SHOWERS AND TUBS

In tile showers and tubs it must first be known that the tile in itself is not waterproof - it requires a special waterproof barrier installed beneath the tile in the tub/drainage area of the installation. A shower or tub installation consists of a waterproof barrier at the studs or greenboard, then wire, a scratch coat if necessary and then a mortar bed of not less than ½ inch thickness. The ceramic tiles or marble tiles create the waterproofing necessary in high water area installations. The mortar bed installation before the tile is set is the point at which the showers and tubs are plumbed, leveled and squared. This is absolutely necessary for the proper installation of tiles.

As with counter tops, the tiles or marble tiles and combinations thereof, must be considered before the final mortar bed is installed. Because there may be differences in the thickness between the tiles used that must be allowed for in the mortar.

Showers must have a waterproof pan beneath the floor and at least 12 inches up the wall behind the mortar and wire. The pan must be constructed over a pitched sub floor to direct the water that permeates through the walls and floor into the weep holes at the bottom of the drain. It should be known that water, although it doesn’t run uphill, can and will seep up into the surrounding walls if this procedure is not done correctly. This is usually very expensive to repair because it usually creates more damage then is readily visible. Call the Captain first before you start.

In some installations the tile is glued over greenboard. Although a common practice it limits the life of the tile job because of the nature of water. If not a high water area there are times when this installation will suffice.

As far as designs and colors the Captain has 27 years experience in helping with the decorating and design of installations. If asked, he will gladly assist in this process.

The Captain also has many years experience in the installation of oval and curved tubs and showers. This includes extensive work with arches. The tubs and showers of extreme curvature should use 1 x 1 mosaic tiles, known as coinage. But most materials can be cut to the correct size in order to work. 

The pictures included on this page show what can be done in the place of a fiberglass tub for $4200.00 complete with marble inlay (Does not include plumbing).