SHOWER INSTALLATION KITS 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.

All standard shower slopes are 2" thick, custom shower slopes are typically 2" thick as well UNLESS they are custom manufactured with different specifications - using KBRS oatey drains require the ShowerSlope™ to be minimum of 2" thick. Additionally, if the drain is more than 49" or 50" off any side, then the slope is 2" thick to adjust for a proper 2% slope and thickness at the drain. If you require a different slope thickness for your project, please call us to discuss additional customizations.

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.

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 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 to purchase a shower installation kit and want to make this customization on site.

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 shower project. Our tile shower kits include a pre-sloped adjustable shower pan, HardCurb® Shower Curb, shower drain, and 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.

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 Liner has turned "dark green" it is considered dry.

A standard (PVC or ABS) 3-piece tile shower drain that uses a "clamping ring", will work fine (included in KBRS shower installation kits). We sell these shower drains on our online store; however, this same type drain is available at most home improvement stores. Make sure you choose a brand that will allow the "strainer barrel" (the threaded part that holds the strainer) to thread down "flush" with your finished tile. We recommend, but do not require, the Oatey brand tile shower drain (this is the brand that we sell). We must have the part # if you want to use a different drain than what is available with KBRS.

While KBRS can manufacture any shape, size and drain location for a custom shower pan, it is recommended drain location must 8" (minimum) from the any side of a shower base because this can make tiling difficult during installation, and visibly steep. Contact us before ordering to discuss these restrictions to find a solution that will fit your project needs.

If you have purchased one of our tile shower drains, you will need to cut a 4-1/2" hole in the sub-floor. The drain's "body" will need to recess into the sub-floor with the drain body "flange" supported by the sub-floor. Instructions on how to properly install a tile shower drain are available with every shower base we sell.

1-3/4" inches below the top surface of the sub-floor will work as per our instructions; however, we strongly recommend that you determine this measurement once you have the tile shower drain "in your hands".

Yes. It will connect to a 2" PVC pipe.

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

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.