takes to build a mortar shower pan. Many professional tile installers are also starting to use them more to help prevent wear and tear on their bodies. the biggest mistake I see being made when using a foam pan is that they are installed on substrates that are not level and flat. This leads to water drainage issues and in some cases failures and water damage.
The best way to prepare a substrate for a foam shower pan is to use a self leveling underlayment (SLU) to make sure the foam pan installation goes well.
If you would like to get the limited edition "Somedays you make money, somedays you make friends "shirt I am wearing in the video, go to this link and purchase on of my original black tilecoach t-shirts: www.tilecoach.... **while supplies last**
If you need help or consultation on a project, go to: www.tilecoach..... I'd love to help!

[@TileCoach]

To get a FloFX drain go to www.tilecoach.com/product-page/flo-fx-bonding-flange-abs Thank you! For the shower pan, go to Revolutionary Shower Systems and tell them you saw this video.

[@matteberry58]

Just installed our first 2 FloFX drains. They installed much better than the orange drain flanges. I really like height spacers to get drain grate height correct. When we get to that I'll let you know how the idea works in the real world.

[@MrNinobonito22]

Would I be able to use regular outside wall stucco to do my shower mud or that'll be a problem ?

[@jeannie8262]

I am watching the entire series of your video great amazing content, however I am building a van would you recommend this phone shower or if not which material would you recommend for building a shower for a camper van?

[@JMXification]

I've been doing showers since 1986 and I love these videos. Finally somebody that actually knows what he's doing. 5 stars!

[@brilongenecker]

It's pretty clear you like to make friends Isaac. Always appreciate your willingness to share such valuable information and in such a kind and humble way. Mahalo from Kauai!

[@Stevesbe]

I don't think Shulter would think of him as a friend lol

[@brilongenecker]

@@Stevesbe anybody promoting unmodified thinset in the 21st century doesn't get to be Isaac's friend.

[@donnybarajas4026]

amen,your comment caused me to shed a tear.but its so true

[@donnybarajas4026]

amen,your comment caused me to sh

[@3500ram_duallys]

Great Video.. I'm a Plumbing Contractor and I was called out for a leak in a bathroom and it happened to be coming from a brand new shower pan. That got me curious on how to install a tiled shower pan. I'm really glad your videos came up. Great job on the presentation.. Thanks man!

[@bk1963]

I love it "Some days you make money. Some days you make friends". So true. Thanks for sharing. Keep up the good work.

[@bretburt7317]

I just moved to Florida after being a licensed Contractor in CA for over 20 years. I took me that long to find great Subs that I Always used back home. Once you find a good business partner, keep them. Reliable, honest subs were the number one reason I worried about moving. Now that I have made the jump, I wish I could find a tile person like you that truly cares about the final end results that will (hopefully) last a lifetime!!

[@xxxXXXjdXXXxxx]

I like your shirt at the beginning. "Some days you make money and some days you make friends." So true as a contractor.

[@stevenbullock9276]

I just did this (first time) for a 30x60" shower base on a plywood floor, and to help others, here is my experience: I used the same LevelQuik RS as shown here. I prepped the area also using 1" Great Stuff as a border and to seal around the edge, but I used a razor knife to cut off the excess and trim a straight edge in the front. Primer was Henry 554 rolled on 12 hrs prior to pouring leveler. My pan area was down close to 3/4" in one corner, with the opposite corner being the high point. 1/4 and 1/2" in the other corners. I had read in other reviews that an egg-beater mixer was recommended, but I am not happy with how it mixed. I think a spiral mixer- like TileCoach uses in his foam pan video- would mix better. I used 5.75 quarts of cold water, and my mix was no where near as soupy as what he's showing here. I'm pleased for a first effort of how it self-leveled (used a trowel to move it around some) and came out. My only problem was math. Thought one bag would cover the area, but didn't cover the high corner. After removing the Great Stuff I knocked down the sharp edge with a rough file.

[@danyeldan2139]

I have a question I am removing my tub and walls and I want to install walk in shower base and walls made by flexstone and I have to glue the base or walls but they not recommended using shims for leveling and if subfloor is not level do I need to use this self leveling or any other way ? or Mortar ? please advice

[@Indyken]

Absolutely the best instructor I've ever had to follow!!! Keep up the great work in making the industry even better!!

