Shower remodel, Swanstone and Kerdi Products
LLong
10 years ago
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debrak2008
10 years agocatbuilder
10 years agoRelated Discussions
swanstone vs swan veritek?
Comments (5)I believe Veritek IS acrylic. It is a cheaper product than Swanstone solid surface. You cannot compare the two. Swanstone solid surface is a Corian competitor. Veritek is one step above the cheapo fiberglass units sold in big box stores. It's a little nicer, but not by much. My relatives use Veritek in their rental remodels. You should also go to cultured marble stores and get quotes. Their 'cultured granite' is similar in look to Corian/Swanstone - a little glossier in finish, but most people can't tell. We own both - Swanstone kitchen counters and bathroom integrated sink vanity, and cultured granite for shower surround on one tub and a complete neo-angle shower (walls and pan). For a bathroom, the cultured granite has been as easy to maintain and as good looking as the Swanstone. Our bathrooms/kitchen were remodeled in 2003 and we are very pleased with both products. We saved enough on using the cultured granite to pay for several custom touches that made a HUGE difference: edge molding and extra storage units. Install is included in the price of cultured marble/granite, which tipped the scale for us....See MoreKerdi vs Hydroban?
Comments (16)Below, I've posted a link to a place that sells Hydroban cheaper than I can get it any place else. In fact, I was just made aware of this place last week-- just after I'd spent 507.00 for a 5 gallon pail (from Daltile's warehouse, where the prices are supposed to be wholesale), and this place has it for 270.00. As for Hydroban vs Kerdi, It's no contest, as far as I'm concerned. Hydroban goes on a whole lot easier, and there's no build up of layers. Also no seams. The only time I use Kerdi any more (like right now) is when I'm doing a steam shower, because Hydroban, although waterproof (to the point that it's used as a membrane for tiled pools), it's NOT vapor proof, and as such, requires an additional vapor barrier, in for a steam shower, kerdi's your best bet. For anything else, though, Ut's Hydroban. Especially when you consdier that Laticrete has a spec that if followed, will offer you a 25 year manufacturer's warranty. Here is a link that might be useful: Hydroban online...See MoreKerdi Shower Part Deux
Comments (52)Kerdi Update: I've gotten a couple of emails regarding the newer "Kerdi-DS". First, emails. I often get emails sent to me through the G'web email system, and because of the sender's setting on his/her G'web account, those emails can not be replied to. So don;t think I'm rude for not replying to your question. More often than not, it's literally impossible for me to reply to your email due to your account settings. Kerdi-DS. What is it? It's simply a thicker version of plain ole Kerdi. Kerdi is 8-mil, Kerdi-DS comes in at 20-mils thickness. Why is -DS now getting attention here in North America? Because TCNA has changed their recommendations for membranes used in commercial or heavy use steam showers. Recommendations for residential use steam showers have not changed at all. What or who is TCNA? TCNA is the Tile Council of North America. You might see references to TCNA when it comes to installing tile. TCNA publishes "best practice" guidelines for tile installation. You have an organization like TCNA which is fairly nimble when it comes to changing recommendations for installing tile. Then you have "building code", which only gets updated every few years, and updates are subject to influence from various interest groups; be they trade groups (plumbers, electricians, etc) or large corporations that make building materials. TCNA will often make tile/shower/bath recommendations that improve building practices several years ahead of those changes being implemented into state or national building codes. Blah blah blah. So what is this about? We have water barriers, which limit the penetration of liquid water. Then we have vapor barriers, which limit moisture vapor penetration. At a minimum, a water barrier is needed in a shower or tub surround. A more robust barrier, or a vapor barrier, is needed in a steam shower. Protection from vapor penetration has been typically defined by a product's "perm rating". Previously, if a product had a perm rating of less than 1.0, it was considered a vapor barrier. Example, a topical membrane that I use often is Hydroban. Hydroban has a perm rating greater than 1.0, so it can be used as a waterproof membrane in a shower, but it won't suffice as a vapor barrier in a steam shower. A product like RedGard has a perm rating of less than 1.0, so it can be used as a waterproof barrier in a regular shower, or as a vapor barrier in a steam shower. Kerdi? "Regular" Kerdi, the "standard" 8-mil thick Kerdi, has a perm rating of around .90, so it can be used as a water barrier in a regular shower, or as a vapor barrier in a residential steam shower. TCNA has revised their recommendations for vapor barriers used in heavy use or commercial use steam showers. Health clubs, spas, etc. Whereas the old recommendation was to use a material that simply had a perm rating of less than 1.0, for commercial installations like listed above the recommendation has been......See MoreIs Schluter Kerdi & Shower Systems a No Brainer?
Comments (26)So many issues for a shower. It's really helpful to hear the thinking through others have done. I am revising my plans and spotted the Schulter 21" niche, which is a good size. Two tier. Partition wall is 29" wide. It's prefab so the draining angle should be built in. We don't use pumps as the nozzles dry out and they annoy me. But we both have different products so I agree -- the bigger the better. I also felt teak bench would work and not be fixed. Also not cold, slippery or uncomfortable when wet. I have some Turkish hammam towels which are not terry and really work well to throw over a bench if needed. Warmly Yours also can be used to heat a bench, however. Trying to keep this shower basic and adaptable. The niche placement idea is a big help although it would be on the left vs right and slightly behind. The footrest bar is terrific. Thank you @Avanti! Also needing to figure placement of grab bars. Will post photos of the elevations when I finish....See Moreraehelen
10 years agosjhockeyfan325
10 years agoLLong
10 years agodebrak2008
9 years agochristine40
9 years agobathroomdesignboy
9 years ago
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LLongOriginal Author