Schluter vs RedGard
If you're remodeling a bathroom, there's a good chance your contractor mentioned one of these — or you've gone down a Reddit rabbit hole trying to figure out which one is actually better. Both are legitimate waterproofing systems used by professional tile setters every day. The confusion is real because the answer genuinely depends on your project, your installer, and what you're waterproofing. This page breaks down exactly what each system does, where each one wins, and what questions to ask before your contractor starts demo.
Schluter KERDI
A bonded sheet membrane waterproofing system where the waterproof layer is manufactured into the substrate — no separate membrane application step required.
Best For
- ✓New shower construction from studs
- ✓Curbless shower builds
- ✓Steam showers
- ✓Projects where a system warranty matters
- ✓When consistent, verifiable results are required
Limitations
- ✕Higher material cost than liquid membranes
- ✕Seam lapping requires precision — failures often occur at seams
- ✕Requires unmodified thinset (not latex-fortified) per warranty
- ✕More components to coordinate than a simple liquid membrane
RedGard
A liquid-applied waterproofing membrane rolled or brushed onto cement backer board, forming a seamless flexible barrier when cured.
Best For
- ✓Shower wall surrounds over cement board
- ✓Tub surrounds
- ✓Budget-conscious remodels
- ✓Projects where DIY installation is planned
- ✓Supplemental waterproofing on non-shower wet areas
Limitations
- ✕Performance is entirely application-dependent — no way to verify thickness once tile is installed
- ✕Not recommended as standalone waterproofing for shower pans by most professionals
- ✕No integrated drain flange — requires additional sealing at drain penetration
- ✕Pinholes in application are invisible after tiling and a common failure point
- ✕Cure time required between coats and before tiling
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Before committing to a system or signing a contract, ask these directly. A contractor who can't answer them clearly is a red flag.
- 1
Which waterproofing system do you typically install, and why do you prefer it?
- 2
Will you flood-test the shower pan before tiling, and what's your process if it fails?
- 3
If you're using RedGard, how do you handle the drain penetration — do you use a face-sealed drain flange?
- 4
If you're using Schluter, are you using unmodified thinset throughout — including on the membrane itself?
- 5
What warranty does your installation carry, and does it require a specific waterproofing system to remain valid?
- 6
Have you installed this system in a shower that's still in service after 10+ years?
Regional Notes
In the Sacramento area, both systems are commonly used. Schluter KERDI is standard among tile specialty contractors and those focused on warranty-backed installations. RedGard is more common in budget remodels and DIY projects. Floor & Decor in Sacramento stocks both. Labor rates for Schluter installations run slightly higher due to component coordination — expect the installed cost difference to be $2–4 per square foot in this market.
Our Take
For most homeowners building or remodeling a tiled shower, Schluter KERDI is the stronger long-term choice — not because RedGard doesn't work, but because KERDI removes the application variables that make liquid membranes risky. When RedGard fails, it fails invisibly behind tile. When KERDI is installed correctly, there is nothing to get wrong after the fact.
That said, RedGard is a legitimate choice for shower wall surrounds — particularly in budget remodels or DIY projects where the homeowner understands the application requirements. The case against it is specific to shower pans and steam showers, where standing water and vapor pressure demand a more reliable barrier.
The honest summary: if your contractor is proposing RedGard on walls and a Schluter pan, that is a reasonable hybrid approach used by experienced tile setters. If they are proposing RedGard on everything including the pan, ask why — and whether they will flood test before tiling.
Terms Used on This Page
Reviewed by Parrish Construction Inc. — Licensed residential remodeling contractor, Greater Sacramento. CSLB #1115328. NARI Remodeler of the Year 2025. Last reviewed April 2026.