How to get a flat wall for tile, wet shim.

[@silentg245]

Sal thank you so much for this video. The first time I saw this mentioned in another video I couldn't help but think of how much time I've wasted shimming walls with wood when this would have been the perfect fix. Thanks once again!

[@SalDiBlasi]

👍

[@janicesmyth2183]

thank you so much for this video. I was told my walls were in such bad shape they had to redo all the studs. After seeing this video Im going to get another contractor in to finish the job.

[@bolerdweller]

His studs weren't that far off, you could see between an 1/8th and a 1/4". I've been in homes where the walls are out more than an inch over 4 feet. These types of techniques aren't magical fixes if you're starting with something that's out to lunch

[@genewills8969]

Thank you for taking time to share your knowledge. When you are preparing the tile substrate (wetbed, foam, cement board...) for tile , how are you ensuring that each wall is 90 degrees to the other walls? If the walls are not "square" the floor and ceiling tile layout will be "off". No one ever addresses this challenge.

[@canndo1]

We have a wall in the bathroom that bows in in the middle. This is such a headache to get tile straight. Hopefully, this video will help us to finish the last wall in our bathroom. All walls were straight until the support wall next to the shower. Thank you for posting this

[@yourmasterrenovator86]

Thank you for your video. I'm just wondering whether it's right to push the board that hard against the studs as showed at 7:25 of your video. I think you should gently place the board against the wall, don't push it with your hands at all and only use the straught edge (spirit level) to flatten the board.

[@durbanpoison5381]

Always a pleasure seeing different ways besides using the kerdi fabric

[@paulg.8657]

Thank you for another fantastic instructional video on how to do things the correct way!

[@rafaeltapia40]

have you used wet shim method on go board? in your opinion what's better wedi or go board?

[@richardvoyageur]

Hey Sal, quick question: what do you do if that wall you're wet shimming is an outside wall and there is a vapor barrier present? Can you just put the thinset right on the barrier?

[@tothepointvids5192]

Can I install Hardie back on top of the foam board after wet shimming the foam board to the studs ? Why do I need to do that ? Because I made a mistake when installing the shower base and now it’s 3/4” gap to tue back wall of the bathroom So I need to shim AND also build up the gap Thanks

[@ceramictilepro]

Great video Sal, you know I always get something valuable out of them. One HUGE concern with new shower installations which rarely gets touched on is the valve placement in relation to the finished tile. It's super important to communicate with the plumber and discuss how far the finished tile is going to be from the studs. Even then, if the studs are out of plumb or the wall needs to be shimmed, that is going to bring the finished tile edge further out than anticipated. Some brands of shower valves have more adjustment allowance, while some have a much tighter tolerance. If the valve/tile are not matched correctly, the valve may not be able to operate correctly. There is no easy fix once the tile has been set! thank you :) - jason

[@SalDiBlasi]

I do understand your concern, and I agree all concerned should be up to speed, that being said I have yet to have a problem with a valve after he tile is installed. This type of shimming is to accommodate small differences.

[@ceramictilepro]

Here in California, we have tile contractors who use the old school mud method or backer board method like in your vid. We have hot mop shower pans, vinyl liners, and shower kits like schluter too. It's not uncommon for a hot mop shower to have some type of green or purple drywall already fastened to the studs which overlaps the hot mop. The tile guy would float his 1/2" mortar at the walls which now puts the substrate at least 1 inch from studs not including thinset and tile. Big difference compared to fastening tile board directly to studs. My point is that plumbers have no idea what the tile guy is doing so he may assume one particular method if there is a lack of communication. Ask me how I know.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Jason, I am very well aware that you know what you are talking about, I also know about how things are done in CA, hot mop and all, Hot Mop is a California thing as far as I know not really used anywhere else, and the mud over the dry wall, here the few guys that are left that still do it, and i do mean very few, hang tar paper and wire lath, but the fat mud can still be quite thick. However in general the valve thing is usually not a problem in these parts for anyone that knows what they are doing, as far as hack, well they are everywhere and all bets are off. 😊

[@duganfr]

I’ve been doing bathroom reno’s for 11 years now, lol I assumed all tilers do their own plumbing installs to get the correct fit. No wonder I’ve never seen Sal installing manifolds or rerouting lines. Since I do remodels, I’m always re doing water lines and manifolds. Busting out floors to relocate a tub drain into a shower. Electrical is another part I change up, adding lights in the ceiling.

