shower base installation

[JBCole01]

I want to install a new shower base and surround. Should the base be set on top of the tile, or on the backerboard and have the tiled placed up to the shower base?

[LonnythePlumber]

A shower base would not normally go on top of the tile. Your drain needs to connect to the new base. Once a base is set the backerboard comes down over the tile lip of the base and the tile applied to it. It would be a value for you to go to johnbridge.com and check his ceramic tile articles.
Or maybe Kelly (cx) or one of his sites tilers will notice your message here.

[jimbo]

Not sure of your question; the fibreglas pan goes down FIRST. Right onto the subfloor. Follow manufacturers instructions for supporting the pan and installing the drain. Then the backerboard goes on the wall, overlapping the flange lip of the pan on the inside. Finally the tile.

[hj]

Are you asking how the base sits on the floor, or against the walls? The tile always goes against the base, although on the floor it could sit on top of the tile without creating a problem.

[JBCole01]

The Shower base is a round shower unit that fits into the corner, I am trying to find out if it will cause a problem it it sits on top of the ceramic tile instead of having the tile cut to butt up against the base and caulked. Cutting Ceramic tile on that curve will be a real pain.

[LonnythePlumber]

It can be set on the tile. I haven't seen the round base. How do the walls fit?

[dklein2149]

If all you are worried about is cutting the tile I would suggest renting a tile saw. Yes cutting tile is messy using the saw but it will deliver a very professional looking installation. Cutting a radius on a tile is simple. Mark the radius and using the tile saw make various cuts working toward the radius from outside in. All I suggest is that you be very careful and wear safety glasses. The blade is sharp and chips can fly off. Also the water can make thing slippery. Good luck. If you have any questions someone at a tile store can help or maybe Home Depot ........... They seem pretty knowledgeable

[LonnythePlumber]

You can get by with the jagged cuts and breaking to get holes in the tile if it's got a big escutcheon, but it's not as strong as a circular hole. In this case I think the poster is talking about the tile that is already laid and he wants to put a pan over it. And doesn't want to try to cut in place. ?

[Tabby411]

If you have a good tile saw or a square base it is probably better to place the base on the subfloor(backerboard in your case) but if you don't have a saw or want to rent one and you have a round base then placing the base on top of the tile is easier provided you get the tile even and level. I have done the latter with success on a round corner unit and I have done a very nice job on the former with a tub that had a straight edge. I didn't even use a saw with the tub!