Rookie needs help with shower project!

[stfo]

Hey guys, I have no experience with any type of construction, however I have read alot and purchased all the tools needed, and am well into the project.

If you see anything I have done wrong thus far please tell me!
Im currently getting the shower walls ready for Granite/slate.
The tub was not alighned with the walls so I built out the walls so the 'Denshield' would go over the lip of the bathtub.

Im almost ready to put up the Denshield, however I have run into a little problem with the top of the shower. There is a Metal structure beam there that has a square up top of it (see pictures), its about 5cm lower than the wood beam there.
Im afraid if I put up the Denshield like this, then there will be a little uneveness where the square of the metal beamis on the right side.

I tried to correct this by putting a few 'shims' there, and now the 'step' is gradual now, but fear it will still be visible.

I think the way to correct this is to put a 5cm sheet of plywood covering the whole top to make everything even yes?
However I was trying to avoid loosing 5cm of the roof which is why I was trying to find a way around this, hense the shims. (I hit my head on the roof as it is

Any suggestions?

Also what do you think about everything else in the picture including the 'niches' I made?.....

thanks~!

 

[Moz]

Hi stfo
you look to be doing well but I didnt know what Denshield is so I googled it ,
an got this ....
http://www.floorstransformed.com/ceramic_tile/messages/4979.html

The 5cm sheet of plywood covering sounds ideal ,if it wasnt so low for you , can you not fix your Denshield straight too the ceiling timber support,?

the only other way would be lower the bath , is that an option ?
that Flipping Metal structure beam is a right pain ,

what about postioning the shower on the other side ???

Sorry cannot be more help let us know how you go on

 

[stfo]

Denshield is the next best thing to use besides Kerdi. WAY easier to work with than Cement board.
Its basicly waterproof drywall, just as light and easy to work with, and does not need to be covered in sealer like cement board does.
(Exept for the drill holes)

What I think im going to do is cut a piece of the Denshield in the middle/back so the metal plate sits 'inside' the Denshield (Not cutting the wterproof layer at all of course) I think that should do it... we shall see and ill keep you guys updated!

 

[RigidRaider]

Wow! And you say you have no experience?

You've got bigger balls than me, mate!

Why not make the bottoms of the niches slope outwards slightly so water doesn't pool there and drive you mad?

 

[stfo]

I thought the same thing as you, but the guy at the store where I purchased the material said that you make the 'shell' of the niche straight, then you make that slope after when you put on the 'morter' or whatever it is you put on that the tile sticks to.

 

[Moz]

stfo
as Rigidraid says you are doing Very well ,

Im sure you know a lot better than I on your drywall products
their was a lady called Nestor who was from your country who posted here an she did bathroom/tiling refits ......

Keep us informed wont you an take care !
moz