LINEAR INSTALLATION KIT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

UL® Certified expanded polystyrene (Type XV-EPS 60) geofoam core sandwiched between two composite epoxy materials (CEM). We start with a 3-pound high density EPS core and shape the base with a 1/4" per foot (2%) slope to the drain. In its raw state, the 3-pound EPS is tough; however, both surfaces (top & bottom) are then coated with a proprietary blend of hard coat epoxies and embedded composite fibers that gives the shower base its ultimate durability and strength.

The linear shower slope is slightly oversized so that it can be cut to accommodate out-of-square walls and offset drain locations and can be cut down to a maximum where the drain is still supported by the recess in the shower pan.

The Linear ShowerSlope™ starts at 1.25" thick near the drain and increases 1/4" per foot as you move away from the drain.

Any quality "polymer modified" thin-set will do just fine. Do not use a premixed thin-set (i.e.... water already added). A premixed thin-set that comes in a bucket with water already added will not cure properly. Remember: No premix! Always add your own water! Different terms for modified thin-set include: modified thin-set, modified thin set with a latex additive, fortified thin-set, polymer modified thin-set, polymer fortified blended thin-set. The thin-set must meet or exceed ANSI A118.4 and ANSI Al18.11 requirements when mixed with water.

Three of the most recognized brands:
1. Custom Building Products: usually found at The Home Depot. (Product Names: Versa Bond, Fortified, FlexBond Fortified and their elastic membrane is called RedGard)
2. Laticrete: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's and other tile suppliers. (Product Names: Laticrete 254 Platinum and their elastic membrane is called Hydro Ban).
3. Mapei: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's, Daltile and other tile suppliers (Name of product: Ultra Flex 2 and their elastic membrane is called Aqua Defense)

For our KBRS shower drains, we recommend a 1/2" square notched trowel. In most cases, KBRS shower pan products include a 1/2" Square Notched Trowel. Deciding on a trowel will depend on how high your drain is set "above" the sub-floor. If you are using a different drain than one purchased from KBRS, please call usto discuss your project needs.

A standard (ABS) linear shower drain that is available on our website, will work fine with our linear installation kits. For custom linear showers, you will need to specify your drain if you are using one that was not purchased with KBRS.

Minimum drain location from a stud wall of both sides of a linear drain is 4”. The minimum drain location from a stud wall to the center of the linear drain on its longest side is 6”. Consider this when you order your drain, KBRS linear drain bodies are 2” larger than a linear drain grate. This linear drain body flange allows for easy waterproofing during installation.

Linear shower slopes can be cut-to-fit on site; however KBRS will not add to the measurements that are submitted on an custom order form - if you would like an oversized slope to trim on site, you will need to add those dimensions to your measurements when completing an order form.

The drain kit is included in our ShowerSlope™ cut-to-fit kits, and linear shower installation kits, but not with individually sold Tile-Basin® or ShowerSlope™ products; you can purchase a standard shower drain or linear shower drain on our online store with an accessory pack, linear drain kit, OR as a single item.

There are adapters available. We do not sell these adapters. We recommend that you consult with a local plumber, or plumbing wholesaler about this issue. Local codes can vary.

The short answer is....we haven't found one yet. We love a challenge.

Our average lead-time is 1 - 2 weeks (Mon-Fri). This could slightly vary due to certain manufacturing conditions, in which if this becomes an issue you will be contacted and notified by a KBRS, Inc. representative.

Yes! We can custom manufacture a ramp attached to a Linear ShowerSlope™. We can also add a radius on a custom ramp per your specifications. You can also order a 61" ramp, cut it on site and attach it yourself in the field if you prefer.

Typically, professional 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.

If your sub-floor is structurally sound (no rotting...etc.) and level (very important), then applying thin-set directly to the sub-floor is okay. However, we do not recommend applying thin-set directly to particleboard.

The core material of a HardCurb® is UL® Certified expanded polystyrene (Type XV-EPS 60) geofoam. The self-sealing anchoring cap is a laminated combination of dense composite and polyurethane. A HardCurb® is encapsulated in ANSI 118.10 compliant waterproofing membrane.

Yes! The KBRS HardCurb® shower curb can be cut-to-fit on site to easily adjust as needed for your shower.

Any quality "polymer modified" thin-set will do just fine. Do not use a premixed thin-set (i.e.... water already added). A premixed thin-set that comes in a bucket with water already added will not cure properly. Remember: No premix! Always add your own water! Different terms for modified thin-set include: modified thin-set, modified thin set with a latex additive, fortified thin-set, polymer modified thin-set, polymer fortified blended thin-set. The thin-set must meet or exceed ANSI A118.4 and ANSI Al18.11 requirements when mixed with water.

Three of the most recognized brands:
1. Custom Building Products: usually found at The Home Depot. (Product Names: Versa Bond, Fortified, FlexBond Fortified and their elastic membrane is called RedGard)
2. Laticrete: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's and other tile suppliers. (Product Names: Laticrete 254 Platinum and their elastic membrane is called Hydro Ban).
3. Mapei: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's, Daltile and other tile suppliers (Name of product: Ultra Flex 2 and their elastic membrane is called Aqua Defense)

Typically, professional installers use boxes of tile or buckets of water to supply a uniform weight to the shower base and curb threshold 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.

