Schluter Shower Part 1: Drywall and Wide Roll Kerdi Membrane

This video shows a Schluter shower installation using drywall (purple board) and Schluter's Wide Roll Kerdi membrane, which allows the walls to be waterproofed without seams! We tore out an old one-piece fiberglass shower and built a curbed Schluter Shower. And in Part 2 we'll share how to install the Schluter shower pan, here's the link to Part 2 • Schluter Shower Part 2...
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The first step is to check shower stud walls. All studs should be even with each other and plumb. If they're not, use the sistering method or shave down studs using a planer. Studs should also be 16" on-center, that's standard for all backer boards.
Step two is the installation of 1/2" drywall. Schluter recommends using drywall in this scenario because it's easier for Kerdi membrane to lay flat over drywall. That said, there's no need to finish the drywall with joint compound. In fact, don't use joint compound for drywall in the shower as it can be a bond breaker for Schluter's Kerdi Membrane.
All screws should be flush or sub-flush with the drywall surface. That way screw heads won't penetrate the Kerdi membrane.
Schluter's ALL-SET mortar was mixed to the lighter consistency and troweled onto the drywall using directional troweling. This allows air to escape between the Kerdi and drywall. Kerdi was then made smooth with a 6" drywall knife. Schluter's wide roll of Kerdi membrane allowed this entire shower to be waterproofed without any seams, minus the one between the Kerdi-Band and existing drywall.
Watch the video for more details.
#Schlutershower #Schlutershowerinstallation #homerepairtutor

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

Fantastic product. For non-professionals, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND installing your mortar bed first (if using mortar bed) instead of installing kerdi membrane on your walls first. The reason is this: when you pack down the mortar bed, your trowel corners will inevitably dig into the membrane. It's no big deal, you can always put an extra strip or 2 of kerdi band along the wall base, but still aggravating. As a first time shower builder, kerdi membrane was definitely a smart choice. If I had it to do over again, I would have used regular dry wall instead of cement backer board, and would have spent a bit extra time shimming the studs. Typical rookie moves, but I got everything level, flat and plumb throughout. I have mad respect for contractors who do this everyday. Very humbling work, and you guys deserve every damn penny you make.

[@johnschmeltz163]

Do you tile right over it

[@zackfielder]

@@johnschmeltz163 yes once the membrane is set and the mortar has dried, it’s ready for tile.

[@Nebulation]

Then what would you build your mortar bed up to? The cement board? Or even worse...drywall? Both are a nono.

[@RawTakes]

Float mudbed, then install cement board. Never use drywall, even with sheet membrane. Unless u don't care about repairing your tile. And honestly that shit sucks if u have to do a repair and you have cut into it and it's useless, unrepairable without removing all of it and doing it over again.

[@calmnsense]

This guy is about as good as it gets when it comes to teaching this stuff!

[@mattjudy6780]

This guy doing the actual install got screwed over so bad by the other guy in this video. Took advantage of him really bad.

[@seeburg220]

@@mattjudy6780 What? How?

[@mattjudy6780]

@@seeburg220 you can find a youtube video of him explaining it. He was basically working the guy to death for content and lying to him about what they were making.

[@Bestie200]

Great video. It’s so informative. I’m getting ready to rip out our old & leaky stand up shower and replace with tile. Your videos have helped so much!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

awesome! Let us know if you have any questions

[@mikez4132]

So much better than taping corners. Good vid.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

totally, much quicker installation

[@johnbalogna803]

Any reason you didn't use cement board?? would it not have added rigidity to the walls and been a better substrate for the tile???

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

What can I say... Another fantastically done video. Very well done as always...

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thanks man, always appreciate your feedback - hope you're having an awesome week!

[@joetarlos]

Why didn't you use the schüter-kerdi board that was already wrapped oppose to using waterproof drywall and then applying a skim coat of compound then putting on a Schüter wrap and squeezing the access of the compound out. It seems that their wrapped board that they make would be easier to install and do the same job...

[@hooks4nooks]

Very good video. Everything I was in question about. Nicely done. Thank you.

[@TheRealMrGuvernment]

Since the 2m, you wrap it as you did, curious why with 1meter sheets people run them vertical, instead of horizontal, giving the same corner result as the 2m, thus no corners to mud you then layer the 2nd 1m 2inch overlay to the bottom 1m, and mud that, then if you need a 3rd, do the same...seems like a better method vs doing sheets veritical and having several vertical seams you need more Kurdyband to apply...(a way to make more money?) Since water flows down? This provides a continuous corner seal, no mud needed only where the 1M overlap, only corners at the bottom and bottom pieces to join with the pan.... I just ask this as 1M may be easier to work with for beginners than trying a 2M sheet, also I am doing my basement bathroom and going to the ceiling, which isjust under 3M, enough for 3 x 1M to fit with 2in overlay.