[@kallenyc]

@@ceramictilepro What is hot mop? I live in CA.

[@johnsmith-qe2fd]

I watched the schulter guys wet shim, and then I was like let me see if sal does it like this because it looked like a goofy technique.

[@stanhope5734]

Hey Sal, what would be the maximum depth gap that would be acceptable to for this method? In other words, what should be the max thickness of a wet shim?

[@cahitsimsek8994]

you're an expert on this subject mate

[@romeobravo78]

If I shim out the back side of my tub to extend past the flange, the foam board will protrude out farther than the drywall where the foam board meets the drywall. How do you handle that?

[@neuman0210]

Sal, once the thinset has dried do you drive more screws through to the wet shimmed studs? Will the screws crack the dried thinset behind the kerdi board?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Once the thinset sets, yes add the proper amount of screws, it will not affect the thinset.

[@stevenkern6406]

I was going to ask this same question, to me (not a professional) it seems as if screwing screws through dried, fairly thin, thinset would crack it and make it crumble away, defeating the whole purpose.

[@isaacholzwarth]

Unless it was to really crack and break apart to a crazy degree, it seems to me that at the very least all the thinset between the screws would remain in tact. I think that with the stud and the board making it a tight sandwich I don't think it would crack very much at all. You could drill a bit of a pilot hole if you were paranoid I guess, but I don't think a practice like this would be verified by schluter if it had problems, they are crazy about what techniques they will warranty.

[@brs4346]

Thank you Sal for this video. If I shim out the back side of my tub to extend past the flange, the foam board will protrude out farther than the drywall where the foam board meets the drywall. How do you handle that?

[@romeobravo78]

Align the Kerdi 1/4" above and inline with the flange

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

That`s nearly what I was thinking about! Unfortunately we have no Kerdi board in retail. We have a cement sheeting only. But as I see this method can`t be used with hard and heavy cement sheets. However, I`d like to ask whether it`s possible to use this wet shimming to fit studs before installing sheets? To screed uneven studs using corner ones as a guide with a long straight edge. And after the mortar is hard, use liquid nails and screws as usual installation. BTW, is any modified quick set mortar can be used for this job or it must be something very special, please? We have no LFT brand as well Thank you!

[@robertavery8897]

Hi Sal .... find that method interesting. I’ve been doing a similar process for some time. I use construction adhesive. When it sets it’s as hard as a rock and provides a connection to the wallboard of choice. Nice video ... later

[@ejcsds]

Sal, when you do this and you are checking with your level after applying the mud and foam board, you are simply looking down the level to make sure it is flat on the foam board, correct? You are not looking at any of the bubbles, correct?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Correct

[@rafaeltapia40]

thank you for sharing...

[@SalDiBlasi]

My pleasure

[@EdgeStripKits]

nice video Sal, I watched you instead of HGTV / DIY TV today !

[@SalDiBlasi]

Then I would have to start doing things the wrong way, 😇

[@boltup5566]

How do you know how much thinset to scrape on the stud? Does it not matter since the Kerdi board will smush out the excess?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, when you tap it in the excess will be pushed to the side.

[@michaels6239]

Sal, Couple questions on this video and one other question.1. Do you always bring your wall backer board down past the tub/shower base lip? If so what about the side walls, this would make the shower walls proud of the rest of existing walls.2.If using Ditra, what is the recommended min plywood thickness?....all layers, subfloor/underlayment? I am starting with typical 23/32" subfloor tongue/groove nailed and glued down. I will renail/screw.Thanks in advance for all your time!

[@SalDiBlasi]

For a tub, the backer board goes over the lip, not on top, for porcelain tile on a floor with correct deflection of L/360 the backer board can be installed directly to the subfloor, for natural stone tiles, a double layer of plywood is required with a floor meeting L/720

[@marks.5288]

Sal, Looks like you left some space between the kerdi board and the top horizontal surface of the lip of the tub. Do you suggest a space here for expansion between the board and the tub? Thanks for the wet shim demo.

