TILE-BASIN® FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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. Next, the perimeter flange and curb are fusion welded to the sloped core. It is then coated in our elastomeric waterproofing and crack isolation membrane. It is completely waterproof and ready-to-tile.

Yes! The Tile-Basin® comes factory waterproofed and ready to tile.

Very easy. Using the appropriate notched trowel (supplied with all shower bases), trowel some modified thin-set into the area that the basin is to be installed (Important: do not use a "premixed" thin-set. It will not cure properly). Liberally apply a bead of polyurethane sealant (found at most home centers) around the outside perimeter of the drain's flange. Then set the Tile-Basin® in place, and ensure that it is well embedded in the thin-set. The thin-set takes care of any floor imperfections and is the adhesive that holds the base in place. Bolt the locking ring on the 4 bolts, and you have actually bolted the base to the flange. You can now stand on the base immediately and start your wallboard installation. What used to take days has been reduced to less than an hour.

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 us to discuss your project needs.

A standard (PVC or ABS) 3-piece tile shower drain that uses a "clamping ring", will work fine. We sell these 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).

While KBRS can manufacture any shape, size, and drain location for a custom shower pan, it is recommended that the drain location must be a minimum of 10" off any side/edge of the shower base to the center of hole, as locating the drain hole any closer than this can make tiling difficult during installation, and visibly steep. Exceptions can be made on a case by case basis, contact us to discuss your individual shower 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 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.

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 Tile-Basin®. We can also add a radius on a custom ramp per your specifications.

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 flange is a 1/8" thick, 5" high FRP composite MATERIAL that is designed to rise between the stud wall and the showers backer wall. The flange provides a water barrier to prevent water from exiting the shower during normal use, or in case of a "back-up". The flange is fusion welded to the perimeter of the shower base's core. This exclusive feature increases the likelihood that any moisture that was to penetrate the shower wall would exit into the shower base area, and not to the outside of the shower pan. A flange is attached to the perimeter of the shower base's sloped core where a "curb" or "ramp" is not located.

View 3D Flange Diagram ▸

Two good reasons! "Furring strips" are long thin strips of wood (or other material) used to extend your shower's tile backer board beyond the KBRS shower base's flange. This allows the bottom of the backer board to "sit" inside of the shower base. The flange is allowed to "free float" between the backer board and the wall studs. This method is a "leak-protection" feature exclusive to only KBRS shower bases (patent pending). By allowing the backer board to sit inside of the shower base, you will be ensuring that any moisture that may penetrate the tile walls, will exit into the sloped area of the shower base, and exit down the drain (where it belongs). You may also find that your shower's stud walls are "out-of-square". You can also use the furring strips to correct this issue if desired (we recommend it).

View 3D Flange Diagram ▸

Furring strips are not available for purchase on showerbase.com. Furring strips can be picked up at most home improvement locations. The thickness of furring strips depends on the fit of the basin in your shower area.

• Suitable for any level substrate that you would normally build a tile shower on (concrete, approved plywood surface, etc.)
• Deflection of substrate not to exceed 1/360th of the span 1/2 inch (12 mm) in 15 feet (4.6 m) in accordance with ANSI A108.01-2.3
• Allow for live and impact load as well as dead load weight of pan, tile and setting beds.

Tile-Basin® products can be installed interior, exterior, as wet floors and as commercial or residential shower applications.

• Pebbled Tile
• Impervious Porcelain
• Gauged or Ungauged Natural Stone Tile
• Vitreous, Semi-vitreous or Non-Vitreous Tiles, Quarry, Cement Body Tile

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.
View Full Return Policy >

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.