How to Recess a Floor for a Curbless Shower with the Schluter®-Shower System

#schlutercurbless #schlutersystems #schlutershowersystems
The Schluter®-Shower System Handbook shows detail K-SHCR for all requirements on how to recess the shower floor to create a curbless shower! This video will walk you through the detail step by step showing you one way to recess the shower floor. Open concept bathrooms are coveted for their sleek design and functionality. Curbless showers are appreciated at any stage of life, but are especially useful for those who wish to age in place. A recessed shower floor allows for the installation of a sloped mortar bed or a prefabricated shower tray that is flush with the surrounding bathroom floor. Recessing the floor must be done in a way that preserves the structural integrity and safety of the construction. This may require the services of a qualified design professional such as an architect or an engineer. Verify with the local inspector or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). This installation method is only applicable to dimensional lumber assemblies. Recommendations for blocking other wood construction assemblies such as those that use I-joists or trusses should be made by the framing manufacturer or a design professional. The Schluter®-Shower System ensures a waterproof, vapor tight assembly and makes curbless shower installations easier than ever, allowing you to create a spa-like retreat with sleek design and consummate functionality.
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www.schluter.com
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Licensor's Author Username: Corporate-Media
Licensee: Schluter Systems
Item Title: Simple Corporate Background
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Item ID: 20850279
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[@merrittdegraw4313]

I have come to a point in life where I believe all showers should be recessed/roll-in, I believe the chance we will require a mobility device some time in life or multiple times!

[@adamwest3637]

You guys make great products and I feel confident in their structure when building with them.

[@schlutersystems1]

Thanks, Adam!

[@johnnietaylor6417]

@@schlutersystems1 ⁰

[@Rschad27]

how would you recess the floor when you have floor trusses and not solid dimensional lumber?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Our customer service team would be better suited to answer this question. You can reach them at 888-472-4588 (USA) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Hope this helps!

[@kristengraham8840]

If your building new construction the person who designs your floor system can incorporate it into the design. If your home has floor trusses (I-Joists) as it’s built currently then you CANNOT cut the flange to incorporate it.

[@DanWilliamsKILLR0Y]

What americans call unmodified thin set mortar would be a C1 tile adhesive here in the UK I believe

[@xvaladezx]

Would like to see this process done with concrete floors. Thanks.

[@schlutersystems1]

We do have a technical detail for curbless in concrete.... just no video at the moment! You can see our handbook here with Curbless showers on page 12.. sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/he2/h48/8984381980702/Shower%20System%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf

[@hdwood76fxe]

Yes, I also would like to see a video on how to prepare a concrete floor for a curbless Schluter base. In my case the concrete floor remains to be poured. On an existing floor, can the concrete be removed by cutting to depth and chiseling? Question: How deep to receive the Schluter pan?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Yes, the existing concrete can be removed. We do not currently have any instructions for preparing a concrete floor for a curbless base, but will share the request with our technical department. The depth of the recessed area will depend on which tray is used, as they are different thicknesses. There will also be 1/16” - 1/8” of thin-set under the tray. You can find the tray thicknesses here: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Prefabricated-Substrates/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-SHOWER-T--TS--TT/p/KERDI_SHOWER-T-TS-TT Hope this helps!

[@xvaladezx]

@@schlutersystems1 thank you!

[@schlutersystems1]

our pleasure!

[@lonner98]

I just bought a mobile home on a lake. It's going to be a lake house. I need to update it and would like to start with the bathrooms. This system looks pretty cool.

[@ronaldcaldwell5722]

Do you have a pro in Oklahoma City I can hire to install your product. The prices are very high but German ingenuity I have learned to admire over my life time. Ardex 8+9 will be used as well by your's truly.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Ronald, Unfortunately we do not have a program in place to recommend installers. Best bet would be to perhaps contact a local Schluter retailer to see if they can recommend someone--I am sure they can! You can find a retailer here: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/store-finder Thanks for the confidence and good luck with your renovation!

[@asiridesigns5344]

Wonderful walkthrough video! Just a question; are there any concerns about the moisture in the mortar getting trapped in the subfloor if this system was being installed over a crawlspace? We like to specify closed cell spray foam on the underside of the subfloor on crawlspaces (which is vapor impermeable).

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey, No concerns! The presence of moisture in the mortar allows the cement to properly hydrate, resulting in a strong dense bond coat.

[@asiridesigns5344]

@@schlutersystems1 Thank you so much!

[@schlutersystems1]

our pleasure!