[@attarmann]

any tips on when doing backsplash in kitchen over existing drywall? what compound is best to use on drywall to make walls flat and sqaure?

[@davegordon6943]

Should be fairly flat, it has cabinets? I would just use drywall mud, let it dry, prime and paint and then do your backsplash.

[@bobvila1010]

If my gap is less than 1/8", would be a good idea apply PL glue and screw after dry?

[@ikust007]

Dear God. You are exceptional of knowledge. Thank you for sharing .

[@petepistachio8229]

The only question I have is glossed over in your video. On the diverter and opposing wall, after you wet shim. When do you screw/attach board to the studs? I would like to somewhat set the board before the thin set dries so it doesn’t move. But depending on how bad the wall is, you can’t set the board due to wet shimming all the studs.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I use a fast setting mortar to wet shimm, put a few screws in to hold in place, but don't drive them in all the way. The mortar will set up in a couple of hours and you can attach and screw in your board. I do believe I explained it in the video.

[@petepistachio8229]

Sal DiBlasi I heard you say that. But when you did the diverter and opposing wall where you wet shimmed all the studs the video fast forward and all the screws were in. Thanks for the response.

[@thomaswhite518]

Over time wouldn't the thinset release from the studs.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Approved by Schluter, thinset is a shim sandwiched between two surfaces, does not matter if it releases.

[@thomaswhite518]

Thanks.

[@dudecontadeis4488]

I apply thinset to all of the studs so i can make the walls plumb....The frame is almost never plumb.

[@maydanlex]

The "LFT Quick Set" you use for the wet shim...is that similar/same to the "Schluter All Set"? This video is very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes, it is!

[@jefflinton4964]

What type of caulking are you using at the joint between the kerdi board and the tub

[@SalDiBlasi]

Kerdi Fix www.amazon.com/dp/B01IU6XK7U/_encoding=UTF8?ref=exp_inf_pl_saldiblasi

[@nitro7726]

i thought thinset didnt stick to timber. or is this a special type of thinset? if so can you advise which one. thanks!!

[@SalDiBlasi]

You are not using it as an adhesive, but a spacer.

[@kerryfrost5501]

Hi Sal, have you ever tried using a refillable caulk tube to spread the thinset? I'm wondering of this would work

[@SalDiBlasi]

not a good idea.

[@jeremysmith6399]

I have a customer that has already prepped the show with a redi tile pan and niches.. they are recommending that you use the epoxy adhesive that comes with it for tile installation on the surfaces.. have you ran into this problem before? And could I possibly us the adhesive as a skim coat and then use regular modified thinset to bond to the adhesive for installation of shower floor tiles?.. thank you sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

Installing tile over something that has been prepped by a customer is always a risk, you never know if all steps were done correctly even if they say they did it according to all specifications.If they say use epoxy, which they do, then use the epoxy. The manufacturer knows the product it designed and produced, so deviating from the recommendations they make will usually increase the possibility of failure.

[@jeremysmith6399]

Thank you sal.. so I should just use the epoxy straight by itself for tile installation or do you think I could do a skim coat first let that dry then use regular thinset to bond tiles to the shower floor at that point

[@SalDiBlasi]

Epoxy

[@howiboy]

Good stuff Sal!

[@albxdotcom]

Always awesome info Sal !!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Thanks for watching!

[@peterfrode2378]

Do you wet shim the Kerdi board always when you install them or only when it is not quite level / plumb?

[@SalDiBlasi]

only when it needs it,

[@kallenyc]

Does wet shimming work on steel studs? If not, what do you recommend to make the wall flat? Mapecem? Planitop? Also (and maybe this is a dumb question), do I need a backerboard for wall tile that's NOT in a shower area? I have drywall mounted to metal studs and the wall is very wavy in one corner.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I don't really work with metal studs, so I don't know if you can wet shim, talk to your Schluter rep, they ae always happy to help.

[@marclastname2241]

Brilliant as always

[@druglord57]

Why is there no vapour barrier on the outside wall? Thanks for the video!

