HydroBlok Shower Systems
If you pick the perfect shower tile but don’t invest in a good waterproofing system, you might as well throw all your tile away.
Proper waterproofing could mean the difference between a tile installation that lasts a lifetime and thousands of dollars in water damage.
HydroBlok makes it easy to build a 100% waterproof, completely custom tile shower that will last a lifetime.
HydroBlok is a durable, lightweight, high-density, extruded polystyrene foam building system. This customizable, completely waterproof system is ideal for showers, tub surrounds, and beyon
The HydroBlok components are sold separately so that you can choose materials specific to your installation. We'll help you calculate out exactly what you need for your project.
You won't need heavy, messy concrete wall boards or special setting materials for this system:
Bring your room measurements/drawings and we will give you a HydroBlok quote! We need:
Proper waterproofing could mean the difference between a tile installation that lasts a lifetime and thousands of dollars in water damage.
HydroBlok makes it easy to build a 100% waterproof, completely custom tile shower that will last a lifetime.
HydroBlok is a durable, lightweight, high-density, extruded polystyrene foam building system. This customizable, completely waterproof system is ideal for showers, tub surrounds, and beyon
- 100% Waterproof
- Mold-proof
- DIY-friendly
- Installed and ready for tile same day
- Lightweight for easy transportation
- Completely customizable
- Free online installation videos
- Ideal for building showers, spas, and more
The HydroBlok components are sold separately so that you can choose materials specific to your installation. We'll help you calculate out exactly what you need for your project.
You won't need heavy, messy concrete wall boards or special setting materials for this system:
- Insure that your floor is level
- Set the shower pan with regular thinset mortar
- Screw the HydroBlok wall boards into plac
- Caulk every seam with the watertight HydroBlok sealant.
Bring your room measurements/drawings and we will give you a HydroBlok quote! We need:
- Dimensions of framing for floor/shower pan
- Location of drain/pipe (how many inches from all walls)
- Height of walls - distance to ceiling & how far up is the tile going
How do I get a HydroBlok shower system?
Puget Sound Residents
Send us a drawing with measurements or schedule an appointment and we’ll create a quote for all the supplies you need to build your dream shower. Pick up your supplies in-store.
Alaska Residents
If you have a Span Alaska account (or other Alaska shipping company), we can bundle your shower system and drop it off at their local facility for a flat $60 packing fee.
Everyone Else in the USA
We can palletize a shower system for you, but you will have to arrange shipping and delivery, or you can find your local distributor.
Schedule an appointment
Foam? How durable is it really?
Hydroblok is made from Extruded Polystyrene, which is a high-density foam product, much stronger than styrofoam. As a closed-cell foam, it won't allow moisture or vapor penetration. HydroBlok products are reinforced with a coating of fiberglass mesh and cement for added strength and durability.
What's the difference between HydroBlok and other waterproofing systems?
How it's Waterproof
Some other waterproofing systems rely on a waterproof coating. If you scratch or dent the surface of other waterproofers, you have to reseal all damaged spots. HydroBlok's polystyrene core is completely waterproof, and it's concrete coating allows for a better tile bond. Even if you scratch off the coating or score the panels, they do not lose their watertight nature.
Density
HydroBlok is rated for floor use in a commercial setting. That means that it's denser and stronger than other foam materials and can withstand as much weight as a standard cementboard or backerboard.
Unique Infinity-Style Linear Drain Design
Do you want an invisible drain? Covered in tile with a small, business card-sized hatch for cleaning access, your soap and water flow into a discreet seam at the edge of your shower. No metal drain cover or excess grout lines.
The drain unit itself is constructed from durable ABS. Unlike stainless steel line drains, there is no potential for corrosion and smells developing over time. ABS’s unique non-stick properties ensure that everything glides down the drain and out your pipes.
Check out this gallery of installed showers with HydroBlok line drains!
Important notes on Waterproofing
Water goes where it wants
H2O is a determined little molecule; if it can find a way to get through your grout, past your tile, and into the structure of your house, it will. That's why waterproofing your shower installation is so important: if you don't do the job right, the water damage four to eight years down the road may be irreparable.
One common misconception is that if the building materials are tightly set, then water can't get through. Water will use even the tightest cracks and crevices to creep and work its way out in what's known as the Wick Effect. Each time the water creeps in (each time you take a shower, for example), it will open the crevice a little more and leak exponentially faster. The smallest crack or unsealed area will spell disaster. That's why you need a completely watertight system that will allow for no absorption or leaks.
“Water stable” is not waterproof
Some products, such as cement board, are water stable. This means that they will not warp, swell, or fall apart if exposed to or submerged in water, in the way that plywood or drywall would. But they are not waterproof: water will still absorb into cement board. If all you have between your shower water and your wall studs is cement board, water will wick through to your wood wall studs and cause mold and mildew.
Waterproof materials, such as board, Schluter Kerdi fabric, or rubber membranes are non-porous and will not allow water through. Sealing the seams with the appropriate material, such as polyurethane sealant, will keep your entire installation together.
“I have a non-porous tile and non-porous grout. Do I still need to waterproof my shower?”
Yes. Tile and grout should NEVER be relied upon to waterproof a shower installation. Even the highest density tiles and grout were not intended by their manufacturers to be a waterproofing material. There is still a chance that your grout can separate from your tile, creating a tiny leak that can cause huge problems. Even slab walls need to be seamed in the corners, and those corner seams could fail in time. A waterproof substrate is required for ALL shower installations.
Waterproof materials, such as board, Schluter Kerdi fabric, or rubber membranes are non-porous and will not allow water through. Sealing the seams with the appropriate material, such as polyurethane sealant, will keep your entire installation together.
Grout and Tile are not waterproof
“I have a non-porous tile and non-porous grout. Do I still need to waterproof my shower?”
Yes. Tile and grout should NEVER be relied upon to waterproof a shower installation. Even the highest density tiles and grout were not intended by their manufacturers to be a waterproofing material. There is still a chance that your grout can separate from your tile, creating a tiny leak that can cause huge problems. Even slab walls need to be seamed in the corners, and those corner seams could fail in time. A waterproof substrate is required for ALL shower installations.
