Do you need to install a shower pan or liner when installing a tile shower on a concrete floor?

Answer 1

It's still a good idea so that water doesn't seep through and run into the rest of the basement.

AnswerBeing a tile contractor for 18 years I must have heard this question or better yet common misconception about concrete itself. It's important to know that concrete is not waterproof. It cannot stop water from penetrating and migrating along the surface. Yes it is true that most of the water in the stall goes down the drain some of the water is absorbed through the grout joint to the bond coat (thin set mortar) and eventually to the substrate(in this case concrete).A waterproof membrane specific to the tile trade must be used. The installation guidelines are covered by the manufacturer as well as by local building Plumbing codes. As a contractor the vast majority or shower stalls I see are improperly constructed and will fail over time. The Tile Council of America publishes "THE HANDBOOK" of ceramic tile installations which will guide you through the written specs of all approved installation methods. AnswerI am planning on building a shower in the next month or two. There is a fairly new method that I am using, called "Kerdi", made by Schulter. This product is put down first, like the rubber or lead methods. I learned ot it through this site: http://www.johnbridge.com

plumbing suppliers sell a vinyl membrane that water does not penetrate and can be used for concrete covering. this membrane is used widely in Florida for those homeowners who wish to have the terrazo stone tile showers. it is a very commonly practiced method in Florida to build shower stalls without showerpans.