Recessing the Shower Floor

A recessed shower floor allows for the installation of a sloped mortar bed or a prefabricated shower tray that is flush with the rest of the bathroom floor. Designed to accommodate the KERDI-DRAIN point drain, the KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT shower tray can be installed over a recessed subfloor to create an even transition from the floor tile right into the shower. All trays feature integrated KERDI waterproofing and are available in several sizes to fit a variety of shower configurations.

 * Recessing the floor of a shower must be done in a way that preserves the structural integrity and safety of the construction. This may require the services of a qualified design professional (e.g., architect, engineer, etc.). See Recessing the Shower Floor Technical detail here.

Note: While the image below shows a wood subfloor, this is also achievable with a concrete subfloor.

1. Prefabricated shower tray: Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT

The KERDI-SHOWER-TT prefabricated sloped shower trays eliminate the need for a mortar bed which ultimately reduces the weight and installation time. KERDI-SHOWER-TT features a thin perimeter height (29/32" [23 mm] - 1-1/32" [26 mm]) that simplifies curbless shower construction. The trays can easily be cut to size with a utility knife, or they may be extended with dry-pack mortar. The KERDI-SHOWER-TT shower trays feature integrated KERDI waterproofing and are designed to integrate with the KERDI-DRAIN. 

While the KERDI-SHOWER-TT shower trays are specifically designed for curbless showers, the KERDI-SHOWER-T and KERDI-SHOWER-TS shower trays, which feature thicker heights (1-1/8" [29 mm] - 1-1/2" [38 mm]) can also be used—several options are available to best accommodate your project.

Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT

Schluter®-
KERDI-SHOWER-T/-TS/-TT

Prefabricated sloped shower tray

2. Point Drain: Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN

KERDI-DRAIN features an integrated bonding flange that provides a large contact area for adhering the KERDI waterproofing membrane and creating a secure waterproof connection at the top of the drain assembly. 2” and 3” outlets are available making it simple to connect to standard plumbing.

The grate assembly accommodates a wide range of tile thicknesses and allows lateral and tilt adjustment as well. The tileable covering support is placed flush with the top of the bonding flange and can therefore accommodate any thickness tile covering.

 KERDI-DRAIN grates are available in four stylish designs and multiple finishes.

Schluter®-KERDI-DRAIN

Schluter®-
KERDI-DRAIN

Point drain with integrated bonding flange

3. Waterproofing membrane and vapor retarder: Schluter®-KERDI

KERDI is specifically designed as a waterproofing membrane to be used in conjunction with ceramic and stone tile coverings. KERDI is a pliable, sheet-applied, bonded waterproof membrane and vapor retarder that is fitted between the tile and tile substrate (gypsum, cement board, etc.). Made of soft polyethylene and featuring an anchoring fleece on both sides, KERDI is easily anchored to the substrate using thin-set mortar.

While the KERDI membrane is used in the image above, note that KERDI-BOARD multifunctional building panels are also suitable.

Schluter®-KERDI

Schluter®-
KERDI

Bonded waterproofing and vapor-retardant membrane

Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD

Schluter®-
KERDI-BOARD

Waterproof, multifunctional tile substrate and building panel

4. Uncoupling and waterproofing membranes: Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT

Specifically designed for ceramic and stone tile installations, the family of DITRA products provides effective uncoupling protection, preventing cracked tiles and grout. Made of polyethylene, DITRA also serves as a waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB. Free-space on the underside of the matting provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to prevent damage to the tile layer above. DITRA performs all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

Different options and thicknesses of DITRA membrane are available to best suit the needs of your project. DITRA has a nominal 1/8" (3 mm)-thickness which minimizes tile assembly thickness.

DITRA-XL is 5/16” (7 mm)-thick and allows for ceramic tile application over single layer plywood/OSB subfloors on joists spaced at 24” (610 mm) o.c.

DITRA-HEAT features a thickness of 1/4" (5.5 mm) and is especially designed to allow for the easy installation of DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables.

DITRA-HEAT-DUO features an integrated bonding fleece that provides sound control, as well as a thermal break. The nominal 5/16” (8mm) thickness minimizes tile assembly thickness. The system can also be customized with floor heating cables to create a warm, luxurious tile floor.

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT

Schluter®-
DITRA-HEAT

Uncoupling membrane for DITRA-HEAT-E-HK electric floor heating cables

Schluter®-DITRA & DITRA-XL

Schluter®-
DITRA & DITRA-XL

Uncoupling and waterproofing membrane

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-DUO

Schluter®-
DITRA-HEAT-DUO

Uncoupling membrane with integrated sound control and thermal break

5. Waterproofing strip: Schluter®-KERDI-BAND

KERDI-BAND is a waterproofing strip used to seal all KERDI-BOARD butt joints, screw penetrations, and the connection between the KERDI-BOARD panels on the walls with the KERDI membrane laminated to the shower tray. KERDI-BAND is only 4 one-thousands of an inch (4 mil)-thick, half the thickness of KERDI thus limiting buildup, and ensuring a smooth surface for tile installation..

