Hi,

In the middle of a DIY bathroom remodel. I am installing a 60" shower base from Kohler/Sterling. The base came with a felt pad that is supposed to go between the base & plywood subfloor; although I haven't installed the pad yet, I am concerned about creaking and cracking sound when stepping into the base (not permanently mounted yet.

Would like to use the shower with my wife together, since the manufacturer says it supports hundreds of pounds per square inch, shouldn't be a problem. But it is disconcerting when just my weight causes these noises.

Manufacturer says mortar base is unnecessary, but I am looking for anyone who has installed Vikrell and what can be placed underneath to support this shower.

Thanks.

Bill

Hi Bill...

The manufacturer says it's not necessary, but do they void warranty if you use a mortar base? That's really the question here... ;)

If they don't void the warranty I would set the base in mortar (or structolite). As you suspected this will guarantee less movement and less noise.

Lastly, I have to say that I don't like the vikrell material itself... OUCH... Sorry! We had a bad run on the material back a couple years ago and although Kohler replaced the units they didn't pay any labor and that left the customer hangin' big time!

Vikrell appears to be a very rigid, brittle material that cracks easily if say a soap bottle falls and catches an edge... so just be aware of that... O.K.?

I am a bigger fan of the swanstone shower bases... if you can and you have time check them out.

Good luck!

MARK

Hi Bill...

The manufacturer says it's not necessary, but do they void warranty if you use a mortar base? That's really the question here...;)

If they don't void the warranty I would go ahead and set the base in mortar (or structolite). As you suspected this will guarantee less movement and less noise.

Lastly, I have to say that I don't like the vikrell material itself....OUCH....Sorry!! We had a bad run on the material back a couple years ago and although Kohler replaced the units they didn't pay any labor and that left the customer hangin' big time!!

Vikrell appears to be a very rigid, brittle material that cracks easily if say a soap bottle falls and catches an edge...so just be aware of that...O.K.??

I am a bigger fan of the swanstone shower bases....if you can and you have time check them out.

Good luck!!

MARK

Thanks; live and learn, unfortunately this purchase has been a nightmare from the beginning. Screwed over by supplier (damaged in transit), not apparent when it arrived, and Kohler is unwilling to accept responsibility either. Replaced damaged wall and hope that it is more durable than it appears. Will never buy Kohler/Sterling again.

Bill

PS: My biggest concern is if I ever have to remove; how difficult is it to remove mortar?

Sterling does make a cracking sound for awhile, mortor will eliminate most of this. And mortor is easily broken up and removed, should you ever remove the tub. Ive found that the cracking sounds will go away once tub or shower has been used a few times. Im also not a big fan of the sterlings, as I don't like the cracking sounds, whether its normal or not, just doesn't make me feel at ease. I have however, had great luck with Lasco products.