[@kirkseddon2355]

The video dose not show or say how the bonding flange is secured to the drain pipe. Are you not using and glue?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! This video was made to show the recess part of the installation. To see the drain connection part of the installation, please check out the following videos: if no access to the plumbing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q169en-PfriYjpo To connect the drain with access to the plumbing ( see part at 7:00min in) www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/Shower-System/Drains/Shower-Drains/Schluter%C2%AE-KERDI-DRAIN/p/KERDI_DRAIN?facets=false

[@sergeboy117]

How is the drain connected the shower pan? I see that the pvc pipe is left below where the pan will be going but do you have to leave it a certain distance below the finish of the pan?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! This is a great video to watch for understanding how to address the pipe height for your Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN and tray installation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWSWhqSZi5yaidU. You can leave the pipe in the floor even with the subfloor or above it and then measure and cut it to the correct height to accept the drain, taking into account the subfloor thickness and tray thickness. Then, you can connect the drain to the plumbing below and thin-set the detachable center section of the KERDI-SHOWER tray between the substrate and the drain flange. You can find all the installation details in the Shower Handbook here: sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/hb8/hbe/9474529001502/Shower%20System%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf Hope that helps!

[@abdulhai93]

Amazing. Very detailed and to the point. No wasting time.

[@fransmith2415]

If you are installing a shower bench, do you recess floor area were the bench would be installed as well?

[@schlutersystems1]

It would be easier to recess the whole shower area where the shower tray and bench will be located, but you can certainly leave the area where the bench will go as is (i.e., not recess it). Either way you need to ensure there is a solid floor structure to install the bench on top of. Please feel free to contact our customer service team if you would like to discuss further! 800-472-4588 (US) 800-667-8746 (CA)

[@MarkH10]

Kerdi branding the sponge and taping knife, then requiring proof of purchase and use of only approved tools and materials I expected to be a term of warranty, and thus a condition of denial with claims. Perhaps I am a little jaundiced at what 'America' has become.

[@mattsawesomeshow]

The video shows sloped shower pan installed after the kerdi board on the walls. Shouldn't the wallboard be installed after the pan. Pan first, wallboard over the shower pan?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Matt, either way is fine. It's generally easier to install the KERDI or KERDI-BOARD first and then install the tray up to it. If you install the tray first, be sure to protect it with a piece of cardboard or similar when walking on it. As far as waterproofing goes, the sequence does not matter as long as there is a 2" overlap. Top-over-bottom or shingle laps of the membrane are not required Hope that helps!

[@mattsawesomeshow]

@@schlutersystems1 great, very helpful. Thank you for the response

[@gurmeetgill6752]

How is this going to be flush with the floor. Reducing the subfloor by 3/4" in the shower area and adding in a prefabricated tray with 1" thickness within the recessed area leads us to being plus a 1/4" relative to surrounding subfloor. With the surrounding subfloor, we add 1/8" Ditra. There is still a difference of 1/8" between the recessed area and the surrounding area with Ditra. Is this difference negligible or is there a step I'm missing? Thanks

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Gurmeet, Hey, we used the DITRA-XL (which is 5/16" thick), but you can also use DITRA-HEAT (1/4") or possibly two layers of DITRA (1/8") for a flush transition. Please don't hesitate to give our Product Support team a call to discuss a particular project that you have in mind, and they would be happy to assist. 800-472-4588 Thanks!

[@LadySandraisaBolton]

Is it possible to have the curb-less installation using your products in an existing condo on the higher floors?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey there, we'd love to discuss your project and specifics with you. Can you give our Product Support team a call to get the conversation started? 800-472-4588. Thanks!

[@brandonjohnson37]

what if i don't access to one of the floor joists because it's in the next room over? how do i do the blocking?

[@schlutersystems1]

HI Brandon! A new joist may need to be installed. We would suggest looking into this further with our customer service team, so they can get all of the details and an answer for you. You can reach them at 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA)

[@industryhousenola]

Should this be done before the plumbing rough in? My project is new construction so the drain can be plumbed from below. Also, do the walls have to go in first like the video or can they come after?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Chris, If you have access below to install a new drain pipe wherever you want to afterward, you should recess the floor first. The walls can go in after as well, as long as all measurements are taken into consideration prior. Hope this helps!

[@gabriellaestrada9128]

Does this work on concrete subfloor?

[@schlutersystems1]

There are different installation procedures, but you can still have a curbless shower on a concrete subfloor. There's a whole section on our website dedicated to curbless showers. In here, you'll also find our Shower installation handbook with the very specific details you will need. Know that our Customer Support team is here for any questions you may have: US : 800-472-4588 CA : 800-667-8746 Hope this helps!

[@dehumphries2691]

I'm a designer and I'm working with a contractor on a Master Bath for a client who wants a curb free shower. The contractor uses Kerdi. I swear I've seen a video on installing Kerdi without cutting into the floor joists. The joists at the site can not be cut into, in addition to the curb free shower the client has indicated they want to extend the heated flooring system into the shower. Any feed back would appreciated. Thank you!

