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megchad · Jul 14, 2010, 04:30 PM

I recently gutted our basement bathroom due to mold. The shower was a pre-fab neo angle corner shower with a wooden (moldy) platform underneath. We would like to put a new shower in, but are wondering what type of material to use for the platform?

massplumber2008 · Jul 14, 2010, 04:49 PM

Hi Megchad...

The best substrate to set a prefabricated shower base in is structolite perlited gypsum plaster. Of course, you'll need to decide on the specific shower unit you'll install and then see what the manufacturer recommends for best result... ;)

When you get ready to complete the job pop back and let us know what you are planning and we'll provide some experienced input... OK?

Glad to help...

Mark

PS: To post a reply please post your reply in the box at the BOTTOM of the page. Thanks!

megchad · Jul 15, 2010, 08:19 AM

I want to post a pic of the situation but can't figure out how to post a pic? Can someone help me please? Thanks!

megchad · Jul 22, 2010, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by massplumber2008

Hi Megchad...

The best substrate to set a prefabricated shower base in is structolite perlited gypsum plaster. Of course, you'll need to decide on the specific shower unit you'll install and then see what the manufacturer recommends for best end result...;)

When you get ready to complete the job pop back and let us know what you are planning and we'll provide some experienced input...OK?

Glad to help...

Mark

PS: To post a reply please post your reply in the box at the BOTTOM of the page. Thanks!

I can't seem to figure out how to download a picture, so I will explain the situation. The hole coming out of the concrete is a few inches in front of the drain in the neoangle shower base. The last person who owned the house put an extension that curves to meet the hole in the base. However, this means we have to make a platform for the shower base, as there is a 5 inch gap between the base and the floor when it's set on top of the pipe. Should we just make a wooden shell/walls to support the base, add the structolite inside that, and set the base on top? Will the structolite just squish out and harden where need be?
Thanks!
Megan

massplumber2008 · Jul 22, 2010, 09:06 AM

Hi Megan...

I'd do one of the following:

1) Build a platform from 2"x6"s (real measure is 5.5") and lay some 3/4" plywood down to button it up. Then set the shower pan in about 3 of the structolite (or however deep your pan is plus an inch or so extra) so that it will not squish up inside the drain and won't overflow gobs of the stuff over the edge.

Then you'd tile the platform and the floor up to the shower pan and have a big step up to the shower but overall would be good on the eyes.

2" Chop up the floor and relocate the drain and ptrap so it lines up correctly for the new neoangle shower unit. Once you moved the pipe and reconcreted the hole you would install the structolite and set the pan so it is level from front to back and from side to side. Shim with wood shims to hold in place overnight. Then you'd tile as needed. Here, no step up and really the best overall job.. just that pesky chopping up of the floor to contend with, but I promise you.. worth it!

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