[@BBJoe007]

Fresno resident, big fan and learning lot of important tips from your videos. Very grateful for your good nature positive attitude and the love.

[@danielbrockman4257]

I’ve watch a ton of his videos and I learn something every time I watch 1. As my wife and I proceed with our own bathroom remodel , the biggest thing we are sweating is the bath tub removal and shower stall install. But with his videos , he gives me confidence that we can do this and do it right. Thank you for help. When we get to the shower demo, I’ll probably buy one of his packages to make sure we get it done correctly. Thanks again. Great video.

[@davegordon6943]

That's the easy part. You got this

[@alec1113]

Hello Issac, don't know if someone has already posted , the expanding foam will set / cure far quicker if you mist with a little bit of water . Thanks for video 👍

[@KungFuM0nk3y]

This is EXACTLY what I needed to see right now. I have a very small shower just shy of 3' x 3' and it is almost level but not quite, and I was leaning toward using leveler so that everything is smooth and easy. It is going to cost me more in materials, but since I'm a DIY guy and I want this done once and last a LONG time I think I'm saving in the long run. My labor savings more than makes up for material costs. I had to move the drain about 6 inches to get it to the center of the floor so just poured concrete to fill it and make my hole for the drain smaller. I used a disposable plant pot that I cut out the center just enough to fit over my 2" drain pipe so my concrete circle is centered around my drain, but wide enough for the install of the Schulter drain. I'd have used the FX stuff you promote had I know about it, but I already purchased Schulter for this shower. I plan to pain the entire shower with Hydro Ban once I'm done for that 2nd waterproof membrane. I'm so thankful for your videos!

[@jordandreste5480]

Thank you so much for making these videos, even for people that are very handy and knowledgeable. There are some things that we don’t do every day and it’s nice to have professional videos to explain these things! Thank you so much for being willing to help homeowners and other tradesmen, that shows that you care and yes, money is not everything truly what life is about has never been money ! ❤

[@gettindrunker]

I learned that the hard way and had to tear a shower out and start over. I now use a bigger trowel in low spots or sometimes self level it first. Thanks for the video!

[@budtrimble5814]

I just completed my Bathroom based on your Videos and 2 other you tubers. Thanks it turned out great

[@I-TILE]

I used your expandable spray foam method today it worked out great!

[@jgkrus]

Did you trim the foam before or after leveling? I have seen some people trim before the leveling

[@I-TILE]

@@jgkrus I trimmed the excess foam after the pour. So the following day

[@travisk5589]

I am a big fan of pouring self leveler before my foam pans. I like the spray foam damn trick, thanks for the tip Isaac

[@ohmsweethohm7259]

I’m a big believer in it as well. I also use it when setting your regular fiberglass shower pan from a fiberglass shower kit!

[@terrymcconnell16]

Thanks for this great demo. I am a fairly handy person, having worked in the custom building trade as low voltage installer ,Security Systems, Central Vacuum, Home Theater, Telecommunication Systems all the time watching all other trades and learning from repeated exposure and thinking what I might be able to do and what I would never ever try. Well guess what, I’m going for one of the “no way” jobs. Total demo of Roman Tub, step down shower, reconfigure and move walls, build cabinets move plumbing and drains all with Foam products. Your tutorials have helped me in choosing all procedural aspects of this project and now the final piece of the puzzle is in place. I am photo documenting the project for my own satisfaction….definitely not at your caliber but fun just the same. Best to you and thanks for your effort.😎👍🏄‍♂️

[@williamp9158]

I wish I could pour self leveling on my walls to get them flat and plumb 🤭😁

[@454Casull]

Just rotate your house 90 degrees

[@eds.2237]

Just used this foam trick for self-leveler containment- brilliant!

[@tonydee3341]

Many thanks, you're by far the BEST! Outstanding explanation without all the excess bla bla bla that most people video. Getting to the point, very important... got work to do right!! Audio is fantastic, no feedback / echo, and knowledgable in a professional yet humble way, builds lots of credit! Thanks again, now I have to attempt my first Schluter drop in pan and drain kit after leveling. Take care brother!

