If you’re redoing a shower in the Des Moines area, the most important decisions aren’t about tile—they’re about what’s behind it. A truly durable shower starts with a proper substrate, a bonded or sheet membrane that’s continuous, correct slope to drain, and details that keep water where it belongs. This guide covers planning, systems and materials, installation basics, care, and what to expect with a coordinated bath remodel. Bathroom Remodeling →

Key Takeaways

  • Waterproofing first, tile second: pick the right system and installer before you pick a pattern.
  • Continuous membranes (sheet or liquid) + flood test = peace of mind.
  • Slope, seams, penetrations, and movement joints are the failure points—detail them right.
  • Porcelain tile, high-quality setting materials, and modern grout reduce maintenance.
  • Ventilation and good habits keep your shower looking new for years.

Plan Your Shower (Before You Pick Tile)

  • Layout & size: Confirm clearances for door swing (or a walk-in opening), bench, and niche locations.
  • Drain choice: Center drain is classic; linear drain gives a cleaner look and single-direction slope.
  • Curb vs curbless: Curbless needs pre-planed floor framing for slope and a continuous membrane—great for accessibility and a seamless look.
  • Niches & benches: Design them on “dry” walls when possible; slope their tops and shelves into the shower to shed water.
  • Ventilation: Pair a properly sized bath fan with a timer/humidity control to reduce condensation and mildew.

What to Expect → | Our Process →

Systems & Materials: Build It to Stay Dry

  • Shower pan & walls: Choose a bonded waterproofing approach (sheet membrane boards/pan or liquid-applied membrane over cement board) for a continuous, tile-ready surface.
  • Pre-sloped base: Pan must slope ~¼” per foot to the drain before tile—no exceptions.
  • Seams & penetrations: Overlap and seal all seams; treat valve/body-spray penetrations and fasteners so water can’t migrate.
  • Benches & niches: Use waterproof foam elements or fully wrapped/treated framing; slope every horizontal surface.
  • Tile & grout: Dense porcelain (floor) and matching wall tile for durability; epoxy or high-performance grout for stain resistance; color-matched silicone at changes of plane.
  • Heated floors (optional): If adding radiant heat, embed the mat per manufacturer and maintain membrane continuity at transitions.

Custom Pieces → | Trim Carpentry →

Install Basics: What “Crafted & Waterproof” Looks Like

  • Substrate prep: Plumb, flat walls; true corners; subfloor reinforced where needed; drains set at correct height.
  • Membrane continuity: Wrap pans, walls, and niches; roll/press sheets to eliminate bubbles; meet manufacturer mil-thickness for liquids.
  • Flood test: Plug the drain and water-test the pan (typically 24 hours) before tile goes down.
  • Movement joints: Soft joints at all plane changes and perimeters prevent cracking; use 100% silicone, not grout.
  • Setting & layout: Plan tile courses so cuts land clean at edges, sills, and glass; ensure consistent grout joints and slopes on benches/sills.

Our Process → | FAQ →

Care & Timeline

  • Everyday care: Squeegee glass/tile after showers; run the fan 20 minutes; wipe niches/bench weekly.
  • Cleaners: pH-neutral cleaners for tile and grout; avoid harsh acids/bleach on epoxy or sealers.
  • Sealing: Many modern grouts don’t need sealing—if yours does, follow the manufacturer interval.
  • Typical durations: Demolition + prep 1–3 days; waterproofing + flood test 2–3 days; tile setting 2–5 days; grout, glass measure/install, and punch follow. Multi-scope bath remodels add time—lock selections early to protect the schedule.

What to Expect with Reese Builders

  • One, cohesive plan: Waterproofing, tile layout, glass, lighting, and ventilation coordinated from the start.
  • Visible craftsmanship: Straight lines, even joints, sloped horizontals, and tidy transitions.
  • In-house capability: Carpentry, built elements, and finish coordination for a seamless result.
  • Clear communication: Milestones, flood testing, glass lead times, and site protection laid out up front.

Bathroom Remodeling → | What to Expect →

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Ready to step into a shower that’s beautiful—and built to last?

Tell us about your space, tile style, and whether you’re thinking curbless or linear drain. We’ll design a waterproofing plan that lasts.

Request an Estimate →

FAQs

Q: Do I really need a flood test?
 A: Yes. A 24-hour pan test confirms the membrane is watertight before tile goes down—fixes are simple now and costly later.

Q: Sheet membrane or liquid—what’s better?
 A: Both work when installed correctly. Sheets control thickness and speed; liquids shine on complex shapes. The key is a continuous, verified seal.

Q: Can I do curbless in an existing home?
 A: Often, yes. We reframe or recess the subfloor to create the slope and maintain a flush transition—planned early to coordinate tile heights.

Q: What tile and grout are lowest maintenance?
 A: Porcelain tile with high-performance (often epoxy) grout resists stains and reduces sealing needs. Use silicone at corners instead of grout.

Q: How long does a typical shower remodel take?
 A: A focused shower project is often 1–2 weeks on site plus glass lead time; a full bath remodel runs longer. Early selections keep timelines tight.