Shower Remodeling Services

Schluter Kerdi System

Schluter Kerdi is a polyethylene sheet membrane that bonds directly to the substrate with unmodified thin-set mortar. It provides a continuous waterproof barrier on walls and floors, and tile is set directly over the membrane with unmodified thin-set. The Kerdi system includes pre-formed inside corners, outside corners, pipe collars, and mixing valve seals that create watertight transitions at every penetration. This is our primary waterproofing method for shower walls because it is fast to install, highly reliable, and backed by the Schluter warranty when installed as a complete system. The Kerdi-Board product also serves as both the substrate and the waterproofing layer, eliminating the need for separate cement board.

Liquid-Applied Membranes (RedGard, Hydroban, AquaDefense)

Liquid-applied waterproofing membranes are roller- or trowel-applied coatings that cure into a flexible, waterproof film. RedGard (by Custom Building Products), Hydroban (by Laticrete), and AquaDefense (by Mapei) are the most common. They require two coats applied to cement board, with fabric reinforcement at seams and corners. Liquid membranes are effective when applied to the correct mil thickness (typically 30–60 mils wet) and allowed to fully cure before tiling. The main risk is inconsistent application — thin spots and missed areas compromise the entire waterproof envelope. We use liquid membranes on shower floors (over mud beds or foam pans) and as a secondary barrier in high-risk areas.

Common Waterproofing Failures

• No waterproofing installed at all — the most common failure we see in Boise-area showers built before 2005
• Waterproofing membrane not carried up the wall at least 6 inches above the shower curb or to the full height of the wet area
• Missed penetrations: valve openings, showerhead stub-outs, and niche edges left unsealed
• Using modified thin-set under Kerdi membrane (manufacturer requires unmodified thin-set for proper bond)
• Insufficient liquid membrane thickness — one thin coat instead of two proper coats at the required mil thickness
• No pre-slope under the shower pan liner, allowing water to pool rather than drain

Boise Inspector Requirements

When a plumbing permit is pulled for a shower remodel in Boise, the City requires a plumbing rough-in inspection before walls are closed. The inspector verifies drain connections, water supply lines, and venting. While the City does not currently mandate a specific waterproofing method, the International Residential Code (IRC) Section P2709.2 requires that “shower receptors shall be lined and made watertight.” We waterproof every shower we build regardless of permit scope because it is the single most important quality step in the entire project. Learn more in our guide to bathroom tile and waterproofing systems.

Standard Curb (4–6 inches)

A standard shower curb is a raised threshold — typically 4 to 6 inches high — that contains water inside the shower area. This is the most common and least expensive entry type. The curb is built from stacked cement board or a pre-formed foam curb, waterproofed, and tiled to match the shower walls. Standard curbs provide reliable water containment and work with all drain configurations, including center drains. They are the practical choice when the shower is enclosed on three sides by walls and a glass door or curtain covers the entry.

Low-Threshold Curb (1–2 inches)

A low-threshold curb reduces the step-over height to 1–2 inches, making the shower easier to enter while still providing a physical water barrier. This is a practical middle ground for homeowners who want improved accessibility without the complexity and cost of a fully curbless build. Low-threshold entries work well with hinged or sliding glass doors and are compatible with standard drain configurations. They are especially popular in master bath remodels where the homeowner wants a modern look with reliable water containment.

Curbless / Zero-Threshold

A curbless shower has no step at all — the bathroom floor transitions seamlessly into the shower floor. This is the gold standard for aging-in-place design, ADA-compliant bathrooms, and contemporary open-concept bathrooms. Curbless showers require the shower floor to be recessed below the surrounding bathroom floor so that water slopes toward the drain rather than flowing out into the room. This means modifying the subfloor structure to create the necessary depth for the pre-slope, waterproof membrane, and tile. On slab foundations common in some Boise-area homes, the concrete may need to be channeled to create the recess.

