We would like a recommendation regarding a shower pan installation over a concrete floor. This is a 2nd floor condo so we do not have access from below. We can remove concrete around the drain rather easily. We considered a mud pre-sloped pan but don't feel confident with the contractors we talked to. It seems they don't see the need to pre-slope the mud base prior to installing the water proof membrane. I don't feel comfortable with water passing through and pooling instead of being directed to the weep holes in the drain. Have now considered a pre-made KBRS shower base that is tile ready or mabey a cultured marble base. What would you recommend?

Hi Sailorman...

I am a strong proponent of presloping the floor prior to vinyl membrane installation, but if the floor is perfectly level and the shower strainer is set into the floor such that the strainer flange itself is flush or slightly below the floor then it may not be absolutely necessary to preslope. With that being said, the chances of the floor being level from front to back and side to side are almost 0%, so a preslope is really required here. If you were to look at the national standard requirements for a mud shower floor, they absolutely require a preslope, OK?

Now, if you are unsure of what to do, I would recommend that you take a look at some swanstone premolded shower floors. Check them out at Swanstone Products

Schluter-kerdi also makes a great custom system that you may even be able to do yourself if you are super handy. Otherwise, I would only recommend this if you can find an experienced contractor, OK? Check out the video below. In the video the drain goes to the back wall... on your job the drain would just go into the floor is all.



Glad to discuss more if you want...

Mark