[@Philadelphia19147]

Honestly the very best tile channel on yt. Great content.

[@shure46]

You have a good way of presenting the information , no nonsense to the point , conveying the important info uncluttered by irrelevant nonsense , not adding loud insane music or gimmicky goofball antics , and you're not doing it "in a bikini" ..... thank you

[@marka.3905]

Coach you are awesome. I really learned a lot from you. Thank you thank you. I did my shower too. Watching your videos gave me the confidence to tackle my tub to walk in shower conversion. Again more power to you and best regards to your family and your team.

[@Alex.smiffy]

Very helpful, Thanks. One thing about spray foam: it cures fastest in the presence of moisture so giving the area a healthy mist of water before and after will speed up the cure.

[@Red-White-Blue777]

Hi Isaac, it was nice to see you perform and hear your knowledge. I really appreciate the information! You are also easy on the eyes, and on the ears as well. You helped me figure out some things about a project that I am doing, in regards to putting a shower stall, fiberglass type. Only thing is, the base concrete floor that the knuckleheads laid, did a lousy job and it is unlevel! So obviously that needs to be corrected. I've been scratching my head as to how to go about doing that, and wasn't sure if I should grind the concrete or chisel it level. I think that your method would be a lot simpler. If I get it right leveling that small portion of the concrete, I just may convince myself to do the whole floor of the bathroom! So I want to say thank you for your advice, and please continue the good advice for us "do it yourselfers".🤠🕊️

[@dirtysouthhc2936]

Hell yeah man I've only done this a few times getting older and still having to do this s***. I'm so OCD about not f****** s*** up while I'm teaching myself haha. Thanks for the videos man I appreciate the content

[@ninerdoublezero]

No nonsense description of how-to methods. Thank you!

[@jma5255]

Bro your videos are the best. Very educational and realistic.

[@nkyryry]

100% agree. There’s no point for a professional to use foam. You guys float showers every day. You’re great at it. But for a homeowner just trying to do a nice simple tile shower, a foam pan is perfectly fine.

[@michaelcervantes9031]

Nice work man! Moved from Carmichael to Orlando and doing a remodel on my son's bathroom using foam board for the fist time. Keep up the great vids!

[@bogade1257]

We are going to have our upstairs bathroom Redon , learning a lot about shower installation. Thank you.

[@blakemoxley7847]

This guys the fuccin man love the videos, better than the material manufacturer videos. Visual learning from a professional installer perspective always the key on how, why, and what

[@suspicionofdeceit]

Fook yea!

[@zagnit]

Seriously one of the best teachers out there; and I’m not a novice, but a pro setter. Never stop learning!

[@husky500cr]

Thank you, I did my mom's bathroom using your method and so far so good.

[@christaschuk7471]

Just finished doing this job, and it was went exactly like the video. Thanks for the advice! Now onto the next project obstacle!!

[@andrewthomas4399]

Ordered a shirt looking forward to it. Keep up the great work!

[@Darndat]

best guide for self leveler ever! Thank you!

[@h.taplin5182]

Great job, I needed to see this now because I’m doing a shower. Thank you

[@Extrmach]

This absolutely applies to fiberglass shower pans and even some tubes. Good stuff, thanks.

[@danyeldan2139]

I have a question I am removing my tub and walls and I want to install walk in shower base and walls made by flexstone and I have to glue the base or walls but they not recommended using shims for leveling and if subfloor is not level do I need to use this self leveling or any other way ? or Mortar ? please advice

[@Extrmach]

@@danyeldan2139 yes, self leveler

[@michaelnuno8903]

Love the shirt my bros. I’m a 3rd generation tile contractor and I really like your style 👍💯🫶🏽😎💥💥💥💥👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@TileCoach]

Thanks Michael!

[@Calirangr]

Pretty good video. Well within the capabilities of most DIY folks. I just tore out a shower pan I put in 15 years ago. WOW! What a bunker! Foam pans seem a lot easier both in and out...if you do the prep.

