Slab Showers: The Pros and Cons of 4 Different Types

Adding a slab backdrop to your shower or as a feature wall in your bathroom can not only do away with unsightly grout lines, it's also a great way to make a stunning visual statement. In this video, we break down the advantages and disadvantages of 4 common types of slab showers.
Links:
Lamont Bros. Bathroom Portfolio: lamontbros.com/what-we-do/bat...
Chapters
0:00 Slab Showers: The Pros and Cons of 4 Different Types
0:36 Acrylic Shower Slab
1:25 Granite or Quartz Shower Slab
2:13 Porcelain Shower Slab
2:56 Dekton Slim Shower Slab
3:56 Pros for using a shower slab
5:28 Cons for using a shower slab

[@Chocamatoes]

Thank you. That was very informative.

[@breannebattezzato8658]

This was super helpful thank you

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

We're glad to hear that!

[@AugustJose-xr1gr]

Thank you for the excellent video and insightful comparison! I have a specific question regarding a bathroom remodel I am undertaking in a house experiencing foundation movement. The frequent shifts have caused the grout joints to crack, and occasionally, even the silicone joints exhibit minor gaps along the vertical lines. To mitigate these issues, I'm considering groutless solutions, particularly the slabs you discussed. In my renovation plan, I intend to incorporate the Schluter-KERDI waterproofing system, alongside the Schluter-DILEX-BWA Movement Joint, which functions as an expansion joint/perimeter joint to prevent vertical joint cracks. My question pertains to compatibility: of the four slabs you reviewed, which ones can be effectively utilized in conjunction with the Schluter movement joint and KERDI waterproofing system? Thanks in advance!

[@donovandaly8505]

Very informative. Thank you,

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Dimpapiris]

Can you use any of these options over a fireplace to get the single slab look?

[@JLMdesignsca]

Are slabs used on the shower floor? I would think slipping would be an issue, but I have clients asking for slab floors in the shower.

[@porcelainpanelpro]

I have to say you actually showed 3 types. Dekton Ultra Compact handles much the same as porcelain, and that is from someone handling both since 2014. My guess is you use Dekton a lot in your day to day business. But the tooling for dekton slim is the same as porcelain. The only difference from a consumer standpoint is the way they are made at the factory.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

That's a fair comment--they are very similar. Some of the thicker porcelain I've encountered required different tooling and installation due to the thickness. Do you find that you prefer one or the other?

[@porcelainpanelpro]

@@DesignBuildRemodeling I would much rather work with 1/4" (6mm) over any other thickness. the 1/2" (12mm) is far too heavy and dense but is made for granite companys that have no clue how to handle tile. That could be an issue for a homeowner as the install might be suspect to proper technique. 3.5mm is very easy to crack and is not forgiving at all. Requires absolute need for the suction systems. Give me 4 suction cups, and 1/4" material all day long.

[@JamieWardHD]

Is there a PVC product that has subway tile designs? I've stayed at a number of hotels lately that are using what looks to me like a smooth PVC.

[@meggtokyodelicious]

Hi, can you please explain about slab transportation, lifting and how the people transport it on the elevator without cracking, the problem with it's weight etc... . I live in an apartment building,and there's a size of elevator. What's the solution for apartment living and trying to buy big slabs for bathrooms, kitchen island ? Nobody does this type of information on KZbin so far. Thanks in advance. 😊💕

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

That is a great question! Often, you could use a crane to lift the slabs onto a patio if there was still a crane on site when the apartment was being built--otherwise, you're left with having to use a product that can fit though the halls/elevator/stairs up into the apartment.

[@timkelly7911]

Thank you

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

You’re welcome!

[@mellostation]

What is your opinion on composite “slabs” like Wilsonart WetWall?

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

We like them for the price point but insist on using a waterproof backer when we do the install. A stone type product is always better, but not everyone can afford that.

[@jessefinch1736]

You sound just like owen wilson

[@queenvic83]

😂😂

[@zackgilbert9599]

I can’t not hear it now.

[@WillChil466]

ha! He really does sound similar.

[@soda366]

Wow

[@seeleygirl6178]

Tom Brokaw

[@DrPippo1234]

Should there be any issues with completely waterproofing behind granite slab for a shower. My plumber had placed the Koehler main valve in front of the 2x4 and wants to leave an exposed 2x2 feet opening behind the slab. How is that waterproofed. Please advice. I’ve stopped the work completely.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

Thanks for asking the question! I'm not sure I entirely understand it though--what waterproofing system is behind the granite?

[@DrPippo1234]

Thank you for responding. I would like to place hydroban sheet membrane on top of my hardiback and then place the granite slabs. Due to the fact that my plumber has a pressure valve and the copper tubing on top of a 2x4, I can not place the hardiback nor the hydroban sheet membrane around the valve. He expects me to leave a 2 ft by 2ft exposed opening without hardiback and hydroban sheet membrane. Do you see being a problem because by doing it his way the shower will never be completely waterproofed. I appreciate your time for your response. Thank you.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

​@@DrPippo1234 Got it. I'd default to what the membrane manufacturer's instructions are. Typically that would not be allowed--if you are using Schluter Systems you could contact the local sales rep. Typically you'd cut around the membrane just enough for the valve and the pipes would run behind the membrane.

[@porcelainpanelpro]

Waterproofing should never be broken or interupted, especially behind a material that can absorb and secrete liquid like granite. The waterproofing should always run right up to the fixtures, and if possible, utilize a rubber collar like those found in the schluter shower system. a good waterproof system contains the entire shower like a bowl. Everything must go to the bottom drain.

[@jamesng9831]

@@porcelainpanelpro Well said👍👍

[@gezakennaiii1585]

How about the engineered stone slabs?

[@semosancus5506]

I put engineered stone on my shower walls 20 years ago. Still looks like the day I put it in.

[@gravitytwo4088]

Thanks for the information. I think it's "lit" and not "lighted".

[@DellAnderson]

Tile and grout really is not ideal for a shower. And as a consumer without a maid, I'm not a fan of niches and shelves that tend to require more cleaning and maintenance than a clean, smooth wall. I wonder why laminates and products like Wilsonart's WetWall are not mentioned in your video? I am not a shill for them, and don't really care for the less than glossy WetWall surface, but I have seen showers built with simple laminate that seem to have held up well. No profit in those? Too much labor to build well? What gives? So many pattern options in laminate.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

That's a great point! We use a waterproof Laticrete grout that doesn't require sealing in order to counteract some of the disadvantages of an older concrete grout. However, slabs are better! Check out this video that shows you some different slab options: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaGyp4SAd81_rpI

[@whitechris720]

I have installed about 12 cultured marble showers this year. What is so different about this product?

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

I think cultured marble would fit into the acrylic category. I hear it's still popular around the states, but not as much in the Northwest.

[@filipandric8069]

There are also costum concrete slabs

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

That’s true. We don’t see those much here in the Pacific Northwest. Do you see those where you are?

[@filipandric8069]

@@DesignBuildRemodeling i saw it on youtube, i dont think anyone in my country makes those, but it looks cool and they have very good properties meaning you cant break them like ceramic ones and it is cheaper to make, so may be interesting to use.

[@Chanmantroop10]

No/minimum grout means yes pls.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

I love it!

[@seeleygirl6178]

You sound like Tom Brokaw.

[@DesignBuildRemodeling]

😂