How We Waterproof a Shower in Fort Worth (Schluter System)
Every shower we build in Fort Worth gets a Schluter waterproofing system: substrate prep, membrane, slope, sealed penetrations. It goes in before the tile.
Every shower we build gets a Schluter waterproofing system. We treat waterproofing as a system: proper substrate prep, a waterproofing membrane, correct slope, sealed penetrations and care at the corners and edges. The pan and the waterproofing go in before the tile. We do not tile until the system is right.
On this page
The tile is the part of a shower you see. The waterproofing is the part behind it. This page shows how we waterproof a shower on a bathroom remodel, where that step sits in the order of work, and what the work costs.
- Every shower we build gets a Schluter waterproofing system.
- Waterproofing is a system, not a paint-on afterthought.
- The pan and the waterproofing go in before the tile.
- If demo shows an old leak, we stop and price the fix in writing first.
- A tile surround with waterproofing runs $4,500 to $5,500.
The parts of the system
We treat waterproofing as a system. Our own bathroom pages name these parts.
| Part | What our pages say |
|---|---|
| Substrate prep | Proper substrate prep is part of the system. |
| Membrane | A waterproofing membrane goes behind the tile. The membrane behind the tile matters more than the tile. |
| Pan and slope | The pan is built with proper slope and properly placed drainage. |
| Penetrations | Penetrations are sealed. |
| Corners, seams and edges | We give attention to the transitions at corners and edges. |
| Flood test | Our walk-in shower conversion page lists a flood test in the pan and waterproofing step. |
Where waterproofing sits in the order of work
On a tub-to-shower conversion, the work runs in this order.
- Demo. Demo comes first. It is the day we learn the most about your bathroom.
- Rough plumbing. The drain, the valve and any supply-line corrections. If the scope calls for an inspection, it happens before anything gets covered up.
- Pan and waterproofing. The pan is built and the waterproofing system goes in. We do not tile until the system is right.
- Tile. Tile, grout and sealing come next.
- Glass. Glass is measured only after the tile is done. Frameless glass is cut to the real opening, not to a drawing.
- Fixtures and finish work. Then we walk the finished shower with you before we call it done.
The tub-to-shower conversion cost guide has this order and the price. Our page on walk-in shower conversions shows what happens behind the tile.
Why we put this much work behind the tile
Part of our bathroom work is re-remodeling. We undo what a rushed job left behind. Skipped or sloppy waterproofing is the first item on our list of the seven mistakes we get called to fix. It hides for years.
Drain and slope shortcuts are on the same list. If the pan slope is wrong, water finds the corner every shower.
Read the list: the 7 bathroom remodel mistakes we get called to fix.
If we find an old leak at demo
In older Fort Worth homes, demo sometimes uncovers past leaks, rotten subfloor or rotted framing. When that happens, we stop, show you photos and price the fix in writing before any extra work begins. We will not bury damage behind new tile.
That fix is a change order. Change orders are priced at cost plus 25%, in writing, before the work continues. Our change order guide explains it.
We also do insurance rebuilds. You own the claim. We do the rebuild and document the work.
Curbless showers
A curbless shower has no step at the entry. It asks more from the floor. The slope has to be built into the subfloor, not faked with a curb.
A zero-entry design changes how the pan and the slope are built, so tell us early. Curbless adds $2,500 to the walk-in shower price.
What the work costs
Waterproofing is part of each of these shower jobs.
- A tile surround with waterproofing runs $4,500 to $5,500. The tub stays. It takes about a week.
- A walk-in shower, with the rest of the bathroom untouched, runs $12,000 to $18,000.
- A tub-to-shower conversion runs $15,000 to $20,000.
Our shower remodel cost guide sorts the shower jobs side by side. The tile tub surround cost guide and the walk-in shower cost guide have the details.
Every job carries a written warranty with two terms: 3 years on everything we touch and 5 years on our workmanship.
Ask any contractor to name the waterproofing system before you sign. Our list of questions to ask a bathroom remodeler has eight more questions.
It starts with a free walk-through. We look at the actual shower, we write the scope, and we price it. To set a walk-through, call or text 817-210-7117.
Questions homeowners ask
What waterproofing system do you use in a shower?
A Schluter waterproofing system. Every shower we build gets one.
When is the shower glass measured?
After the tile is done. Frameless glass is cut to the real opening, not to a drawing.
Is waterproofing included in the tile surround price?
Yes. The $4,500 to $5,500 price is for the tile surround and the waterproofing.
What happens if you find a leak during demo?
We stop, show you photos and price the fix in writing before any extra work begins.
How much does a curbless shower add?
Curbless adds $2,500 to the walk-in shower price.
What warranty comes with a shower you build?
Every job carries a written warranty with two terms: 3 years on everything we touch and 5 years on our workmanship.