[@SalDiBlasi]

The Kerdi board is entirely waterproof, so the board is the vapor barrier.

[@druglord57]

Thanks Sal. Makes sense. I’m dealing with a bathroom that is not square with uneven walls and a floor that is not level. Will be interesting.

[@thomasdemartini7820]

Nice! Going to try it!!

[@alanlicht7633]

Hey Sal, Do you ever concern yourself with whether the three walls are square to each other, or just get'em flat and deal with out of square later with tile?

[@SalDiBlasi]

All prep should be done before any tile goes up. if something needs to be fixed, it should be done at the earliest possible stage.

[@ryankearns8773]

Sal could you expand here? I'm curious about this too....let's say all three walls are flat and in-plane (intra-wall), what's a good method to guarantee one wall to the next is flat and level or wall-to-wall leveling?

[@davegordon6943]

@@ryankearns8773 if you have a premade shower pan, it should be square, install it and fur your studs out to the pan. Or you could use thinset to build up the wall until it's square. If it's too out of square maybe look into other options.

[@jtcrunch]

Sal, I was going to be using USG Ultralight Foam Backer Board on my shower install. I didn't know if they recommended wet shimming it (like Schluter does), so I emailed their technical support, and this is their reply: "I'm sorry we would not recommend this application for shimming the material." Apparently they don't like this technique with their product. Guess I'm going to be going with the Kerdi Board.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Interesting, I talked to one of the reps and he told me that he thought it was OK. I am going to look into it further.

[@SalDiBlasi]

I just checked with the USG Rep, and he happened to be at their HQ, so he got me a definite answer that Wet shimming is allowed for sure.

[@jtcrunch]

Weird. Wonder why they gave me that answer?

[@SalDiBlasi]

The guy you talked to probably did not know what you meant by "Wet Shimming"

[@jtcrunch]

Thanks for your dogged pursuit of the truth on this vital issue! ;)

[@gordsinclair9583]

HAAAAAAAAAA-DEEEEEEEEE BACKAAAAAA! Thanks for the great videos Sal

[@SalDiBlasi]

😊👍

[@edcu100]

Hey Sal, Thx for the video will this method work on hardi backer or other cement boards? Thank you in advance

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry, foam boards only

[@leeedwards3783]

Are the tubs there to be tiled? If so, can you tell me what the make of them are. Been.looking for tubs to tile in the uk but no joy as of yet. Love the video as always. Sorry for keep pestering you Sal on the videos I have been watching lately.

[@fromordonlikebrennan]

Hi Sal, I absolutely love all your videos. I have no experience with handywork, but I feel so knowledgeable about building a shower thanks to you. I feel like I'm almost ready to try to renovate my horrible plastic-mold stall shower. I don't feel too confident yet, however, about removing the old shower and getting down to exposing the bare floor and bare studs. I've been wishing for a long time that you could add some videos of how to remove old showers and tubs. Would you be able to do that in the future?

[@SalDiBlasi]

That is not likely to happen any time soon, although I have torn out countless installs in the past 3 decades, I avoid rip outs now. Both my shoulders are shot, so no more tear outs for me, but all hope is not lost, I know a lot of installers so it might still happen.

[@SmillrTZ]

What kind of mortar does it need to install tile on the foam board , un modified or modified

[@SalDiBlasi]

Depends on the board, even Schluter has a Modified now that can be used. However most times Modified is recommended.

[@jackjill3205]

Sal DiBlasi What is the type of thin set you used to wet shim I am from the UK. Excellent videos, a wealth of good honest and useful information

[@SalDiBlasi]

It was an Fast setting LFT modified thinset

[@jackjill3205]

Thanks

[@jtcrunch]

Sal, can any other type of thinset work? I don't have a need for a full bag of LFT rapid set, but am going to use Schluter All Set for everything else. Would that work? Thanks for all the wonderful videos you've done!

[@SalDiBlasi]

It will work, but take a lot longer to dry.

