Q: What are furring strips and why do I need them?
A: Furring strips (mostly used for custom size shower bases) make it easy to extend the studs over the perimeter flange of the shower base once the shower base is installed and before the tile backerboard is installed.

When you ordered your custom shower base, you were instructed to calculate your shower base measurements to allow a 1/4" "gap" between your stud walls and the outside perimeter of the shower base (we call this gap "wiggle room") in order to make the installation easier, and to allow for slight errors in measurements.

The perimeter flanges on your shower base must "free-float" (not attached to the studs) between the tile backerboard and the studs. By attaching furring strips to the studs, you will be able to bring your backerboard all the way down to the surface of the shower base straight and plumb. This will also prevent any pressure from being applied to the flange when you fasten the backerboard to the studs. See diagrams below.


Q: DIY websites recommend using "pea-size" gravel to prevent the shower drain's weep holes from clogging. Why do you not recommend following this procedure with your tile shower bases?
A: You were most likely viewing recommendations on a procedure used when building an old traditional "mortar & liner" shower base.

Mortar is porous. The reason for the "weep holes" in a tile shower drain is to allow the moisture that saturates the mortar bed, after taking a shower, to slowly "weep" down the drain over a long period of time. Our tile shower bases are waterproof and non-porous; Therefore, the "weep holes" in a tile shower drain are rendered obsolete.


Q: I am installing my shower base on a wood sub-floor. Can I apply thin-set directly to the wood sub-floor?
A: If your sub-floor is structurally sound (no rotting...etc.), and level (very important), then applying thin-set directly to the sub-floor is OK; However, we do not recommend applying thin-set directly to particle board. If your sub-floor is particle board, then we recommend applying a few coats of an elastomeric waterproofing membrane (see ShowerSeal) to the particle board sub-floor prior to applying thin-set.


Q: What brand modified thin-set do you recommend?
A: THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. We do don't endorse any particular "brand" of modified thin-set; However, we highly recommend that you don't use a premixed (in a bucket) thin-set. Failure to follow this recommendation most likely will result in a failed installation. Premixed thin-sets does no properly perform in area where moisture is constantly present. Always read the manufacturers instructions before purchasing any tile setting products.


Q: I am about to install one of your shower bases. How can I ensure that it is completely embedded in the thin-set?
A: Typically, installers use boxes of tile or buckets of water to supply a uniform weight to the shower base until the thin-set is cured. Following this procedure will result in a rock solid installation. Also, be sure to securely tighten the shower drain's "clamping ring" to the drain body in the sub-floor as recommended in the installation instructions.