[@leeboriack8054]

Isaac, you are a such an incredible resource for DIY’ers and professionals. I’m sure insurance companies are using your videos to evaluate claims.

[@andrewlupton2120]

Greetings from Canada. Great video. Very well done and helpful. Thanks.

[@joegocal]

I’m here because I just had to tear out $350 of tile and a Kerdi base because my dumb a** didn’t notice that the bubble was just a little off centre when checking. Thanks for the tips! Second time lucky 🤞

[@romanwowk4269]

Best video I've seen on this topic. Thanks Tile Coach!

[@danyeldan2139]

Great video and info but please I have a question I am removing my tub and walls and I want to install walk in shower base and walls made by flexstone and I have to glue the base or walls but they not recommended using shims for leveling and if subfloor is not level do I need to use this self leveling or any other way ? or Mortar ? please advice

[@chrism9976]

I'm about to install a Schluter tray for the first time. I was wondering how I was going to level my 1940's subfloor with a drain hole in the center. Thanks for the great tip!

[@user-dy6gb6zc2l]

Never seen any one do this,i just did it for the first time then come on you tube and here it is lol... Plug all holes!..take the time!! I thaught my leveler was thick enough and would dry quick enough to not have to worry about the miny holes..about a gallon+of floor level ended up on the basement floor. Even after i left that night and thought i plugged everything up. Pin holes wer still seeping and did end up putting my pan out of level.. Luckily towards drain. But i did have to trim the bottom row of tile opposite the drain because of this (3×5 shower with drain at one end, subway tile)...Still came out great. I some how got all the cuts laser but wouldn't have had to go thru all that if i would have just taken 5 more minutes before mixing the leveler and made sure everything was plugged up and sound...so take your freaking time on this step. This stuff is great and bullet proof when dry. Great idea.. Just make sure it cant leak out even if its on a slab and a corner leaks , you will screw yourself. I also screwed up with the main floor in the bath..( was a rushed job, only bath in the house) While i was at it i should have leveled that too b4 ditra.. Again i made it work but there is a crown in the floor that should not there.. Level level level. This sht is a life saver.👍 im doing this every time on maine floor and shower from here on out.

[@acreguy3156]

I have a fiberglass shower tray I need to install. The cement slab is uneven and off level by 1/4 inch. It has a Styrofoam backing. Your technique should work perfectly. Thanks!!!!

[@DavidMoncrief]

I liked everything I saw in this video, but let me give a few more pointers to those watching. 1. Try to have as much work done prior to installing your foam pan. In the video you can see Issac hasn't completed any of the wall tile etc. This foam is super easy to damage and dent. The less you walk on it the better. 2. Follow the foam pan manufacturers recommendations! I just stayed in a beach rental house that was brand new, $12k/week and three of the shower pans were already puddling water in the corners. Maybe they didn't level the subfloor like Isaac did here, but more importantly they used tile that was too small on the pan. I believe that most manufacturers will specify a minimum size for these foam pans - in that brand new house the builder used polished pebble (with large voids for grout) and penny tile on the floor - almost instant failure.

[@davegordon6943]

2x2 is the minimum for shluter anyway

[@wayneburton4464]

Well I'm going to try to install the kerdi shower kit myself. Wish me luck. Great video

[@samfredo8140]

Love this video. One thing to remember is the foam pans come in standard sizes. Schluter says to cut the pan to fit your situation. When you cut the pan you are cutting into the slope so the middle of the cut side may be lower than the ends (corners) of that side. I'm checking with Schluter on how to handle this situation.

[@TileCoach]

This is a custom made pan to fit perfectly

[@Vanbulance89]

You're supposed to trim both sides, for example with a 48"x 48" pan that you want to trim to 36"x 36" you would trim 6" off every side. Should keep the slope uniform.

