Custom shower pan question

[utahtea]

We had the demolition today for our bathroom remodel. Tomorrow they come to frame the sub floor. We had a unique situation. Our old tub/shower was a one piece fiberglass unit that you stepped down into. In other words you had to step down on to the step and then down into the tub part. It was to large to use as a tub so we usually showered in it. Now we are making it just into just a large 3 1/2 by 5 1/2 by 3 1/2 shower. (Double faucets, seat and grab bars)

The contractor suggested that we not have the threshold and they will build the sub floor lower than the main floor and we will step down into the shower a few inches. There has been some confusion as to how deep this step down is going to be. There was talk of just one inch which would be good so we wouldn't have to step down very far but we are worried if that is deep enough. If it's 3 or 4 inches we're worried about having to step down into it again. We're know frantically trying to decide if we should have the step down or go with the traditional threshold. Any thoughts or comments on what would be the best route.

Thanks in advance.

Utahtea

[jadnashua]

You can build a curbless shower that does not force you to step down, too. Called a barrier free shower (aka ADA). You may really appreciate that some day if you're ever in a wheelchair. I don't like a shower that has a step in it at all. I'd go with a standard curb or a curbless if it was my place rather than a sunken shower. this generally requires you to waterproof at least part of the rest of the bathroom floor, but that is easily done with readily available membranes (my preference would be Ditra and Kerdi www.schluter.com, but there are a bunch of others).

[utahtea]

Thanks Jim,

So if it's done right, we don't need the barrier. I have a feeling this is what our contractor was trying to tell us!

Utahtea

[johnfrwhipple]

Good Morning Utahtea

There is a lot more to constructing a shower like Jim mentions than you might think. Careful choosing Schluter products because most times you will be limited to the use of non-modified thin-sets and this product might be different that what the tile supplier will want you to set your new tile with.

A proper ADA shower has size restrictions and no lip of more than a 1/2" can be anywhere in the room. Often in the main shower area a turning radius of 5' needs to be achieved as well. When designing a barrier free shower you need to consider the wet zone and the exit area. Where will the fixtures be placed. How will overspray be taken care off.

A drop down shower typically here in Vancouver will have a 2" drop from the entry of the shower. These are very common and offer up a lot more safety than a true barrier free shower. Many time local code can limit your choices so this route is often taken by those not willing to lock horns with city hall or who are not prepared for the added costs of a true wet room build.

Do not rush into this shower build. Do some more checking. Speak with your plumbing inspectors and select your tile.

Many times it is better to build the shower backwards first on paper.

What type of drain? Point Drain or linear.

What type of tile? What thin-set do you need?

What type of waterproofing measures. Kerdi, Nobel TS, Hydro Ban, Aqua Defense, Red Guard, traditional linear.

What type of framing do you need? Pre-slope, slots, drop down's and on and on.

Starting with a completed picture and working back will insure that all the products can work together.

Quick Drain USA has some great kits that work well with Nobel TS and offer up the use of any setting material over top. If your unsure of the final product choice I would select Nobel TS as your waterproofing material. Your installer can learn more about it here - Installing Nobel TS

The linear drains from ACO, LUXE and My Shower Grate Shop all work well with Nobel's liners as well.

Good luck with the build. Don't rush these steps!

JW