Shower With Better Bench & Recess-It Box
Complete shower remodel in Springdale, Arkansas
This project began as a little trim carpentry and evolved into a new tile shower. The original shower is failing due to cracking grout and improper construction. These kinds of problems cannot be fixed with caulk or replacement of a few tile – lipstick and mascara repairs. Total replacement is in order.
Proper materials and use of water proofing procedures is absolutely necessary. The liner must be sloped and should always be wrapped over the curb and down to the floor. Nails and screws should not penetrate the membrane.
The bench requires support on the top to give it strength under heavy weight. The top of the bench should be covered with plywood and the entire bench should be waterproofed. The job begins by removing everything down to bare stud construction. It is allowed to dry overnight before rebuilding it.
Lumber is used to form the curb. It takes about 100 pounds of high-strength concrete for the curb, which is bonded to the slab with thinset. I also use two pieces of reinforcement bar for added strength. The curb is allowed to dry overnight. The next day, greenboard sheetrock is installed over the studs with screws. A mud bed and the patented Kerdi drain, as well as a 24″ Better Bench is installed. The bench is filled with deck mud and properly sloped to keep water from standing on it. The following day I install two Recess-It boxes in the walls for storing often used items like shampoo. The advantage to using these boxes is they are preformed, watertight and all four sides are properly sloped. Kerdi is installed over the floor, walls, boxes, and bench. The shower is now completely watertight and will not leak.
Over the next few days I install tile over the inside of the shower. There are two mosaic accent bands to add an interesting aesthetic. This is all allowed to dry overnight. Time is taken to cut all the pieces for the bench, boxes and curb, and tape is used to hold them in place until they dry. After the tile is grouted, the original shower door was re-installed and sealed with silicone. This shower is now ready for use and will last many years. Minimal maintenance (towel-drying each day) is recommended to prevent the buildup of hard water stains and soap scum.
If you would like a new shower or replacement of an old shower, please contact Trevathan Floors for a consultation.