Slab Showers

Marble-shower-and-tub

Steps to design and install your slab shower:

Step 1: Take Measurements

First, take a picture or sketch of the spatial layout with measurements of the length and width. This will allow us to create an accurate design and initial estimate. Please make a note of the following:

  • The desired height of the surround
  • Any details you would like us to add, such as shower curbs, soap holders/niche, a bench, or window sills
  • The desired edge or finish for the exposed edges of the slab shower walls

For the initial estimate, we ask that the customer provide measurements of the layout.

Step 2: Choose the Materials

Next comes the fun part: selecting your materials! Since shower and tub surrounds aren’t high-traffic areas, we recommend natural stone or quartz.

Natural stone shower slabs offer a beautiful and organic feel to your bathroom; we offer the option of polishing the edges for a smooth finish. However, keep in mind that some materials may require periodic sealing for water resistance.

Quartz is also a stunning and highly customizable option that’s available in a variety of colors and polishing options. It’s non-porous and doesn’t require sealing. 

  • Shower slabs: The average cost of materials is $700-$2,500 per slab, depending on the size and material; some natural slabs could be more expensive. 
  • Labor: The cost of labor for full bathroom remodeling ranges from $2,500.00 to $10,000.00, depending on the scope of the work. The cost of demolition and preparation varies based on existing conditions.

Step 3: Place the Order

Natural stone slabs for tub or shower surrounds will be delivered within 3-10 days, depending on the vendor.

Quartz for tub or shower surrounds require 1-7 days, depending on the vendor.

Artistic Stone also offers a variety of larger-sized slabs that can be used for surrounds.

Step 4: Demolition

To ensure a smooth installation, the area must be completely cleared before it’s prepared. Any damaged drywall and/or studs should be removed. If Artistic Stone is hired for this step, we can typically complete demolition within 1 day.

Step 5: Preparation

There are a few steps to preparing the tub/shower walls for a slab installation; depending on your project, some of this information may or may not be relevant to you.

On jobs where little or no leveling is required, we’ll use a waterproof backer board called Hardi-Backer; Hardi-Backer is typically ¼ – ¾ inch thick. 

For jobs where the walls aren’t leveled adequately, we’ll use “floating’ concrete and a wire mesh (similar to chicken wire) for reinforcement. For leveling by “floating,” our team uses thin-set mortar up to a maximum of ¼ inch and concrete for anything greater than ¼ inch.

If a shower pan is needed, the installer will need to:

  • Build a frame
  • Install the water-proofing membrane per city requirements
  • Run a 24-hour water test
  • Float the concrete sub-base, including slope per city requirements

Shower pans can be created using the same materials as the shower walls (slabs), but we’ll hone the surface so it won’t be slippery. 

If only wall prep is needed, our installer will need 1 day or more, depending on the existing wall’s condition. If Artistic Stone is fabricating a shower tub, add 1-2 days for fabrication of the tub and 24 hours for the water test.

Step 6: Final Stone Selection

After preparing your shower or bath, you’ll visit our San Leandro store to “tape” (identify and reserve) your stone or quartz slabs with the Project Management team using the template made by the installation team. 

Step 7: Fabrication

Then, after choosing your materials, we’ll fabricate them. You should expect 5-7 business days for the fabrication of your custom shower slab pieces.

Step 8: Installation

Most installations are completed within 1-2 days. If a custom shower pan is needed, we’ll need another 1-2 days for installation. Artistic Stone will seal all-natural stone materials on the day of installation.

So, if you have any questions about our slab shower walls or the installation process, feel free to contact us. In addition to shower slabs, we also offer a wonderful selection of slab and prefab quartz countertops and stone countertops, as well as vanities. Visit us today to get started on your project!