Steps to design and install your slab shower:
1)Take Measurements
First, a picture or sketch of the spatial layout with length & width measurements is required to build an accurate design and generate an estimate. Please note:
- desired height of the surround
- details like shower curbs, soap holders/niche, bench, and window sills
- desired edge finish for exposed edges
For the initial estimate, we ask that the customer provide measurements of the layout.
Slab: The average cost of materials is $700-$2,500/slab depending on 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.
Need help with design ideas? Our consultants are experienced stone and tile designers. Contact us to discuss your slab shower ideas.
2)Choose the Materials
Next comes the fun of selecting the material. The surroundings of showers and tubs are not high-traffic areas, so we recommend stone or quartz.
Natural stone slab is beautiful and organic. Artistic Stone can polish the edges for a smooth finish; some materials may require periodic sealing for water resistance.
Quartz is also a beautiful and highly customizable option, with a variety of colors and polishing options available. It is non-porous and requires no sealing.
3)Place the Order
Natural stone slabs for tub or shower surrounds can be delivered within 3-10 days, depending on the vendor.
Quartz for tub or shower surrounds require 1-7 days, depending on vendor.
Artistic Stone also has a variety of larger sized slabs that can be used for surrounds.
4)Demolition
To ensure a smooth installation, please note that the area must be completely cleared before it is prepared. Any damaged drywall and/or studs should be removed. If Artistic Stone is hired for this step, our team typically completes demolition within 1 day.
5)Preparation
There are a few steps to preparing the tub/shower walls for a slab install. Some of this information may or may not be relevant to you, but we thought we’d include it for you or your contractor’s information.
A waterproof backer board (Hardi-Backer) may be used on jobs where little or no leveling is required. Hardi-Backer is typically ¼ – ¾ inch thick. ‘Floating’ concrete will be used on jobs where walls are not leveled adequately. A wire mesh like chicken wire is used as reinforcement for ‘floated’ walls. 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 required, the installer will need to build a frame, install the water-proofing membrane per city requirements, run a 24-hour water test, and float the concrete sub-base including slope per city requirements. Shower pans can be done from the same material (slabs) but we will hone the surface so that it will not be slippery.
Where only wall prep is needed, our installer requires about 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.
6)Final Stone Selection
After preparation is done, assisted by a project manager, clients visit our San Leandro store to “tape” (identify and reserve) their stone/quartz slabs with Project Management team according to the template made produced by the installation team.
7)Fabrication
Expect 5-7 business days for shop fabrication of your custom slab pieces.
8)Installation
Most installations are completed within 1-2 days. If a custom shower pan is needed, another 1-2 days will be needed for installation. Artistic Stone will seal all-natural stone materials on the day of installation.