skip to main content

Wedi for entire bathroom floor: good idea of overkill?

15 years ago

I'm redoing my master bathroom starting with the raw studs, am going to use Wedi for the shower walls and an Onyx shower base (which would survive a nuclear war!) but one thing that I always wonder about is water on the floor, at my house there continually is water on the floors due to people refusing to dry off before getting out of shower, overflowing the tub, etc. If there was a leak in the vanity that water could get to the floor too. Carpenter ants and mold is a serious problem where I live in the Pacific Northwest.

As a answer to that I'm wondering if it's a good idea to put Wedi on the entire bathroom floor before doing any construction in the bathroom. This is on the second floor so it's a wood subfloor. On the Wedi site they recommend their 1/4" thick version for floors.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

Wayne Reibold
Original Author
15 years ago
P.S. Master bathroom will have a Jacuzzi tub and shower.
MongoCT
15 years ago
Wedi with properly detailed seams would work.

Ditra would too.
Related Discussions
Good Master Bathroom Tile Design???
Q
Comments (19)
I wasn't able to find any examples of what I was trying to describe above, but thanks to Doggiemom's post, I found a couple - of course, you have to use your imagination to translate the fireplace application to your bath. Not blah at all, in my opinion, but her idea sounds lovely, too. Don't think you will go wrong whatever you decide because all the tile is gorgeous. [contemporary living room design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-living-room-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_718~s_2103) by austin interior designer Allison Jaffe Interior Design [contemporary bathroom design[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/contemporary-bathroom-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_712~s_2103) by chicago interior designer Habitar Design, Inc
...See More
Please help with ideas to reconfigure bathroom
Q
Comments (23)
You can lower the ceilings but you'd have a regular ceiling on the first floor. It's not that you can't; it's that you don't want to. Personally for safety reasons, I'd put a ceiling up on the first floor and hide the plumbing in the ceiling. I think a step up into a bathroom is a huge safety issue. I can see the first time someone decides to walk out of the bathroom with some water dripping and they slip down those steps.
...See More
Master Bathroom Remodel - Floor plan/layout ideas needed
Q
Comments (11)
Sophie, having just gutted two bathrooms and a kitchen I would have to agree. My master closet cabinets with island were significantly more than the cost the OP wants to spend on the entire project. And that was just the master closet. However, the OP should plan the space then get bids and access what are must haves versus what she wishes. I deleted the tub because I don’t take baths and I wanted a large shower. As long as she has a tub somewhere in the house it is not an issue. At that point, she will have a better idea of what her budget should be, but based upon the space I would guess closer to $50,000
...See More
small subway tiles not a good idea in 1890’s bathroom?
Q
Comments (2)
You need to find a contractor who knows what he's doing and you certainly don't want to put large wall tiles in an 1890's house. If they're rebuilding the walls properly, they can square them up. If they can't, you have a hack doing the job. Also ask this guy how he waterproofs a shower? What it sounds like is that he doesn't want to take the time to do the job right. Find someone else. Btw: My tiles were self spacing and they came out great. Also if you want it to look authentic, I HIGHLY recommend you use www.heritagetile.com In this bathroom my floor is Heritage Tile although my walls are Daltile. Also if you use something like Daltile, do not get them from one of the big box stores as they get lots of seconds.
...See More
Wayne Reibold
Original Author
15 years ago
Any other feedback?
tuesday22
15 years ago
If this is DIY, then Wedi seems easier. That could just be me, though. Not saying that a lot of people don't make Ditra work, but Wedi's only requirement is to goop caulk on any seams and screw/washer thingies. Ditra seems like you might need a little more talent.

We used Wedi on our floor, primarily as a thermal break between our concrete and heating mat, but I can tell you that we are pretty stupid sometimes and the Wedi wasn't even vaguely daunting.

It would totally work. Maybe read the installation instructions for both and then choose, knowing either will get you to where you need to go if you install it correctly.

I would imagine that they recommend 1/4" because the deflection for your floor should be dealt with prior to either Wedi or Ditra, and whichever you choose is just a small layer, NOT support or anything like that. (I'm sure there is a more technical way to put this. I hope you get my point here.)

I can't tell you if there is a structural of efficacious advantage or disadvantage to either one.
homey_bird
15 years ago
Actually, I spoke to both Wedi rep at # given at their site and then a local dealer (Daltile tile store in San Jose, CA). Daltile person told me that Wedi is the only waterproof board whereas other backer boards are water resistant but not water-proof. Meaning, they will not rot due to water but let the water pass through, thus possibly causing damage to the house.

Recommended Wedi is 1/4" for floor and 1/2" for shower walls.

Therefore, we have decided to go with Wedi since we are saving some labor by doing a semi-dyi project.

FWIW, Daltile also sells entire Wedi shower kits that includes shower pan which can be used to tile directly over it. (We are not using that, but just an FYI).
pepperidge_farm
15 years ago
Schluter is coming out with their own version of a Wedi like product soon...

Ditra is not difficult, and I say that as a first timer. Easier than the Kerdi ;-)

I would opt for cost comparison- they will both work.

Related Stories

FURNITURE Houzz Tour: An Ingenious Entire-Apartment 'Hack' in Greece

By Vanessa Brunner

They couldn't remodel, so these renters went wild with creative 'built-ins' that are completely portable

Houzzers Say: A Wish List for the Entire House

By Becky Harris

10 dreamy suggestions to help a home meet all of your present and future needs

ECLECTIC HOMES Houzz Tour: Playing With Good Tension in Austin

By Mitchell Parker

A 1938 bungalow gets updates — including a whole new floor — but keeps much of its traditional charm

REMODELING GUIDES 10 Things to Consider When Creating an Open Floor Plan

By Natalie Myers

A pro offers advice for designing a space that will be comfortable and functional

MOST POPULAR 5 Remodels That Make Good Resale Value Sense — and 5 That Don’t

By Matt Clawson

Find out which projects offer the best return on your investment dollars

BATHROOM DESIGN Warm Up Your Bathroom With Heated Floors

By Tiffany Carboni

If your bathroom floor is leaving you cold, try warming up to an electric heating system

REMODELING GUIDES The Good House: Little Design Details That Matter

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Tailored trim, cool counters and a nice weighty door — such details add so much to how a home feels to the people inside

REMODELING GUIDES Old and New Make for a Jolly Good Mix in England

By Mitchell Parker

Give an 18th-century country cottage a contemporary addition, and what do you get? A surprisingly cohesive-looking home

KIDS’ SPACES How to Create a Play Area That Looks Good Too

By Laura Gaskill

Learn 10 ways to give your kids' playspace some style without sacrificing any of the fun

BATHROOM DESIGN Floor-to-Ceiling Tile Takes Bathrooms Above and Beyond

By Becky Harris

Generous tile in a bathroom can bounce light, give the illusion of more space and provide a cohesive look

Sponsored

More Discussions

Recommendations for soaking/freestanding tub

2

bathroom remodel fan placement

0

black faucets in bathroom

2

Any ideas on how to remodel our master bathroom?

1

Renovation tub already taking a beating

0