[@tylergoeser9971]

Sal, I have two questions about this: 1. I noticed you didn’t check with a square in the corners, is that necessary when the walls are flat does that mean they will be square too? 2. Is this method useable with cement backer board? Have you tried that at all? Would love your input, thank you for the video.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Not to be used with cement board. Foam board only. You can also square up the wall doing this, but in reality, unless you have a specific need for the wals to be perfectly square, you can just go with it.

do you make sure the walls are square? And does it matter if the walls are perfectly straight up?

[@SalDiBlasi]

You want them to be as flat, square and plumb as possible.

[@turbulus]

hello Mr DiBlasi! I consider you the superhero of tile. So much so I was inspired to remodel my master shower. Tile on all walls, etc. I like your trick using an electric planer (from another video) to fix some studs. Works like a charm.. I picked up goboard (1/2) as backer since I could not find kerdi -anywhere here in austin texas. I think I might have some walls that need to be wetshimmed. Do you have any industry recommendations for a thinset that plays well wetshimming goboard? I thought of using shlueder all-set, but not sure how well kerdi products work inter-brand.. thank you so much in advance if you see and answer this comment.. Keep up the good work!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Use a quick set mortar so you can put the screws in after a couple of hours.

[@turbulus]

@@SalDiBlasi thanks for the response. Found only one product at home depot which was modified rapid setting thinset, looks like this will fit the bill. Thank you again sir

[@Bigbenhandyman1984]

Hey Sal! This wouldn't be suitable for hardi board? I have been thought to float my walls. I absolutely hate doing this and only really have to with small tile. Bigger tile I always mud set.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Only good for foam boards

[@Bigbenhandyman1984]

DO you have a video for hardi or other cement boards?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Yes kzbin.info/www/bejne/qKTYk5Vnfdp_odU

[@Bigbenhandyman1984]

Danke sir!

[@handyhands6773]

Hey Uncle Sal, I missed this step and now when I'm laying my tile it's not flat . What am I to do?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Skim coat the wall with a cement based patch and then install the tile.

[@handyhands6773]

@@SalDiBlasi Ok great, thanks for responding. 👍🏿

[@trebelclef]

I am so glad I found this video! Am going to do this for my shower wall install. Are you going to put more insulation on top of that electrical switch to dampen sound to the next room?

[@mohamedasem4716]

Sal you is good Teacher

[@hllywd964]

Do you buy Kerdi board at a supply house or like Home Depot? Hard to find stocked anywhere here on Long Island NY.

[@SalDiBlasi]

my Tile supply house has everything in stock.

[@hllywd964]

Thank you!

[@julioromero6489]

Good video Sal, but I find out, mudding the walls works better than any other method

[@ratfunkblue]

Great videos Sal, been watching you getting ready for my shower remodel using Kerdi membrane. Going to instal it over cement board. I know its not recommend but would this system work for cement board also. It seems like it would? Thank keep up the GREAT work!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Cement board does not lend itself to this, much too heavy for it to work, strictly a foam board thing.

[@ratfunkblue]

Noted! Thanks Sal!

[@treystills]

Sal you've got a video for almost everything! I was just thinking about how I've seen you do this in prior videos but was questioning why. Thank you so much for sharing. How important is it to have the shower/tub walls square with one another? Thanks again!!!

[@ronwatkins754]

Thanks for your time.....

[@dustinscroggins3382]

Can you use this method (wet shim) with durock?

[@SalDiBlasi]

NO

[@jackjill3205]

What is the type of thin set you used to wet shim I am from the UK. Excellent videos, a wealth of good honest and useful information

[@richardvoyageur]

Fortunate timing on this one, thanks Sal. Still hoping for the floor leveling how to!

[@SalDiBlasi]

Just leveled a floor, however no time to make the video as it was too fast moving, need to get the leveler down.

[@quintriggins6557]

Modified or unmodified thin set to wet shim?

[@12dollacigarette]

Makes no difference

[@blizzdog3881]

Damn Sal fist time I seen these foam backing board looks so much damn easier than cement board how is long time durability??

[@SalDiBlasi]

Great stuff, no dust, light, will not rot, strong, durable and easy to work with and you can wet shimm.

