We get so many requests from contractors and homeowners asking for information on how to do showers these days. Probably our single-most requested technical info item. My answer is always a resounding “don’t ask me”. But seriously, tackling a shower surround is a whole different animal than just putting up a nice finish over drywall, so this is no job for amateurs.
Fortunately there are now full start-to-finish systems available that seem to be working great as a substrate for Tadelakt or even Marmorino Carrara or Intonachino. Our applicators have had excellent success over the past 4-5 years with the Wedi board system which is a lightweight alternative to cement board and include a special panel fastener that seems much more reliable than simple screws, as well as a paintable urethane caulking system to ensure cracking does not occur at the joints.
Click here to get to the Wedi site.
During last week’s decorative cement class one of our students gave me a brochure from Schluter, another leader in the wet area substrate industry(thanks Tamara!). They now have a relatively new system similar to Wedi called Kerdi-board. And they have seminars around the country for interested contractors. In our area there is one coming up in Lynwood, WA May 17th, Tacoma on May 18th, and Portland on May 19th. I’ll be at either the Lynwood or Tacoma one for sure. Here’s a link to the page listing Schluter seminars.
These seminars are free. So you want to install an incredibly beautiful Tadelakt or other lime-plaster finish in a shower and not sure how to do the substrate? Maybe quit calling me and go learn how to do it right from a professional.
AARON…
Stucco Italiano is a member of the US Green Building Council. Naturally high in pH, lime finishes act as an anti-bacterial surface, neutralizing the development of organic substances such as mold and fungus. 
