Tiffany Haney
When building a shower, there are several options for the shower pan, including the Kerdi and Redi Base. The Kerdi shower pan is a sloped styrofoam board with a Kerdi membrane adhered, while the Tile Redi shower pan is a moulded one-piece plastic pan with an adjustable drain grate. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between the two depends on factors such as cost, ease of installation, and customisation. While some prefer the simplicity of the Tile Redi installation process, others opt for the Kerdi shower pan for its ability to be cut to size on-site. It is important to consider the specific requirements of your shower project before making a decision.
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What You'll Learn
Kerdi vs Tile Redi shower pan cost comparison
The Kerdi shower pan is a sloped styrofoam board with a Kerdi membrane adhered. It is easy to cut on-site to your required measurements, and you can place the curb exactly where you want it or have a curbless entrance. The Kerdi system is an excellent engineered system, and the Kerdi membrane and bands for the walls can be four times as expensive as Redguard.
The Tile Redi shower pan is a moulded one-piece plastic pan with the drain included. It is easy to install as you simply drop it into place and tile on top of it using the included mastic. The height of the drain grate is adjustable for any thickness of the tile. The Tile Redi pan is more expensive than some other options, including the Kerdi pan.
One user who had to order a custom-sized shower pan due to the drain not being centred reported that the difference in cost between a custom Tile Redi pan and a Kerdi pan was over $1000.
Another user reported that they had purchased the Kerdi pan, membrane, bands, drain, and mortar, and also purchased Redguard for waterproofing the walls. They did not report the cost of the Redguard, but other users have reported that the Kerdi system is expensive.
Overall, the Kerdi shower pan appears to be a more affordable option compared to the Tile Redi pan, especially if custom sizing is required. The Tile Redi pan may be a more convenient option due to its ease of installation, but it comes at a higher cost.
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Kerdi shower pan installation
Kerdi shower pans are easy to install and can be cut to size on-site. The drain assembly can be added and glued in after the pan is installed. The order of assembly is not crucial, but it is important to ensure that all surfaces are covered with waterproofing material.
Before installing the Kerdi shower pan, it is important to ensure that the floor is perfectly level. If it is not, seal all corners with spray foam and create a circle of spray foam around the drain to prevent self-levelling cement from spreading.
The Kerdi shower pan can be installed before or after the wall backer boards. If installing the pan first, the wall boards will fit over the lip of the pan, ensuring that any water penetration makes it to the pan and not behind it. If installing the backer boards first, ensure that they do not extend all the way to the floor, leaving room for the Kerdi pan to be fitted into the shower.
The plumbing for the drain can be cut to the right height after the pan installation using an interior pipe cutter on a drill or a dremel. The Kerdi membrane and bands can be used to waterproof the cement board where they meet the wall.
It is not recommended to use Redguard with the Kerdi system as they are two different methods that function at opposite ends of the spectrum.
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Tile Redi shower pan installation
Tile Redi shower pans are all-in-one, ready-to-tile, and leakproof products. The manufacturer provides installation support in the form of instructional videos and PDFs. According to some users, Tile Redi is a good choice because of the simplicity of the installation process, and the fact that you do not need to worry about sloping it.
However, some users have noted that Tile Redi can be more expensive than other options. For example, if the drain is not centred, it may be necessary to order a custom-size shower pan from Tile Redi, which can cost over $1000. An alternative option is to purchase a shower pan from Schulter Kerdi, which can be cut to size and mortared. The Kerdi shower pan is a sloped styrofoam board with a Kerdi membrane adhered, which can be easily cut on-site to the required measurements.
In terms of installation, one user asked whether to finish installing and waterproofing the pan or the wall first. They noted that there is no lip on the Kerdi shower pan to accept the backer boards, and they wanted to ensure that water would drain properly without any leaks. The user was considering using Redguard to waterproof their walls, but another user advised against mixing two different methods, stating that the Schluter system is an excellent engineered system that should be used consistently.
Overall, it seems that both Tile Redi and Kerdi shower pans have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for a particular scenario may depend on factors such as cost, customisation, and ease of installation.
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Schluter/Kerdi vs Tile Redi shower pan ease of use
When it comes to ease of use, there are several factors to consider when deciding between Schluter/Kerdi and Tile Redi shower pans.