[@blt981]

Thank you soo much for showing me the realistic working man’s way of working with this product. I’m planning our bath remodel and want to be prepared when using this product.

[@alexaclaire8728]

Do you have an example of doing this Kerdi Membrane but with a porcelain tub insert?

[@javierfasciano5171]

Can this be place on cement boards , and floors ?

[@JustinMentionedIt]

You can cut that circle out 27:44 bigger on that faucet piece to make it fit the bigger pipe

[@alexaclaire8728]

We had an installer do this method, but he did not keep the roll in 1 peice. It looks like he overlayed the Kerdi. Is that ok?

[@runfermiles]

Good tips. 2 questions though. 1) Would you tape the cement board (corners and seams) with Fibatape - prior to membrane install? I've seen commentary in other videos that taping unnecessary. 2) If you only have the 39" roll, couldn't you roll it out similar to what these guys are doing but go horizontally around the shower with multiple panels to reach the top? Could Kerdi band the seams or overlap them perhaps?

[@tonyboneize]

Hey bro,love the videos. I have a question. Can I put Kerdi right over painted Sheetrock?

[@jacobalexander560]

Can I achieve the same results if I use Kerdi boards instead of drywall and then add the membrane over the Kerdi board?

[@carlhenderson7254]

You don't need the membrane then.

[@yourmomma3132]

Great work but one small pet peeve. I hate when people leave all kinds of debris and insulation loose inside of a wall then cover it up. Just something that always bothered me.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

totally understand

[@GuerreroF5]

How much truth is there to this? When showering there's always moisture that rises. Does it not get into the exposed drywall above the shower? The cealing and the walls. Wouldn't that be an issue for mold in the future?

[@legioni1354]

Would there be an issue with using cement board or hardie backer instead of the drywall?

[@Flores_Chris]

Can this be applied over painted drywall?

[@charliewilson707]

Installed this stuff for years and attended "Schluter school". It was always advised to tape and prime the wall board prior to installing Kerdi. 1. Taping with mesh strengthened joints and helped minimize movement that could cause the Kerdi to pucker or blister. 2. Priming helped seal the wall board reduce moisture penetration and improve adhesion especially on exterior walls where you essentially sandwich the drywall between 2 layers of plastic. I agree cement board is best but it still must be taped. Kerdi and Ditra are only as good as the substrate.

[@chrisgrippo6869]

So I am a little confused. Can I apply the Kerdi membrane to regular drywall? I have moisture resistant gypsum and it is purple in color, but doesn't look like the board used in this video. My plan is to tile the walls surrounding the new bathtub / shower. I am asking because my friend who has been helping me said the drywall / gypsum we used was fine and he said the Kerdi membrane will work with it. I just want to be sure before I continue with my bathroom renovation.

[@aacar4095]

I’ve just been reading on this a lot and had a contractor install for us. Technically the membrane is waterproof so you can install over either. I went with green board just to be a little extra cautions (vs regular drywall), but honestly, if you don’t seal it right, you’re probably screwed whether you have regular drywall or green board as neither are waterproof. Sealing the kerdi membrane is critical obviously.

[@Bigbacon]

@@aacar4095 yup, no matter what you use, if the water proofing is bad and you get water where you don't want it, you are screwed.

[@saltyoperator7435]

Green, blue, purple… none of it is water proof. It’s moister resistant… mold/mildew. It’s supposed to be used in areas that experience high levels of moister… typically bathrooms. Color difference tends to be the manufacture. Schulter in its install videos show normal drywall in the install. Personally my rule of thumb is overkill is a great piece of mind.

[@israellary3516]

Question: Why did you choose to go vertical with the directional troweling? Would horizontal directional troweling allow the air to escape easier when installing the membrane in this manner?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It could but Schluter doesn’t specify, just as long as the KERDI-BAND is fully embedded in the thin-set

[@dienal-hakim8649]

This little kzbin.infoUgkxVoi3B4CB6Oygq1-vo4OTL1M_M5JkrXif tub works perfect in our 6 x 6 shower and is easy to get in and out. Also easy to drain.

[@paydent]

how do you know it was turning at 300 rpms? i have a variable drill but i have no clue what speeds it turns at

[@tonybenjamin7844]

Do you need to tape/mud the drywall seams before putting the Kerdi up?

[@DavidLawwill]

What if you want the tile to go to the ceiling. Does the wrap come in longer sections?

[@olegproscurchin8200]

I have green drywall installed already on my shower walls. What options I have now?

[@MooseDoesStuff]

Why use purple board if you're waterproofing with kerdi?

[@catfish24]

You keep saying drywall. The drywall is purple i am assuming it's water proof thats why it's purple is this correct???

