Start out by reading Mongo's Kerdi Thread. I've linked it below. You also might want to go over to John Bridge's and pick up his Kerdi E-book. He charges 10.00 for it, and it's worth every penny. you can find it at the following url:
http://www.tileyourworld.com/catalog/index.php?manufacturers_id=12

After that, it's just a matter of putting it together. You need to decide what you want to use for tile, too. Keep in mind, when picking out the shower floor tile, you don't want anything bigger than 4x4, and 2x2 is actually preferred.

I think that'll get you started, anyway.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mongo's Kerdi Thread

I built my own Kerdi shower a couple of years ago with the help of the John Bridge Forum. Not that this forum isn't great, but the John Bridge forum is ALL about tiling - and doing it right. I bought John's Tile Your World book - he hadn't come out with the Kerdi e-book yet at that time.

Thanks...I'll check out the thread and definitely get the e-book..What about building a tub deck..will those sources assist me there?

Either we can assist you with it at John's forum, or here. Here's the url to the Tile advice forum:

Here is a link that might be useful: John Bridge's Tile Advice Forum

Thanks Bill. I know it sounds a bit corny but I feel really empowered to accomplish this build..because of this forum! I have no problem attempting anything (DH on the other hand not so brave...or maybe I'm just crazy) and feel as long as someone talks me through it, and I have the time and patience, I can get it done. I told some of my fellow co-workers and they think I'm nuts..but they've never heard of this forum or any other for that matter....I need to finalize my plan (drawing up my own plan)...and ensure that I can get my plumber lined up as needed...

Also, DH and friend will be hooking up a temporary shower for us..by the way, what does everyone do who remodels their main bath and that is the ONLY bath with a shower or tub in the whole house!??! We have friend who works at Lowes and he picked us up a discounted shower stall (32 inch square) for temporary use..however the only place we have to put it is in the GARAGE!! (Not looking forward to that!)

Hey, anyone remember any threads on this or other forums that discuss the install of a pocket door? Thanks!

welcome to the kerdi world, Suzanne :) i have less overall experience than you do - never even contemplated building a wall myself - and I successfully kerdi'd my new master shower. (my ongoing post is "lisa's master bath remodel") we did the leak test last week and it passed with flying colors. haven't tiled yet... still waiting on the tile... but these guys here are amazing with how much help & support they will give you. so definitely take the leap! my coworkers look at my pictures & just shake their heads - they don't even know what half the words mean :)

one thing i may have done differently was to practice using thinset first. i'd never even seen thinset before, so i had no idea what it really was or how it would react to what i did to it. i would recommend getting a piece of whatever you plan to have behind the kerdi and practice mixing up the thinset, putting it on, combing it out, etc. once you get that down, i'd even practice on a small piece of kerdi -it's expensive, but my first wall is so bumpy that i wish i had taken a 12"x12" piece and just gotten a feel for things before i did a whole wall. i wish i had gone slower that first day, too, instead of listening to my friend who has done tiling before & said "just mix up a big bucket - it will go really fast" ha! not for me. but at least with a small batch, if you go fast, you can make the next batch bigger.

if i can answer any questions, let me know - bill & mongo are the experts, for sure, but i can offer tips as a female & novice if you need that, too :)

good luck!

lisa

p.s. - thankfully i have another bathroom - can't imagine doing it without one! guess you'll have to be speedier than i am! just do a lot of planning & draw everything out to be sure you think about the edges, wall/floor joints, corners, etc.

Suzanne,

I do have a few pictures of a tub deck being built. The pics are not a comprehensive step-by-step, as they were a byproduct of the "Kerdi Shower" bath remodel.

I'll see if I can get a few basic photos and a diagram or two loaded up tonight.

Mongo

Suzanne, I started a new thread for building a tub deck. Not the greatest as I only had a few pictures to work with, but it might answer some of your questions.

Mongo

Thanks for the encouragement, Lisa..I did see your thread...did you frame out your own bath/shower/tub areas...?? If so, what guidance was helpful to you?

Thanks Mongo...I did see that thread...printed it and it was very helpful. As a result, I had posted some questions to you there...which you already answered.

We only have one bath and I want to work in stages so that I can leave my current tub/shower in tact as long as possible. I'd like to frame out my shower and tub first (in an area where it won't impact my current bath...would this be a problem? I guess what I'm asking is do I have to have my plumbing run ahead of time before framing, or at least know EXACTLY where it will go or do I any flexibility in that? I'm not wanting flexibility in case I change my plan, but flexibiltiy in case I'm off a couple of inches!

Also, I want the tub in an area under a window, but the window is too low...? Could I set tub out from window and just have a lower ledge right in front of window?

I need to get a good book on building a bath....the basics of framing for one...any recommendations?

Would love any photos you have re: deck and platform..especially showing area for plumbing....thanks!

I bought Black and Decker´s book on Bathrooms and it was great, showed everything from tiling to framing to plumbing. No mention of Ditra or Kerdi (I learned of them on this forum), but very comprehensive and easy to follow.

Suzanne,

I'm just showing that I've fallen totally off the rocker. No more posting after 3:00am for me.

Mongo

Suzanne - i fortunately have a good friend who does commercial construction for a living, so he has helped me with things like framing. we used some small metal studs he had from an old job in a couple of my walls since the space was so tight - i wanted to be able to use every inch and putting up wood studs everywhere just drove me batty seeing all that wasted space. but other than that, it's probably just the standard framing you could find in good books, etc. just make sure to plan everything out really well beforehand, which i guess is true with any project really.

best of luck!

lisa