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there! Your memory does not deceive you! Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZbbdZatj7CpocU

[@jonathanbell9349]

@@schlutersystems1 You sent a link to the exact same video we just watched

[@philiplongo5854]

Watch the video. No joists were harmed in the filming of this video.

[@jimlynch2190]

Can the membrane go over painted Sheetrock?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Jim, KERDI can be installed over walls that have been painted with a latex-based paint or primer using Schluter SET®, ALL-SET®, FAST-SET®, or an unmodified thin-set mortar. Please refer to the Schluter®-Shower System Installation Handbook for wall preparation and installation information. sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/ha1/h71/9145056493598/Shower%20System%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf Hope that helps!

[@sheldongunn4721]

How thick is that subfloor?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Sheldon, 3/4" 🙂

[@lindabock916]

How large of a pan can is available? I wanted a 5x5 or 6x6 curb less shower installed in to a second floor bathroom. It's a remodel.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Linda, we have shower trays that are very thin and ideal for curbless showers, and they go up to 4' x 4', but we also have other options that go up to 5'x5' and 6'x6' which are only about 1/4" thicker, depending on which size you need. Those can also be used for curbless applications. Think the best thing would be for you to give our Product Support team a call directly, so you can discuss the details of your project and they can advise from there. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Hope this helps!

[@marcopoulin1897]

I use the bigger shower pan then fill up the gap then membrane on top easy

[@nancylynnbaker3922]

Cannot get the correct mortar for schulter in NevadA. Please do not advertise!!!!!!!

[@krehbein]

4:46 it looks like the shower pan is higher than the plywood around it. Later in the video ditra is used to level things. Thing is that lip looks a lot more then the thickness of ditra. Either way, what do you do if the pan is @1/2” higher than the room?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hey, thanks for the question! The floor is usually recessed to a height that would allow the top of the shower pan to be level with the top of the DITRA. It's best to dry fit all of the materials before beginning. If the height of the shower pan is 1/2" higher than the subfloor and DITRA, an alternative would be to build up the remaining floor height with 3/8" plywood prior to installing DITRA. That will be very close to even. Keep in mind that the bathroom floor tile and shower floor tile are sometimes not the same thickness.

[@krehbein]

@@schlutersystems1 thank you!

[@asdfasdf-rb3oq]

wheres the red guard?

[@redhoward11]

Can this be done with a neo angle shower?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi David, can you give our Product Support team a call directly to discuss your project in a bit more detail so they can advise? 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks!

[@anrivera1975]

What about the lts model the slope is different, need to see a video of it

[@schlutersystems1]

We don't have a video featuring the linear trays in a curbless application right now, but we will pass this feedback on to our Video team! In the meantime, you can find linear drain tray installation instructions in our Handbook: sccpublic.s3-external-1.amazonaws.com/sys-master/images/haf/h3c/9078303391774/Shower%20System%20Installation%20Handbook.pdf

[@TheYensy007]

Please understand the video can give you ideas but reality something else , not every floor the same

[@julioromero6489]

It leaks !

[@marcopoulin1897]

Of course it leak when you hire wannaby like you

[@julienadriano2971]

How much thickness does the mortar bed add under the prefabricated shower tray? I'm trying to raise my bathroom floor to meet the 48x36 tray with 1" perimeter height. Using 3/4" plywood + 1/4" ditra heat = 1" so whether this build works depends on the thickness of the mortar under the shower tray as well as under the ditra heat. Thanks!

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Julien, The amount of thin-set under the tray should be about the same amount as under the DITRA-HEAT, so you should be fine. You may end up with a very slight difference between the two areas based on multiple variables, but that should be easy to address when waterproofing between the two with KERDI-BAND and when installing tile. Hope this helps!

[@PennsylvaniaPanda]

God loves all of us so much He came in the flesh to die and rise so that if we choose to accept Jesus as our one true Savior we may be gifted eternal salvation through Christ’s perfect sacrifice on the cross. Have a great week

[@marcopoulin1897]

WTF jesus doesnt know about rebuit shower👺

[@rogero5100]

Junk

[@steveo6786]

the non modified mortar I bought says it should NOT be used on a on a plywood floor. Your install video says to use non modified. which instructions. should I follow.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Steve! The non-modified thin-set is the right one to use to install the tray over the plywood. Modified thin-set mortar is not necessary in this application, as the mortar under the shower tray is more to provide support for the shower tray rather than adhere it to the floor. However, in most applications, a modified thin-set would be the correct thin-set mortar for a wood substrate. Hope this helps!

[@sagefi1]

What about custom shower sizes? It seems easier to plan when you're using a pre-made base. But not very clear for something like a spa shower

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi there, our trays can be cut to size and all waterproofing elements are designed to work together--and to be customized! Here's a video on cutting trays and benches and such: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6DHlYKoiqmnmrc Our customer support team is available to discuss any specific questions you may have: US 800-472-4588 CA 800-667-8746 Hope this helps!🍊

[@joshwaloveslotr]

You put thinset directly on the joists here, but in your documentation you put a layer of ditra over the joists prior to the shower pan. What would you recommend?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Joshua, there is no need to install a layer of DITRA prior to installing the tray. The tray can be set directly onto the wood substrate with thin-set. Thanks!