Schluter®-KERDI-BAND

Schluter®-
KERDI-BAND

Waterproofing strip seals abutting joints of membranes and building panels

6. Waterproofing corners Schluter®-KERDI-KERECK

KERDI-KERECK are preformed, seamless corners made of KERDI for waterproofing inside and outside corners. Corners tend to be challenging areas to waterproof, so these corners greatly simplify installation.
Schluter®-KERDI-KERECK-F/-KERS-B

Schluter®-
KERDI-KERECK-F/-KERS-B

Preformed waterproofing corners

With the KERDI-LINE linear drain, the floor is sloped on a single plane which allows the use of large-format tile. The KERDI-SHOWER-LT/-LTS sloped shower trays feature integrated waterproofing and are designed to integrate with KERDI-LINE drains. Various sizes are available to accommodate both center drain and perimeter drain placement. * Recessing the floor of a shower must be done in a way that preserves the structural integrity and safety of the construction. This may require the services of a qualified design professional (e.g., architect, engineer, etc.).

Note: While the image below shows a concrete subfloor, this is also achievable with a wood subfloor. See technical detail for how.

1. Prefabricated sloped shower tray: Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER-LTS

Shower bases must be sloped from all directions to point drains, therefore limiting tile selection to mosaics or other relatively small-format tiles. However, shower bases can be sloped on a single plane to a linear drain, enabling the use of attractive large-format tiles.

 The KERDI-SHOWER-LTS is a prefabricated shower tray designed to accommodate the KERDI-LINE linear drain along the perimeter of the shower. The shower tray, available in a range of sizes with thicknesses from 1-21/32" (42 mm) to 2-3/8" (60 mm), eliminates the need for a mortar bed, and is easy to install. The KERDI-SHOWER-LT accommodates the KERDI-LINE drain at intermediate locations and is also offered in a selection of sizes with thicknesses ranging from 1-1/4" (32 mm) to 1-7/16” (36 mm).

Schluter®-KERDI-SHOWER-LT/-LTS

Schluter®-
KERDI-SHOWER-LT/-LTS

Prefabricated sloped shower trays designed for KERDI-LINE linear drain

2. Schluter®-KERDI-LINE Linear Drain

KERDI-LINE is an elegant, low profile linear floor drain specifically designed for bonded waterproofing assemblies. Install KERDI-LINE adjacent to the wall, or at intermediate locations of your shower floor—and then choose the drain grate that best matches your décor and desired finished look.

With lengths from 20" to 72" (50 cm to 180 cm) in 4" (10 cm) increments, KERDI-LINE can fit virtually any shower design.

3. Multifunctional building panels: Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD

Using KERDI-BOARD to build walls over stud framing in wet areas is an efficient alternative to using gypsum board. While cement backer boards are moisture-resistant, they are not waterproof. Thus, additional measures must be taken to protect wall cavities from water and vapor penetration. KERDI-BOARD can be installed both vertically and horizontally using the screws and washers in our hardware assortment. A fully waterproof assembly is easily achieved by sealing seams and fastener penetrations with KERDI-BAND. While the KERDI membrane is used in the image above, note that KERDI-BOARD multifunctional building panels are also suitable.
Schluter®-KERDI-BOARD

Schluter®-
KERDI-BOARD

Waterproof, multifunctional tile substrate and building panel

4. Uncoupling and waterproofing membranes: Schluter®-DITRA and Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT

DITRA is specifically designed for ceramic and stone tile installations. DITRA provides uncoupling to prevent cracked tile and grout. Made of polyethylene, DITRA serves as a waterproofing layer that protects moisture-sensitive substrates, such as plywood/OSB. Free-space on the underside of the matting provides a route for excess moisture and vapor to prevent damage to the tile layer above. DITRA performs all these functions while still providing adequate support/load distribution for the tile covering.

Different options and thicknesses of DITRA membrane are available to best suit the needs of your project.

DITRA has a nominal 1/8" (3 mm)-thickness which minimizes tile assembly thickness.

DITRA-XL is 5/16” (7 mm)-thick and allows for ceramic tile application over single layer plywood/OSB subfloors on joists spaced at 24” (610 mm) o.c.

DITRA-HEAT features a thickness of 1/4" (5.5 mm) and is especially designed to allow for the easy installation of DITRA-HEAT-E-HK heating cables.

DITRA-HEAT-DUO features an integrated bonding fleece that provides sound control, as well as a thermal break. The nominal 5/16” (8mm) thickness minimizes tile assembly thickness. The system can also be customized with floor heating cables to create a warm, luxurious tile floor.

Schluter®-DITRA & DITRA-XL

Schluter®-
DITRA & DITRA-XL

Uncoupling and waterproofing membrane

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT

Schluter®-
DITRA-HEAT

Uncoupling membrane for DITRA-HEAT-E-HK electric floor heating cables

Schluter®-DITRA-HEAT-DUO

Schluter®-
DITRA-HEAT-DUO

Uncoupling membrane with integrated sound control and thermal break

5. Waterproofing strip: Schluter®-KERDI-BAND

KERDI-BAND is a waterproofing strip used to seal all KERDI-BOARD butt joints, screw penetrations, and the connection between the KERDI-BOARD panels on the walls with the KERDI membrane laminated to the shower tray. KERDI-BAND is only 4 one-thousands of an inch (4 mil)-thick, half the thickness of KERDI thus limiting buildup, and ensuring a smooth surface for tile installation.
Schluter®-KERDI-BAND

Schluter®-
KERDI-BAND

Waterproofing strip seals abutting joints of membranes and building panels

6. Waterproofing corners Schluter®-KERDI-KERECK

KERDI-KERECK are preformed, seamless corners made of KERDI for waterproofing inside and outside corners. Corners tend to be challenging areas to waterproof, so these corners greatly simplify installation.
Schluter®-KERDI-KERECK-F/-KERS-B

Schluter®-
KERDI-KERECK-F/-KERS-B

Preformed waterproofing corners