[@JoyVongsouvanh]

So we can use drywall instead of cement board

[@peteoliver2520]

Great video! If the shower wall continues in the same plane beyond the curb, how far should Kerdi membrane extend past where the sliding door frame is? Is an inch or two adequate?

[@zackfielder]

I always run mine even with the outside of the curb, as that tends to be at least a couple inches past the door anyways.

[@caroljohnson8817]

What’s the cost difference between the Kerdi paper roll and the board products?

[@jandrol4527]

What thinset can i use on top that membrane, normaly i use custom brand LFT for large format tile ,but i wnat to know if i can use on top of this membrane schulter. Or whivh one is recomended Thanks

[@AlecGrinage]

Is the kerdi band at the top of the wall super important or did it just come in the kit?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@AlecGrinage you need to waterproof the drywall to board transition and overlap both substrates by at least 2 inches

[@danyeldan2139]

can I use Kerdi band to joint purple board to my regular drywall before installing shower wall?

[@G45and47]

There is no way there aren’t lumps behind the fleece with that little amount of troweling after the fleece was applied?!

[@glennrudolph9867]

Would you be able to tell me the pros & cons of tiling shower walls using (1) Drywall and Kerdi-ROLL membrane (like this video) vs. (2) Kerdi-BOARD? Which is better? or cost difference?

[@FunesLegend]

I want to know too

[@realbusboys]

Kerdi board is definitely better, more expensive but you actually would save lots of time, which time is money

[@oleksandrobzhylov8445]

Hi. I have a question. What can I use instead of kerdi fix ?

[@chrissymueller5670]

I did the water test for 24 hours on my kerdi system. I didn't have water loss but I had wicking about 1/4 inch above the kerdi band. Is that normal or could I use kerdi fix to seal this up

[@nmlindon20]

Exselent video!

[@leosheremet5298]

if you use traditional cement board and Hydro ban Laticrete you will save a time, a money.

[@Michaellove85]

How do you know it was half a bag

[@cobourguy]

Excellent videos. I will be looking to do this in a few weeks and have no experience, is there any worries about how fast you are going when placing the membrane? Wondering if you need to rush to get it done, or if a newbie would have time and not rush

[@zackfielder]

Not sure if you’ve already done it and found out, but once it’s mixed you generally have about 2 to 3 hours to work with it.

[@SuperSteven0808]

Can I use Durock backer board?

[@joefaulkner3686]

Can I do this over painted drywall?

[@desmondedward7157]

What u charge to do a job like that

[@bennisim7949]

Hi. Can you use the membrane over cement board ? Thanks

[@handyandymclovich7261]

Yes

[@edwardlocke874]

You guys are awesome thanks !

[@Davyscales]

Nice and informative, one question though what are you using to set up your laser level?

[@realbusboys]

It’s probably a 3rd hand pole. They are super nice to set up your laser to any height

[@AlecGrinage]

How soon after kerdi membrane is installed can tile setting begin?

[@joeshmoe8912]

It's so funny when you said it's a beautiful day in Pittsburgh today I was like no it's not. We got a bunch of storms today. Lol. But you filmed this at a different time. Thanks for sharing .

[@joeshmoe8912]

I'm from the burgh.

[@daynacjones]

I've not seen purple board. Is it the same as green board in the states?

[@damiendilucchio449]

Moisture, mold, and mildew resistant

[@jayc2884]

If you had your choice would you use the kerdi backer board or regular drywall and put on the kerdi membrane?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

regular KERDI-BOARD because the extra pieces can be used to build custom shower niches

[@jayc2884]

@@HomeRepairTutor Thank you

[@jayc2884]

@@HomeRepairTutor Does that go for the shower pan too. I know there are two different types. Do both need to have the kerdi membrane on them. Thanks again.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@jayc2884 all Schluter shower trays now have KERDI membrane installed at the factory, so you don't have to do that yourself. It was a great upgrade by Schluter

[@jayc2884]

@@HomeRepairTutor awesome thank you again!

[@blt981]

Is this stuff expensive. ?

[@bdknb5]

If the Kerdi membrane is water resistant why do you need the purple board?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It’s to support the KERDI, normal drywall can be used

[@deborahherbert137]

Why are you using Schluter's all-set modified thin-set when, from everything I've read, Schluter recommends using Schluter set--an unmodified thin-set

[@markwilson1138]

It's in the name. "All-set" it can be used for any part of the Schluter system

[@sayfeeyousef9025]

Would only using Kerdi board be an acceptable option? Instead of using the purple drywall and kerdi membrane.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

yes, KERDI-BOARD is a great option. You’d install that first then the pan and curb. This installation would be a great fit for your project, just swap out KERDI and drywall 👍🏼

[@damiendilucchio449]

Wheres part 2?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

it’ll be out soon, about a week 👍🏼

[@fakhruddinqureshi4107]

@@HomeRepairTutor I want ur phone number pl.