[@Chinchic101]

Hey sal, if I were to use cement board as apposed to kerdi board and I wanted to shim out a wall so it exceeds the tub flange as you show above. what do you recommend the gap be from the actual tub and cement board? I'm assuming you don't rest the board right onto the tub. I didn't know if you prefer keeping cement board above the flange or just above the tub and how much of a gap. Im concerned with water wicking up the backerboard. Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

First wet shimming is only for foam boards, can't use it for heavy cement board. The cement board is supposed to sit just above the tub, not above the flange. It is not a matter of preference, it is a matter of proper application. See 2018 TCNA Handbook page 230 Method B412-18. A gap of 1/4" is filled with a bead of sealant between the tub and the cement board.

[@Chinchic101]

Thanks for the reply. Now let's say you shimed out the walls using quarter inch plywood. How would you address the difference in depth between the cement board and existing drywall that continues through out the bathroom. Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@Chinchic101 Well there is the problem, proper planning is essential to getting everything to work.

[@SalDiBlasi]

@@dawnjuchum4213 it is not a matter of opinion or school of thought, the documentation in the handbook is clear, you should get one to remove your doubt.

[@themusj]

@@SalDiBlasi As the handbook states itself, it is a guide and outlines most installations and conditions. Your reference to it and your reputation and quality of work is undisputed. The first person above was looking for a solution to the offset affecting the rest of the wall plain. Perhaps a few recommended ideas on how to solve that problem would benefit him and all others who follow you and have that question.

[@tag-xr6uk]

Love your videos sal...would it be better to just mud the showers?.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Floating is a lot more work, much more weight and still not waterproof. Yes mud is tried and true, but not used by many as it is becoming a lost art.

[@blizzdog3881]

Mud walls the number one way to go but cost ya 3 times as much and plus hardly anyone knows how to do it properly anymore. What Sal is doing here just for a basic bathroom nothing wrong with it.

[@antoniodouglasdejesusolive6866]

Ótimo serviço como posso entrar em contato com você ? Fala língua portuguesa?

[@Beech1900pilot]

I love the videos Sal! How much thickness does this add to walls you figure? I roughed in my plumbing without accounting for this so I thought I'd ask before I commit to closing up the walls.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Depends on how bad thealls are, but usually not much at all.

[@AVHANDYMANPROFESIONALSERVICES]

tremendous fellow work

[@79aac]

Hi Sal! Very informative as always! How about the plumpness of the walls? Is it a concern at all or do you just adjust when cutting tile?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry, I don't understand your question. 🤔

[@79aac]

Sal DiBlasi Sorry if I was not clear enough. Do you think that walls that are somewhat out of plumb should be addressed or are they ok to tile as long as they are flat? Thank you!

[@SalDiBlasi]

depends on the tile and just how much they are out of plumb, smaller tiles it will be very noticeable, larger tiles not so much. Better to have a substrate that is correctly adjusted to avoid problems.

[@79aac]

Sal DiBlasi. Yes, that actually makes a lot of sense. 👍

[@talosadrian4004]

What I do when u have metal studs?

[@Tako2e]

Talos Adrian I hope somebody answers this question my friend. But most likely their gonna say sister the studs with 2x4 🤙🏽.

[@kallenyc]

Thus is my question also....

[@sojunx]

Good stuff

[@BillFridges]

Great content, Sal! How'd that wine turn out?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Fantastic, 🍷

[@steveg5576]

Hey Sal - you use all the different substrate systems for walls. How do you determine what to use on a job ? The archi, remodeler, yourself...? Maybe you can include in a video chat sometime ? Thanks

[@SalDiBlasi]

I pick what I want to use and what my preferred supplier has.

[@tb2187]

Should my red level get credit for its cameo role in this video? :)

[@SalDiBlasi]

Acknowledged. It was there so I used it 😊

[@10us101]

Sal your a real pro thanks for the vids... sure would like to see some pic of showers you have done over the years thanks again

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sure kzbin.info/www/bejne/ioXTkn1qo6qHa6M

[@WilsonAbrego]

Great video Sal. Quick question What kind of thin set did you use for wet shimming and how long did you wait to put screws on the studs with wet shimming ?

[@SalDiBlasi]

Use a rapid set mortar, screws can be installed after 2 or 3 hours.

[@WilsonAbrego]

@@SalDiBlasi thank you.

