Schluter Kerdi Shower Base Pan
Another alternative to a mud shower pan comes as the Schluter Kerdi shower base pan. Somewhat unique, this system lets you do some things other tile ready shower pans can't match. Here's the deal.
The basic waterproofing component comes in the form of sheeting. That soft polyethylene sheeting gets glued in place to form a waterproof layer of any shape or size. That means custom sizes are no more problem than with a mortar shower. Whatever shape you can build, the waterproof liner can make it hold water out.
That means you can actually build a sloped mortar base and then top it with the membrane, along with a special drain, and then tile over that assembly. That skips building multiple layer bases and also skips building a layer of vinyl into the mortar.
There is another and easier option too. Skip the mortar work by using the Kerdi shower base kits. A foam base and curb take the place of the sloped mortar and the waterproofing liner membrane goes right over the Kerdi base.
In either case, thinset is applied right over the liner membrane and the tile is then installed right over the liner.
Advantages that may not be so obvious include eliminating the potential for mold build-up in the pan and also efflorescence too. That's because with this system the shower base can dry out thoroughly as well as quickly. A mortar shower base on the other hand, if used regularly, can remain soaked from the surface all the way down to the liner membrane.
What's more, the Kerdi liner material also works perfectly on walls. Line the walls with the waterproofing layer and the shower becomes watertight completely right below the tiles. That eliminates all kinds of problems in shower ceilings and walls as you try to waterproof those areas with conventional methods.
The advantages of this shower base pan system are several. The disadvantage is higher cost compared to the traditional shower construction method.
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