[@samfredo8140]

@@Vanbulance89 I checked with Schluter on this. Here is what I said: "I purchased and installed the shower tray 72" x 48" with the center drain. My shower size is 72" x 39" with a center drain so I had to cut a few inches off each long side to make the pad fit into the narrow space. Now when I go to layout the wall tile I notice that the long sides are lower than the narrow sides due to the preformed slope. Should I build up the long sides to meet the height of the narrow sides? What should I use to do this and any tricks to doing this would be appreciated. Thanks." Here is the Schluter response: "Thank you for contacting us. Typically one would simply cut the first row of wall tile to align the grout lines if there were major differences. There really should not be much difference from side to side as the trays are sloped 1/4" per foot of run. If each side was cut by 4.5" to achieve the 39" that would only be a little more than 3/32". This small of an amount can be made up with in the setting material usually when installing the tile and/or profiles." In this video a custom size pan is used so this wouldn't be an issue. BTW, I did pour self leveling under the pan and it worked out great except for the lower sections.

[@Vanbulance89]

Thanks for replying!

[@SamIrwin-ws8ud]

Fantastic video. Answered the questions that I had perfectly. Thanks.

[@madworld6801]

Brother, you saved me a lot of time and headache you got yourself a new subscriber thank you good info

[@kellybike7377]

Hey Issac, I love your videos and all the super useful tips that you provide. I used Laticrete’s Next Level Self Leveling compound and the showers floor was totally flat/Level for about a week and then fine cracks began to appear. And after a couple more days, those cracks became the high spots making the floor uneven. Ever heard of this?????

[@johndulik7593]

Cool video, but I still like my old school shower pan liner &mud bed.

[@trevormaclean7916]

Good shit, didn't even have to watch the video the thumbnail image gave me all the info I needed lol

[@philipsimon5203]

Nice video easy to follow along

[@hotelrenovators9301]

Thanks Isaac! Always great content!!!

[@marilynwong9784]

You’re welcome!

[@jfkid777]

I love your videos. Great instructions.

[@turboflush]

Thank you for the info. I have a shower project coming up. Mindblowing how many systems are out there.

[@Mac72802]

Your a great Coach

[@davidmiller7372]

I've truly learned a TON from your videos! Thanks for passing along your knowledge of the trade as ts been very beneficial

[@mafikadafi]

Thank you for all the information and help. About to lay down this leveler. Crossing 🤞🤟👍

[@rickenn2921]

Good video, thanks. I like the tip on using foam for the border. You answered a question I had, by your video you can put thinset over concrete. I thought I would need to put plywood over the concrete. I will be using a Shluter pan and unmodified thinset.

[@TJ-sv3hw]

Great video and very helpful! I picked up a bag of the Custom Products LevelQuik RS and read the instructions which indicate you have to use some lath when using in plywood. I assume this is to provide more for more structural/flexural(?) strength when tiling directly over but seems unnecessary when simply using for a shower pan install (should have plenty of compressive strength). They refer to TCNA method F185 which requires the lath but that is going directly to tile on wider joist space. I watched your video again to confirm you did not use the lath in this case. What do you think about doing the same when going over 16" oc TG subfloor prior to foam shower pan install? Note: Plan to use an uncoupling membrane on the rest of the bathroom floor and trying for minimum pour of the self-leveler.

[@joefowler3106]

Some people swear by foam pans because they're "easier" to do but I have yet to try one. Honestly don't see the point. I can pack a typical pan in under an hour and membrane it the next day for about $50 in material. 🤷🏻‍♂️ I will say that the FloFx drains are amazing, it's all I've used since they launched last year and Chase (owner of FloFx) is coming out with more cool stuff all the time 🙌

[@TheY0guk]

To speed up the cure of expendable foam you can try to spray it with water. Never tried that myself but this is what I read on the spray bottle.

[@Ryan-ok2xr]

that foam trick is badass. now i have a way better way to keep things out of the hole around the drain pipe. was really stuck there

[@dfs7979]

Oh this is painful to watch. I completely forgot to do this on the shower I built recently and I ended up having to chip out the floor tile and build up my slope using thinset and deck mud on top of the foam pan. I was a bit nervous with parts of the deck mud being so thin but with the mortar sandwich (bottom and top) it ended up rock solid. After a few coats of red guard I was all set to retile and you'd never know there was an issue. I'll probably never use a foam pan again. I do like the thermal break being that this is on a basement slab but it is just easier and cheaper to build my own slope. Oh, and I'll never use Kerdi again either after using a liquid applied membrane - it was a dream to work with.

