Concrete Wall in Shower

[jasmiesharris]

I am doing a walk in Shower - Wall #1 is the exterior wall and the plumbing is in this wall. Wall # 2 is an interior wall. Wall #3 is a curved wall that is made of cinder block.
Wall #1 has insulation a vapor barrier and hardibacker.
Wall #2 has just hardibacker.
I wanted to put kerdi on the whole shower (all 3 walls and the floor) but then I read that you should no put kerdi up with a vapor barrier.
Would it be okay to do Wall#2,3 and the floor in kerdi and paint redgard on Wall # 1

 

[Mr_David]

Maybe the best one to ask that ? to is Kerdi

 

[eergie]

I am doing a walk in Shower - Wall #1 is the exterior wall and the plumbing is in this wall. Wall # 2 is an interior wall. Wall #3 is a curved wall that is made of cinder block.
Wall #1 has insulation a vapor barrier and hardibacker.
Wall #2 has just hardibacker.
I wanted to put kerdi on the whole shower (all 3 walls and the floor) but then I read that you should no put kerdi up with a vapor barrier.
Would it be okay to do Wall#2,3 and the floor in kerdi and paint redgard on Wall # 1

You don't have to waste your money on kerdi, just liquid nail the corners in the shower any you'll have a shower that will last 30 years. Your best to spend the extra money buying premium setting materials than kerdi. I have been doing tile for 25 years and my dad has been doing it for 50 plus years, never had to use any kerdi to make our showers last.

 

[jasmiesharris]

Thanks for the advise
Which setting materials would you suggest?

 

[eergie]

I would recommend using durrock or wonder board instead of hardi backer board, its a little bit better than the hardi in wet conditions and use a good stainless or zinc screws or nails. Keep the board 2 inches off the floor and don't nail on the bottom near the pan, keep the nails 6inches from the floor.
All the multi-purpose thinsets are pretty good, my favorites are Flextile, bonsal and even home depot's Custom is pretty good and i recommend using white.
What kind of tile are you using and is this a steam bath?

 

[jasmiesharris]

Travertine. No it is not a steam bath but does have multiple heads and body sprays.

 

[eergie]

Travertine. No it is not a steam bath but does have multiple heads and body sprays.

I would recommend hiring a specialist to do travertine, its twice as hard to lay compared to normal tile. If they are 18x18 sized travertine you have to mud set them, instead of using a trowel.

 

[jasmiesharris]

I have hired a professional for the travertine install. We wanted to prep. the shower ourselves because the original builder do not do the prep work properly and we had a catastrophic failure. If we have endure that type of situation again we would prefer it be at our own hands then pay someone to screw us.

 

[eergie]

When your prepping the job yourself your taking responsibility off the installer. If something happens to the travertine like cracking, coming loose, etc he's going to blame it on your prep work and your going to get screwed once again. I would make him sign off and give an ok that you did the prep work correctly to his standard before he starts. This will cover your arse.

 

[havasu]

That is really good advice!

 

[man4u14]

You have to listen to yourself and ddo the work with heart