[@teh60]

That 79 inch Kerdi membrane is super cool. Did Schluter just start offering it in that size or have they had it for a while? My local Lowe’s store only had the 3 foot 3 inch sheets when I did my tub surround. Great video as always.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

the Wide Roll is new, we got this from our local Best Tile. So you might have to find a local distributor but it’s well worth it

[@hayyanah1980]

I would like to know if this big size membrane is available in Calgary? thanks

[@julioquiros1981]

I’m not sure. Can this product be overlay. In stead of buying the strip? It looks to me that is the same materials all So I don’t see why not overly.

[@stevedillinger7282]

Just found this - I followed your videos from last year and used normal drywall. I haven't put on the membrane yet. Should I remove and use the purple board?

[@lilmiguel2174]

Steve Dillinger purple board is better.

[@abacab87]

No, Schluter doesn't recommend it, also (not sure if this is true with purple board) with green board there can be moisture trapped between the layer of kerdi, and so it has nowhere to go.

[@samscott54]

I use purple board to be safe. Use paper drywall shins on studs for irregularity Setting base last then taping

[@johnal4560]

i try to tile my shower but one of the stud in corner is not in line with others it is second floor donot know how to fix it any idea

[@scottleonardson3656]

What brand of drywall screw gun are you using?

[@scottleonardson3656]

Never mind...a few seconds later you answered my question...

[@HomeRepairTutor]

yep, it’s the Milwaukee screw gun with their attachment

[@scottleonardson3656]

The only drawback of this is that it is only available in 98' long rolls at a cost of around $800. This is only practical if you are a contractor or a flooring store stocking it. I wish Schluter would make it available in smaller size rolls... :(

[@HomeRepairTutor]

some distributors will cut the wide roll to whatever size needed 👍🏼

[@yourmomma3132]

Order similar product on amazon comes in a smaller roll. Enough to do a 3 x 3 shower 3 walls and floor. Around $100

[@justingadowski9419]

They do make them smaller

[@cancel.lgbtq.6892]

Just curious , shouldn't you be using cement board in shower instead of just drywall with Kurdi ?

[@incognito6469]

First, even if they are all interior walls, you should at least insert sound insulation in the cavities. Most bathrooms are adjacent to bedrooms. That's what a good contractor does. Second, why not cement board? I don't get it. It's not anymore work and it's proven to work a thousand times over.

[@user-ey4ce1br1d]

Getting wore out at the end boy . Dont know till u know

[@eladiomercado1638]

Hi there,, I am sorry, but I have installed ceramic, marble, porcelain, etc. on floors and walls for at least 40 years, and I never have any leak or humidity beyond the tiles over dry wall or cement boards on walls and probably I start installing this materials before the inventor of this product was born, do not get me wrong, THIS MATERIAL IS EXTRAORDINARY GOOD FOR SHOWER FLOORS, I know the company idea is to sell most materials as possible, but you do not have to cover the entire room.

[@lindapethtel3996]

School

[@trevordsouza9174]

Schluter products are overrated and overpriced. Also followed mixture procedure of their All set cement and found out that the wall membrane did not adhere to the mold resistant drywall consistently. I couldn't take a chance expecting this membrane to support wall tiles. Schluter warranty is only on paper. They squirm out of honoring their warranty by finding excuses. All contractors with years of experience I spoke to stay away from Schluter products.

[@tariay13ify]

Do you vouch for another product? I am planning on rebuilding our shower and was planning on using Schluter

[@thefunksemail1]

His knife is giving me nightmares. Dude, go buy a decent knife for this, its not expensive.

[@utubewatcher360]

Well -you're leaving lots of bubbles behind you, my not use a cement finishing trowel or even a grout sponge ?? and you scraped crap off the floor and into your bucket!! now your thin set is contaminated!!! WTH

[@bhanukishore6876]

I regret about my decision for choosing the kerdi membrane. It is a horrendous process to stick it to wall. And it dsnt even stick that firm enough to hold tile. All in all never look at it again in life. Get cement board and redgard or some other water proofing easy to apply like paint. Membranes are BS.

[@cindycleland7026]

I'll bet you didn't use Schluter thinset. It has been lab tested to work together, when you mix other cheap stuff in you actually get a cheap bad job. Follow the directions!

[@johnmaher1425]

This schluter membrane is a horrible product. Schluter board would be ok in this installation. But, cement board is all you need. Over a short time this membrane will pull away from the wall

[@Teach2Build]

I've used this system on dozens of showers for over 20 years. I've never seen that happen.

[@jacobturner5263]

You have no idea what your talking about

[@caroljohnson8817]

And is it more cost effective to use the purple board instead of the Kerdiboard?