[@robertchappell8061]

Best video I’ve seen on this subject!

[@decalboy4746]

Awesome info. Looks pretty straight forward. Thanks

[@banjotramp1]

Very helpful. I'm just now pondering how to install a pre formed shower base on a wood floor almost 5/8 out of level.

[@MrFuckface2013]

I read LevelQuick self leveling underlayment is good for uses up to 1.5"

[@patd2765]

Looks like exactly what I need to do for my shower remodel. Thanks

[@mrjoehimself]

Love this dude!

[@marilynwong9784]

Thanks! Love you, too!

[@jasoncushman2786]

Thanks Isaac I'm doing this tomorrow.

[@svridr2k]

Always very informative! Thank you!

[@marilynwong9784]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it!

[@Breezy.Anderson]

Your video was awesome man. Your shirt is super cool too

[@chasecarter6489]

I appreciate all you do for us brother! Learned a lot from you

[@o.ggonzalez3470]

thank you.

[@marilynwong9784]

You’re welcome!

[@illestt_cee]

such great content! i need one of these foam pans for my restroom remodel.

[@Heb101922]

This is a great video. Thank you!

[@frankesposito1399]

Another option for the inside corner seams is masking tape. You don't need to wait for the foam to set up. You can do a wooden dam on the curb side and mask that as well. 2x2 for example and then tape both sides.

[@Geeven1]

Nice video mate👌😉

[@macgyver03ga]

We stayed in and AirBNB last year at the beach. It was an older house with pretty wonky floors. The owner had just completely remodeled the house with 3 brand new showers in the past few months. The shower in the master bathroom was so out of level, the curb was about 2” high on one side and about 1/4” high on the far end (the end where the shower sprayed) Unfortunately that wasn’t enough and water was still ponding and running up over the curb and onto the bathroom floor. I felt so bad for the owner, I called him to warn him of the long terms ramifications if he doesn’t redo this shower asap he’s gonna have big $$ problems. Hopefully he listened to me and made his tile guy redo it.

[@TYT695]

Awesome advice! Thank you.

[@thatguy7127]

2:32 I call that the tile man shuffle. Lol

[@pauld2502]

Wow! What an absolutely amazing and informative video. Thank you. I’m helping my daughter and son in-law renovate their bathroom in their first house they just bought. You’ve answered so many questions I’ve had while preparing to install a KBRS foam shower pan. I was really stressing out. These millennials have such high expectations and my work with DIY has never been perfect. But this video will help. One question, if the plywood subfloor is absolutely plum and level, do I still need to use the self leveling product BEFORE installing the foam shower pan?

[@jesusbanuelos6255]

I got a bathroom remodel coming up soon,,,was wondering if the foam products work better than the Hotmop if so where can I buy the foam pan and do they coMe in custom sizes

[@jesusbanuelos6255]

Also would like a shirt to show my customers it’s not all about the money

[@eltonnoway7864]

When he says the "thinner" the self leveler is at 08:35 ... he's referring to the depth of the leveling pour (how deep from top to bottom) "not" how thin or thick the liquid state of the product is when mixed for pouring.

[@wyndwalkerranger7421]

Thank you

[@mercedesfoster482]

GREAT ADVISE , thanks you!!!!!

[@distantlightsishimura2286]

Foam shower pan that works with the Flo FX drain! Love it, can you provide a link to where I can find it please.

[@JimGiven]

looks like a new product of his. But not yet on his site.

[@TileCoach]

Revolutionary Shower Systems

[@alanlanham5792]

Perfect for my diy, shower,

[@scorpio6587]

Awesome thank you

[@marilynwong9784]

You’re welcome!

[@thomashubbard6555]

Good idea thanks coach

[@Aepek]

We also use Edge Ban LTEBV Self-Leveling Underlayment Containment Vent Ban; as well as, the spray foam…. Depends on job for what we use.

[@Lugenfabrik]

Hey Isaac, just picked up this stuff at HD and the directions say you should use wire or plastic reenforcement mesh. I notice you didn’t do that. Is it because your substrate is concrete? My substrate is plywood. Thoughts?