[@bigfan007]

Great video. Very helpful in understanding the installation concepts and options.

[@schlutersystems1]

Happy to hear that!

[@ryannastaj]

So I'm kinda confused, I get the recessed part, but what about the original existing floor joists..am I missing something??? Just starting to redo the bathroom and got your tray, etc. Also can I use the LVP out in the rest of the bathroom floor, how do I transition from mosaic floor tile, to the Pergo LVP? Thank you.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Ryan, it would really be best to give our Product Support team a call to discuss your project in a little more detail. They would be best suited to advise once they have a little more info, and make sure you have everything you need for your project. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks!

[@abdulhai93]

You dont do anything to thenoriginal floor joist. You leave them in tact. However to make the floor level, you need to create a box frame 1 inch below the top of the floor joist, if you have a 1 inch thick subfloor. That box will give structural integrity to whatever is built above it. Hopenthag helps.

[@seaneubanks9549]

Ok so the old joists are now just level with the new floor? The old joists haven’t been lowered and I’m just trying to figure out where they went! Thanks!

[@fredrezfield1629]

i dont get it you say there are three ways to do the curbless showers but only show one way ? at the end

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Fred, here's a link to our website that goes into some detail about the 3 ways to do curbless showers: www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/curbless-showers Hope this helps! 🍊

[@misterolympus]

I’m looking at using KSLT1395S Shower pan. The gradient is 2 inches. The recessed floor only gets me the width of a plywood which would be three-quarter inches. How would I be able to make this flush. There would be a difference of 1 1/4 inches from the edge of the shower pan to the existing subfloor.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi misterolympus, could you give our Product Support team a call. They could discuss the details with you. You can reach them at US: 800-472-4588 or CA: 800-667-8746.

[@marcopoulin1897]

Cut the 2/10 by 1 in 1/4 then reenforce it simple

[@pbdubz]

What if my subfloor is cement

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Vengas, in that case, you can use the KERDI-SHOWER-RAMP or a mudbed to create a transition into the shower. You can give our Customer Service team a call to discuss your project in a bit more detail, and they can advise from there. 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada). Thanks.

[@rrucka595]

Do you have recommended installers?

[@schlutersystems1]

We do not have a way to recommend installers but you can always check out with your local Schluter dealer! They deal with installers all the time. www.schluter.com/schluter-us/en_US/store-finder

[@dailodai9586]

can regular dieters be used with the tt curbless or does it have to be the xl

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Dailo, The 1/8" DITRA would not be an option here. DITRA-XL or DITRA-HEAT would be used based on the height of the installed tray and the thickness of the plywood. Please give our Product Support team a call to discuss your project specifically. Thanks! 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (Canada).

[@cwb124]

Is it possible to do this type of recessed floor with engineered i joists?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Charlie, It may be possible, however, this video is only meant for dimensional lumber installations. For I-joists, you would need to consult the framing manufacturer or a design professional for possible recommendations....

[@781redrum8]

How do I do this on a concrete slab?

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi! You would need to chip out the concrete around the pipe, cut it down and then install the drain. They may need to do a box out like we show in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZWcmXikZ76khZo Hope that helps!

[@781redrum8]

@@schlutersystems1 I know you need to box it out but how do I box it out Is this a concrete guys job or tile guys

[@781redrum8]

Also can this be done on post tension slab or to risky

[@schlutersystems1]

Would be good to give our team a call so you can discuss your project in a bit more detail, and the team can ask some questions in order to provide you with the best answers. You can give us a call here: 800-472-4588 (US) or 800-667-8746 (CA). Thanks!

[@knutbaardsen6437]

When did us tile mechanics become framers? Oh yea on our first day as a helper. Been 30 yrs. I forgot.

[@tonyhellcat7273]

Hi! Awesome video! Can I do this (recess pan) if my current washroom subfloor is 5/8” or is it designed for 3/4” subfloor only? The rest of the washroom will have heated flooring underlayment which has to meet up to to pan height and wondering if the 5/8” subfloor will cause it to be to low.

[@schlutersystems1]

Hi Tony, Could you possibly give our Product Support team a call? They are well versed on technical details and could talk through the scenario with you. You can reach them at US: 800-472-4588 or CA: 800-667-8746.

[@MichaelChengSanJose]

Great stuff! I had my contractor do the recessed option on my shower two years ago.

[@vistron888]

Just use a low profile shower tray. It's so complicated and yet we're being gaslit on 'how easy it is'.