New Project: Bathroom Gut Job Part 4 Update - Waterproofing the Shower
/I’m a little behind in getting this update out, but I’ve been quite busy in the bathroom preparing the shower for tile installation! This past week has been entirely focused on waterproofing the shower and ensuring the tile is appropriately prepared for the next steps. Be sure to keep reading for a breakdown of the overall cost to waterproof a shower.
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Like most things in this renovation, waterproofing intimidated me; the last thing I want to do is mess up and we have a slow leak that we don’t find out about until 5 years later 🥴
I heard a lot about Schluter, and after doing some research, I decided that would be my best option. It is the most expensive option, but it is so easy to use + you don’t need to add any drywall or cement board behind it.
Here is how easy it was!
I was able to use 2 Schluter Kerdi-Boards to cover the whole shower. It was like a puzzle fitting them in; the only thing is that the edge of a board must line up on a stud. The boards are super easy to cut, you just need a razor blade.
Then I took the Washers + Screws to secure the boards in place, making sure they are placed no more than 12 inches apart. Any place where two boards met, you can use one screw + washer to hold them both together. Oh and I added the Schluter Kerdi-Board Niche in too!
I went over the areas where I couldn’t get the membrane with the Schluter Caulk Sealer {where the board meets the tub and ceiling} and then moved to covering all the joints and washers using the Schluter Thin Set and Schluter Kerdi-band Waterproofing Strip. They have a Pipe Seal and Mixing Valve Seal for the pipes, making it a super easy process! You can see a little more of the process here.
Material + Cost Breakdown
Schluter Kerdi-Board (2 boards) - $240
Washers + Screws (2 boxes) - $27
Schluter Sealer - $30
Schluter Thin Set - $37
Schluter Kerdi-band Waterproofing Strip (2) - $80
Pipe Seal (2) - $17
Mixing Valve Seal - $10
TOTAL COST - $511
And that was it. The shower is officially ready for tile. Now to decide on a tile layout 🥴. Stay tuned to see how this shower comes together!