Drain Options: Linear vs Center

Center drains are the traditional choice and work with any entry type. The shower floor must slope from all four sides toward the center drain, which limits tile format on the floor to smaller pieces (typically 2×2 or smaller mosaics). Linear drains are installed along one wall or at the shower entry and allow the floor to slope in a single direction, enabling the use of larger floor tiles and creating a sleeker, more contemporary look. Linear drains are the preferred choice for curbless showers because they can be positioned at the shower entry to act as a water barrier. We install Schluter Kerdi-Line, Infinity Drain, and QuickDrain linear drain systems, all of which integrate with bonded waterproofing membranes. Read more in our aging-in-place accessibility guide.

Pre-Sloped Shower Systems

Pre-sloped foam shower pan systems from Schluter (Kerdi-Shower-ST/T) and Laticrete (Hydro Ban Pre-Sloped Shower Pan) eliminate the need for a hand-formed mortar bed on the shower floor. These factory-made foam panels are engineered to the correct slope (typically 1/4 inch per foot to the drain) and integrate directly with the manufacturer's waterproofing membrane. Pre-sloped systems reduce installation time, eliminate the risk of an incorrectly sloped mud bed, and are lighter than traditional mortar — an important advantage in upper-floor shower installations where weight matters.

Hard Water Impact on Showers

Boise's municipal water averages 10–14 grains per gallon of hardness — classified as “hard” to “very hard.” In a shower environment, hard water creates white mineral deposits on glass enclosures, fixture chrome, tile surfaces, and grout. Without regular cleaning, these deposits etch glass permanently. We recommend protective glass coatings (EnduroShield, Diamon-Fusion, or ShowerGuard factory-applied coating) that create a hydrophobic surface and dramatically reduce cleaning frequency. For fixtures, brushed nickel and matte black finishes mask water spots far better than polished chrome. A whole-house water softener is the most effective long-term solution — it protects all fixtures and makes shower cleaning significantly easier.

Common Issues in Boise-Era Homes

Shower conditions vary by the era your home was built. Homes built in the 1960s and 1970s in Boise's Bench and Vista neighborhoods commonly have one-piece fiberglass or acrylic shower/tub units with galvanized steel drain and supply piping. The galvanized pipes are often corroded or partially blocked after 50+ years of hard-water exposure. Homes from the 1980s and 1990s may have tile showers installed over greenboard (moisture-resistant drywall) instead of cement board — greenboard is no longer considered an acceptable substrate for wet areas. Homes from the 2000s typically have better substrates but may lack proper waterproofing membranes behind the tile. During demolition, we assess the condition of the framing, subfloor, plumbing, and existing waterproofing and address any deficiencies before the new shower is built.

Permit and Inspection Requirements

The City of Boise requires a plumbing permit for any shower remodel that involves altering plumbing rough-in: moving a drain, relocating or adding supply lines, or changing valve positions. A cosmetic re-tile over existing, functional plumbing does not require a permit. When a permit is required, the inspection process typically includes a plumbing rough-in inspection (before walls are closed) and a final plumbing inspection (after fixtures are installed and tested). If the shower remodel involves electrical work — such as adding recessed lighting, a vent fan, or heated flooring — a separate electrical permit is required. We handle all permit applications and coordinate inspection scheduling as part of the project. More details are available in our Boise permit and inspection guide.

Ventilation and Moisture Control

While Boise's climate is semi-arid, the inside of a shower generates significant humidity. A properly sized exhaust fan is essential in every bathroom with a shower. We recommend a minimum 80 CFM fan (110 CFM for larger bathrooms or if the toilet is in the same room) with a timer or humidity sensor so it runs for at least 20 minutes after showering. Inadequate ventilation leads to mold growth in grout joints, behind tile, and on ceiling surfaces — problems that are preventable with the right fan and ductwork. If your existing bathroom has no exhaust fan or the ductwork terminates in the attic rather than outside, we correct this as part of the shower remodel scope.