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Northstar Master Bath Tile Remodel
Project Overview
The project began with full demolition of the existing tile, carpet, and shower waterproofing assembly. The jetted tub was protected in place and reused, with all surrounding tile removed down to the framing to allow for new waterproofing and a clean tile transition.
A new waterproofed shower assembly was built using a Schluter Ditra membrane on the floor and an integrated wall waterproofing system in the shower. The shower received a new mixing valve and rough-in to support an upgraded thermostatic plumbing package selected by the homeowners.
The tile package included large-format 12x24 porcelain on the floor and walls, set in a horizontal stacked layout, with a 2x2 Crema Marfil marble mosaic on the shower pan. A new recessed niche with a tiled shelf was added to give the shower dedicated storage in place of the previous wood window ledge. Schluter trim was used at all transitions and edges to provide a clean, durable finish.
A new thermostatic shower valve, rain shower head, and trim were installed using the homeowner-supplied Grohe package. A custom glass shower enclosure was added through a change order after the tile work was complete, allowing for accurate templating to the finished walls.
The completed bathroom delivers a refreshed, cohesive finish that ties the shower, tub, and floor together with consistent materials while preserving the existing tub and overall room layout.
Materials Used
Shower System
Schluter Ditra floor membrane
Integrated wall waterproofing assembly
New recessed shower niche with tiled shelf
Schluter trim at all tile transitions and edges
Custom glass shower enclosure (change order)
Tile
Ergon Stone Project Falda White 12x24 porcelain (floor and walls)
Crema Marfil 2x2 polished marble mosaic (shower pan)
Plumbing
Grohe Grohtherm thermostatic 2-handle valve trim (Model 24107000)
Grohe Rapido SmartBox universal rough-in (Model 35601000)
Grohe Euphoria 260 rain shower head (Model 26456000)
Grohe 16-inch shower arm (Model 28540000)
Reused In Place
Existing jetted tub
Existing vanity and casework
Challenges & Solutions
Several factors required coordination during the project:
Replacement of original 12x12 granite tile that was no longer manufactured
Working around an in-place jetted tub that was retained and reused
Permits required for new waterproofing and a new mixing valve in an otherwise cosmetic remodel
Coordinating tile delivery and grout selections with AJ Marble & Granite in Truckee on a 3-week lead time
Owner-supplied plumbing fixtures, requiring verification of rough-in compatibility before demo
Glass shower enclosure scheduled as a separate change order after tile completion to allow accurate templating to finished surfaces
Despite these constraints, the project was delivered on schedule and produced a unified, modern finish throughout the master bath.
Project Gallery