Absolutely! You can order additional curbs on its own to integrate in your linear shower project. Our linear tile shower kits include a pre-sloped adjustable shower pan, HardCurb® shower curb, linear shower drain, and shower waterproofing products for up to 50 s/f coverage per gallon.

If your sub-floor is structurally sound (no rotting...etc.) and level (very important), then applying thin-set directly to the sub-floor is okay. However, we do not recommend applying thin-set directly to particleboard.

While there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution to installing a shower, KBRS attempts to make it easier by providing a shower curb that fits the standard tub-to-shower conversion being generally between 3 feet by 5 feet (36” x 60”). All of our shower curbs come standard in 4” x 4” x 61” to give a little extra room for out of square walls, allowing the curb to be cut-to-fit on site. 

The linear shower slope is also designed to be cut on site to adjust for where a drain may be based on a general bath area setup. Drain connections in modern homes are generally 9-10 inches off a side wall; with this in mind most of our standard shower basins and slopes come with their drain locations to be 10” (Tile-Basin®) or 10-1/2” (ShowerSlope™) from its perimeter edge. 

With the 72” linear shower slope, you are able to move the drain up to 3” from the wall, by cutting 10” off the shorter side, and 2” off the long side. This will provide you with a finished 3’ x 5’ shower, and here is where the 61” will be added to finish the job. 

Additional curbs may be required if you would like to make your shower threshold larger than the 61” provided with the linear shower kit. Click Here to buy a single HardCurb®

The ShowerSeal® acts as a second waterproof layer, and primer for thin-set. This is our use of the product. We suggest calling your local paint professional for their expertise in regards to painting over the membrane.

1 gallon of ShowerSeal® Liquid Liner will provide 50 square feet of monolithic coverage. View ▸
3.5 gallon of ShowerSeal® Liquid Liner will provide 175 square feet of monolithic coverage. View ▸ 

Depending on your shower installation and shower size, additional waterproofing may need to be purchased with our ShowerSlope™ Kits.

This will depend on the temperature at the time of installation, but usually within 30 to 50 minutes of dry time is required before tiling and flood testing can be preformed after 12 hours of dry time. Generally when the ShowerSeal® liquid waterproofing membrane turns "dark green" it is considered dry.

Our linear drain bodies are made from an ABS 1 piece injection mold.

KBRS has over 50 different style and size linear drain combinations available for our linear drain kits. Our linear drains range from 24 inch all the way up to 60 inch in length.

KBRS has several different style options for linear drains. We have stainless steel linear drains, polished stainless steel linear drains, oil rubbed bronze linear drains, ready to tile in linear drains, and matte black linear drains available in several different style options for our linear drain kits. KBRS has many different linear drain styles including oval, square, mission, and ready to tile available with our linear drain kits, and linear slope shower installation kits.

Yes! When you order a KBRS linear shower installation kit, you will be prompted to choose your linear drain style and finish that will fit with the provided slope in the kit.

Any quality "polymer modified" thin-set will do just fine. Do not use a premixed thin-set (i.e.... water already added). A premixed thin-set that comes in a bucket with water already added will not cure properly. Remember: No premix! Always add your own water! Different terms for modified thin-set include: modified thin-set, modified thin set with a latex additive, fortified thin-set, polymer modified thin-set, polymer fortified blended thin-set. The thin-set must meet or exceed ANSI A118.4 and ANSI Al18.11 requirements when mixed with water.

Three of the most recognized brands:
1. Custom Building Products: usually found at The Home Depot. (Product Names: Versa Bond, Fortified, FlexBond Fortified and their elastic membrane is called RedGard)
2. Laticrete: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's and other tile suppliers. (Product Names: Laticrete 254 Platinum and their elastic membrane is called Hydro Ban).
3. Mapei: usually found at The Home Depot, Lowe's, Daltile and other tile suppliers (Name of product: Ultra Flex 2 and their elastic membrane is called Aqua Defense)

The linear drain kit includes a linear drain body, a linear grate (style of your choice), linear drain grate risers (with metal grates only), and a linear drain hair strainer.

Standard or stock items may be returned within 30 days of purchase if purchased directly from KBRS, Inc - by internet, phone or fax. Standard or stock item(s) may be returned for credit or refund of the purchase price paid, less a 15% restocking fee. Custom product(s) or special orders are NOT eligible for return, credit or refund at any time; unless the product is received defective or the return is a direct result of a KBRS, Inc. error. To return an item you must first contact us via phone (866) 912-3211, or email returns@kbrsinc.com to obtain an RMA number. Item(s) must be returned in original packaging and return shipping must be paid by you, it is strongly recommended you insure your return package as KBRS will not be able to refund an item that arrives damaged and is not in re-stockable condition.
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Currently we do not provide shipping labels to have our products returned to us. Customers are required to return their products with the shipper of their choice. It is also recommended you insure your returned items, to protect form damages that may occur from shipping. KBRS will not be able to offer refunds on products that are returned damaged. All returns must be sent back to the warehouse in re-stockable conditions.

Since all of your products are packaged separately, it is common for items to get separated in the shipping process. Usually the missing product will arrive the next business day. If the product does not arrive by the end of the next business day, please contact us for a complete resolution.