 New custom walk in shower designed to fit the available space. |
 Tile floor with inlaid design leading to the custom shower. |
Many of our customers have known and used us for their carpet needs for almost half a century. Over those years, Flooring & More Carpet One has worked hard to offer total flooring solutions and to keep up with the latest in industry and technology trends. One such trend about which we are very excited is the Schluter family of products. I have written before about the need to properly prepare the sub-floor (we call it “prep”) before installing your new floor. The same is true for tile, especially in showers where exposure to water is almost constant.
The Schluter Shower System uses integrated products to create a “sealed” system. First, the Kerdi Drain is installed with the Schluter prefabricated foam tray or a traditional sloped mortar bed. The Kerdi Drain creates a simple and secure connection to the Kerdi waterproofing membrane via the drain’s unique integrated bonding flange. Unlike traditional assemblies using shower pan liners, Kerdi is a bonded waterproofing membrane that allows direct application of tile with thin set mortar. This unique bonding with the mortar bed or tray, the Kerdi Drain and the backer board creates a fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure.
Kerdi Drain unit in a mortar setting bed. The orange Kerdi membrane can be seen on the walls.
Kerdi waterproofing membrane on the rear and side walls and ceiling. Note the "smiley face". Never assume hardworking tile mechanics don't have a sense of humor!
The resulting Schluter based assembly provides superior moisture management because it does not allow moisture to penetrate into the mortar bed or solid backer board, thereby allowing the assembly to dry completely between uses. The Schluter Shower System eliminates leaks, reduces the potential for efflorescence and mold growth.
Something else that many people don’t realize is that custom showers can be easier to afford than they think. Consider one of those pre-fabricated “walk in” tubs that we see advertised on TV. These can run $12,000 to $16,000 or more. A custom tile shower not only has a much more attractive appearance but it can easily be made to be handicap accessible, all for less than $10,000 in many cases. Because these showers are customer projects, it is difficult to offer pricing without first assessing the size of the shower, materials desired, existing structures and related elements, but kitchen and bathroom re-models typically provide the greatest return to the value of your home. So a shower upgrade is really more of an investment than an expense.
Kerdi waterproofing membrane now installed on the floor mortar bed and bonded to the Kerdi Drain to complete the "sealing" of the system.
You owe it to yourself to check on the possibilty of a custom shower and when you do, please consider the Schluter system. It is a fantastic way to upgrade your bath to enjoy now while preserving your new investment for the long run. You can get more information on Schluter at www.Schluter.com or right here with us at our Store at 4848 River Road.
Tile installation well underway. You can see the Kerdi membrane still visible as wall tiles are being installed over it.
Radiant floor heat, seen here in front of the sink area and leading to the shower, is an option our customers really enjoy. This is a decision that must be made up front because the heating system is built into the tile floor.
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