Schluter/Kerdi shower pans are made from styrofoam and can be easily cut on-site to the required measurements. This customisability allows for flexibility in curb placement or even a curbless entrance. The Kerdi drain unit is also easy to set using a mud bed. However, one potential drawback is the cost, with some users reporting that it is more expensive than other options. Additionally, there may be concerns about mixing the Schluter system with other waterproofing methods, such as Redguard, as it could potentially cause issues.
On the other hand, Tile Redi shower pans are moulded out of a single piece of plastic, including the drain. This eliminates the need for sloping and makes installation simpler. Tile Redi offers adjustable drain grate heights to accommodate different tile thicknesses. However, it may be more expensive than some other options, and custom sizes may be required for unique shower dimensions.
In terms of installation, both options offer their advantages. Schluter/Kerdi provides good installation videos, which can be helpful for DIY enthusiasts. Tile Redi, on the other hand, includes mastic with their pans, which simplifies the process of tiling on top of the pan.
Ultimately, both Schluter/Kerdi and Tile Redi have their pros and cons in terms of ease of use. Schluter/Kerdi offers customisability and a high-quality drain unit, but may be more expensive and require careful consideration when mixing with other waterproofing products. Tile Redi provides a simple installation process and adjustable drain grate heights, but may also be pricier and require custom sizes for certain showers. The decision should be based on the specific needs and constraints of the project, taking into account factors such as cost, size requirements, and desired level of customisation.
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Kerdi shower pan mistakes to avoid
While installing a Kerdi shower pan, it is important to avoid common mistakes that can lead to waterproofing failures and leaks. Here are some critical steps to follow to ensure a successful installation:
Mistake 1: Using the Wrong Plywood
Using the incorrect type of plywood subfloor panels can lead to bathroom subfloor deflection, which can cause leaks in your Kerdi shower pan. It is recommended to use 23/32 or 3/4 inch plywood subfloor panels inside showers. Apply a 1/2 inch bead of construction adhesive to the floor joists and secure the plywood panels with 2-inch construction screws every 4 to 6 inches along the perimeter and 12 inches in the field.
Mistake 2: Improper Waterproofing
Waterproofing is essential to prevent leaks. The shower pan must be waterproofed against the walls, curb, or bench. Common mistakes include using the wrong thin-set mortar and mixing it to the wrong consistency. It is recommended to use Schluter ALL-SET or unmodified thin-set mortar to bond the KERDI-BAND. Always follow the mixing instructions for setting membranes to ensure the mortar bonds properly to the fleece on the pan, walls, and banding.
Mistake 3: Thin-set Mortar Issues
Using the wrong type of thin-set mortar and not mixing it properly can lead to issues. For Kerdi membrane installations, use unmodified thin-set like Mapei Kerabond, Schluter ALL-SET, Schluter SET, or Schluter FAST-SET. Pay close attention to the mixing instructions and water ratio recommendations, as these can vary. Mixing the thin-set properly ensures that all the polymers are mixed cohesively with Portland cement and sand, resulting in strong bond strength.
Mistake 4: Not Dampening the Surface
Before applying the thin-set, it is important to dampen the cement board or drywall. This step prevents the cement board and drywall from absorbing the thin-set's moisture, allowing the Kerdi membrane to bond properly. Use a sponge to add moisture to the walls before applying the thin-set.
Mistake 5: Overlapping Issues with Successive Sheets
When installing successive sheets of Kerdi membrane, ensure that they overlap by at least two inches. Draw a line on the wall to mark the overlap area, dampen it with a sponge, and then apply the ALL-SET. Burn the ALL-SET into the wall with the flat side of the trowel and then add more with the notched side before embedding the Kerdi sheet.
Mistake 6: Not Following Installation Instructions
Always follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and recommendations. For example, Schluter recommends using a specific trowel size (1/4” x 3/8” square or u-notched trowel) for their products. Additionally, ensure that all surfaces are covered with waterproofing material and that the subfloor is level to allow for proper water drainage.
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Frequently asked questions
Kerdi is a sloped styrofoam board with a Kerdi membrane adhered, which can be cut on-site to the required measurements. Tile Redi, on the other hand, is a one-piece moulded plastic pan with an adjustable drain grate.
Yes, you can use a Kerdi shower pan with cement board walls. However, it is recommended to cover all surfaces with waterproofing material to ensure proper drainage and prevent leaks.
Kerdi shower pans can be extended with dry-pack mortar, such as the Mapei 4-to-1 Mud Bed Mix. Mix the Mud Bed with wet thin-set mortar before setting the Kerdi shower pan.