[@realdocumentary4480]

Backer board some 2by4 and trim would do the job and save you a few 100 dollar.

[@amariza21]

Lol, that is exactly what i said. Sister all the 2x and it will be easier

[@juniorprovencher6832]

Thats the way to do it 🖒

[@MBMcDuffie]

My contractor didn't do all of this - which seems too simple. He literally just installed the backer board. He didn't seal off the cracks for waterproofing. Then, he installed the tile using what's called "spot bonding", which is a huge no-no in the tiling industry. His excuse was because the walls were uneven and this allowed him to level the 12x24 inch tiles to the shower wall as he installed it. He didn't use spacers or spacer clips for even gaps; he used shims! Who does that???!!! This was very concerning to me, and I had never seen it done like this before. After the thin-set cured, a week later, one of the tiles fell off the wall to and I could there was NO adhesive left on the wall! Now I have to do remove all of the tile and backer board and redo everything myself. I should have listened to my father's words "If you want something done, you gotta do it yourself.". I am literally so pissed, I don't know what to do with myself.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Sorry you had to go through that, Probably would have been a good idea to just tell him to stop when you saw what he was doing.

[@MBMcDuffie]

@@SalDiBlasi I didn't know then what I know now, unfortunately. I did question him about this method and expressed my concerns, especially because the shower doors that will be installed are extremely heavy, but assured me the tile will hold. One already fell off, and now I found another one that is loose. At this point, it is a huge liability.

[@kallenyc]

@@MBMcDuffie Ugh! Where did you find this contractor and did you check any references or see his past work? Sounds like a nightmare but prob happens every day.

[@ernst7704]

Wet shimming simply a short cut not acseptable in high end installation

[@SalDiBlasi]

Wet shimming, suggested and approved by both Schluter and laticrete, not a shortcut but a time saver.

[@throbgristle]

Thankyou! I liked everything except hitting the level with a hammer. But, it was a borrowed level so.... lol

[@denniskesik1531]

Wow! I was going to say the same thing. Use a straight edge young man. And this business of redguarding or waterproofing everything probably is overkill but I understand why not do it. My point is we mudded everything for years and never had a problem.

[@540derick]

@@denniskesik1531 Have you gone back and checked every single job you've done? If not that claim cannot hold credence.

[@denniskesik1531]

@@540derick I would have got a call if there was a problem

[@kallenyc]

@@denniskesik1531 Not necessarily. The homeowner might not have wanted to recall the contractor who caused a problem. They would def call someone to fix it, though!

[@amariza21]

Im very confused with this method. Why no just sister the stud? Waste of time

[@SalDiBlasi]

So going to the lumber yard, finding studs that are straight, bringing them to the job, cutting them to fit, making sure they are plumb and in line while you attach them is not a waste of time. Let alone breaking out all your tools to be able to do the sistering. I think maybe a bit of thinset and a margin trowel and using the tools you already have with you might be a time saver, not to mention that it is quick and easy.

[@amariza21]

@@SalDiBlasi if you put it like that, sure you are rite. But everyone goes to the lumber yard no matter what and if you know what to look for, you will find it at no time. Don't take it the wrong way, everyone have their ways. I watched a few of your videos and learned some things from from, but this one is not the one

[@SalDiBlasi]

Not going to argue with you on this, but maybe next time you use foam board for a shower, you should try it, then decide. I have done both ways , more times than I can remember, I have videos on the subject. Wet shimming by far is the fastest and easiest.

[@JosephEverett800millionaire]

Hello Sal. My name is Joe Everett and I am one of your followers. I would really like to speak with you personally. I am a flooring installer for more than 30 years and would like to speak with you about a website that I am making. If you could accept my friend request on facebook so we can private message each other I would really appreciate it.

[@SalDiBlasi]

Hi Joseph, I got your message, but it is very cryptic. I get messages, phone calls and emails every day from people trying to sell me something or that want to talk to me about something important, or that just need a moment of my time. What makes you different to all the rest? There are only so many hours in a day. Send me an email with much more detail, and I will consider it.

[@jamenramirez1967]

I rather just float my walls with phat mud and have a perfectly plum and square shower