DIY gradient screed for wet room

[michaeljohnston]

Hey guys: this is my first post. Be gentle! There is some superb advice here, but I've got an unusual one, I think.

I'm looking to create a flat floor shower area in a corner. But in these tight times I need to save money on buying a tray former. I'm gonna screed my own; where there is a will there's a way, I reckon. Size is 1200 x 900. There will be a glass screen. I'll be digging out the existing screed and channel for the waste, then going down about 25mm over the rest of the area. I plan to use SLC and/or mortar to form the gradients, then tiling on top. Need advice on:
1. Can this be done?
2. What should the falls be over this distance?
3. Would two falls be sufficient or should it be four?
4. What's the best waste system to use?
5. Should I tank the whole floor or just the shower area?
6. What is the largest size tile you guys would use in this situation?

Thanks in advance. Any help much appreciated...

 

[sWe]

Hey guys: this is my first post. Be gentle! There is some superb advice here, but I've got an unusual one, I think.

I'm looking to create a flat floor shower area in a corner. But in these tight times I need to save money on buying a tray former. I'm gonna screed my own; where there is a will there's a way, I reckon. Size is 1200 x 900. There will be a glass screen. I'll be digging out the existing screed and channel for the waste, then going down about 25mm over the rest of the area. I plan to use SLC and/or mortar to form the gradients, then tiling on top. Need advice on:
1. Can this be done?
2. What should the falls be over this distance?
3. Would two falls be sufficient or should it be four?
4. What's the best waste system to use?
5. Should I tank the whole floor or just the shower area?
6. What is the largest size tile you guys would use in this situation?

Thanks in advance. Any help much appreciated...

1. Sure. You're essentially aiming for a wetroom, right? With a gradient over the entire floor? It's not overly difficult to create a good uniform gradient with SLC, even without prior experience. You just need to stay cool and work fast and methodically.
2. About 1-2% (1-2cm per linear meter), with emphasis in the 1m radious around the drain.
3. You don't want water to accumulate in corners. The entire floor, or atleast a 2m radious around the drain, should slope towrds the drain.
4. No idea what waste systems are used in the UK.
5. Whole floor preferably, as moisture tends to migrate, but at the very least in a 2m radious around the drain. The floor is the most important, but don't forget the walls; waterproof atleast the shower area.
6. 20x20 is about the largest sized tile you can use without having to cut them up to avoid lippage when there is a 1-2% gradient.

 

[michaeljohnston]

Thanks sWe. Will be starting this job soon and just need some affirmation on my instincts.

 

[wetdec]

Honestly :

You are going to create a graded floor yourself then install an ACO drain or something like it.

The ACO channel shower drain will cost you well over a £150 plus your time and other materials.

I would consider the 1200 x 1200mm Tilux former which can be cut to any size you require, is provided with a shallow (70mm) drain, and has falls built in and is pre tanked for sealing to its surrounds so no messing

The tilux is a high quality low cost wet room former supplier by

Supplied for situations such as yours it would cost £300 delivered. If supplied with a wall tanking kit which I assume you are going to require then £380 delivered.

If you required a GRP wet room tray then the new trade Pro4mer from Wetdecs comes in at £350 inc gulley in various sizes

Hope this is some help to you.


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