Steam Shower base options

[ccl]

Hello all, first time participant in the forums and looking for some advice

I've built many custom showers before and my preferred method of construction is to use concrete board on the walls with a rubber membrane (RedGuard or Aqua D) to ensure a good waterproof enclosure. I have been asked to build a steam shower for a previous client and I am looking for a review of my plan on how to build it (see below). Note, the shower base is to be a 14 gauge Stainless Steel base, with a centre drain location.

Walls will be framed and cement board installed around the enclosure (including sloped ceiling)
SS base will be installed (i typically set it in silicone as opposed to mortar just to help with expansion/contraction and to keep a bit of a thermal break b/w it and the floor)
Kerdi membrane installed over the concrete board and over the lip of the SS base and sealed to it.
Porcelain tile to be installed on walls and ceiling and grouted with epoxy grout
Note: In most cases I will leave the tile about 1/16 - 1/8 off of the base and will caulk with silicone (although I've seen and heard some say to leave the joint free of silicone so that if any water gets behind the tile it has a place to escape.)

From what I've read a lot of steam showers are built with a tiled base of some sort. So any thoughts about using the SS base and any comments on method of construction to ensure a vapour proof installation based on above would be great.

Thanks,
Chris

[Square pusher]

I would suggest checking out "noble seal membrane" as it has the best perm rating.

[johnfrwhipple]

Before deciding on a proper vapour proofing membrane you need to decide on your tile. The tile selection will dictate the type of thin-set you use and this might affect the choice in water and vapour proofing membranes. I have a good Idea-Book here on Houzz.com that helps pick a tile for steam showers.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/35234...a-Steam-Shower

Hey Square Pusher (Peter ?) any chance you are going to finish paying me for that job I wrapped up for you in 2011?

JW

[ccl]

Hi John, thanks for the reply. My client has chosen a porcelain tile (12x24 in size) for the steam shower and there will be one vertical strip, floor to ceiling, of a glass accent tile running on two of the walls. So, I think the tile selection appears to be ok. I was planning on using a modified thin set to allow for a bit more movement. With regards to the base option, have you ever done a steam shower with a stainless steel base (or another type of base that is not tiled)? Any tips on the best way to ensure a proper vapour seal b/w the base and the wall?

Also, on a slightly different slant....have you had any experience with using the Kerdi board that is now available? I thought this might be a good option instead of densshield and kerdi (or noble). Thoughts/experiences?

Cheers,
Chris

[johnfrwhipple]

Hi John, thanks for the reply. My client has chosen a porcelain tile (12x24 in size) for the steam shower and there will be one vertical strip, floor to ceiling, of a glass accent tile running on two of the walls. So, I think the tile selection appears to be ok. I was planning on using a modified thin set to allow for a bit more movement. With regards to the base option, have you ever done a steam shower with a stainless steel base (or another type of base that is not tiled)? Any tips on the best way to ensure a proper vapour seal b/w the base and the wall?

Also, on a slightly different slant....have you had any experience with using the Kerdi board that is now available? I thought this might be a good option instead of densshield and kerdi (or noble). Thoughts/experiences?

Cheers,
Chris

OK this is a touchy subject here. Jim is not going to like this much.

Kerdi Board SUCKS. Enough said.

Have you read my ideabook on choosing tile for a steam shower? You need to be careful here with the glass and the backer material.

My favourite product for joining two products together is Kerdi Fix. Glass tile will want modified thin set. Kerdi wants non modified.

Call Ardex - they can tell you how you can use modified setting materials with Kerdi - not Kerdi Board because it SUCKS.

You will then double your warranty to ten years and get a better install.

Cement Board and Kerdi DS is way bettter than Kerdi Board or cement board and Kerdi.

Never use drywall in a shower - no matter who or what tells you that it's OK


Denshield is not allowed in a steam shower.

The only product mentioned in the TTMAC specification guidebook for steam showers is cement board. Nothing else is rated or approved unless you use the loop hole back door route of followijg manufactures recommendations.

cement board and Noble
cement board and kerdi
poly, cement board and hydro ban
cement board and Kerdi DS.

I will be uploading my Build Ex presentation on steam showers after the 14th. Look for links to it on my blog site in a couple weeks.

JW