Recommendation for tiles for wheelchair accessible walk in shower floor

Hello All,

We're in the middle of obtaining estimates to replace our existing bathtub with a walk-in-shower that will be wheelchair accessible. The estimates will be from a contractor who hires the sub trades (tiles, drywall, plumbing, etc.) to do the work. This walk-in-shower will be wheelchair accessible. But we would like to understand which areas should we be aware of so to avoid problems down the road once the work is completed. Problems like a leak in the pan/base and or cracked tiles due to wear and tear caused by rolling over the tiles with the wheelchair.

We have an estimate that will design the shower floor without a curb (curbless) and the shower area will be sloped toward the existing floor drain. What type of floor tiles should we choose and which manufacturer of the tile is ideal for this type of work ? I understand that using tiny square tiles (rather than large ones) would work best and that they should be non-slip, water proof and water resistant. Also is there a requirement for the drain to be relocated or the existing fixtures to be replaced with newer design ? Should the entire drywall and tiles surrounding the bathtub be demolished and replaced with panels then new drywall and then new tiles ? Some of the estimates we have gotten plan to build a custom pan/base out of mortar. Will this work and last a long time due to shifting of the house ?

That's pretty much all points and comments and questions which I have at the moment but I'll likely have some more as others read this post and post their comments and questions.

Thanks

Victor

 

So the questions you ask are no different for a wheelchair capable shower vs any normal shower.

The base, the drains, the tiles are not specific to a wheelchair system. If you want the best shower one installed with membrane (Prova/Ditra) is the best, it guarantees no leaks.

Looks like you've gotten some information, what are they advising?

 

Hi Marq1,

Thanks for the post. The thing is that we're getting estimates which are in the $14K-$17K range including taxes and a couple so far which are less than $10K (such as $5,300 and $7,500 including taxes). The ones which are in the $14K-$17K range have said that they hire only license trade workers and they pay like $$40-50/hour and will take 1-2 weeks to complete the work. The cheaper estimates don't need to move the plumbing (so they may save hiring a certified plumber) and will be re-using the same spout, shower head and grab bars etc. The cheaper estimates also will take only 3-4 days to complete the work.

I do have one question about the membrane (Prova/Ditra) you mentioned. Is it made by Schluter ? Does it come with a lifetime warranty against leakage due to cracking caused by manufacturing defects or due to house shifting ?

Thanks

Victor

 

You would have to read the warranty details. Yes Schluter.

And understand, this is a DIY site so making decisions on different contractors/options is a bit out of the scope!

 

Just one last question, which forums would be best suited for my question when hiring a general contractor to do the work ?

 

There really isn't, sooo many variables between locations that one persons estimate may be totally irrelevant to yours. Best to get multiple quotes and talk to prior customers .