Are you interested in learning about the Wedi Shower System but find their funny names confusing?
Wedi has multiple options available, so this post explains which one is which and the differences between them.
Read on to learn how this system works.
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
In this post:
- Wedi Shower System Overview
- Standard Wedi Shower with curb
- Curbless Wedi Shower
- Wedi Shower with linear drains
Note: At this time, it appears the company is undergoing a rebranding process with its shower systems. The new names are Fundo Curbed (Primo), Fundo Curbless (Ligno), and Fundo Linear (Riolito). Currently, I’m seeing both names used on vendor websites.
Wedi Shower System Overview
We’ll start by reviewing the Wedi system as a whole and then move on to the different variations of the shower bases.
A Wedi shower system consists of three components: a wallboard, a shower base, and a drain. These three components get fastened together with some combination of their sealant, fasteners, and/or waterproof banding.
The wall panels and shower base are made from extruded polystyrene foam and have some sort of epoxy cement on the face to enhance bonding. The polystyrene foam core is completely waterproof.
The Wedi Shower is what is known as a sealed shower system.
Wedi shower components, accessories, and options
Wedi has many accessories that can be purchased and incorporated into a shower. In addition to the large selection of shower bases, wall panels, membranes, and sealant choices, the components include:
- Recessed shampoo niches in a variety of shapes, sizes, and shelf options
- Several different bench options
- 4 different types of curbs (if necessary)
- Ramps and shower base extensions
- A selection of drain grate finishes and styles to complement your shower fixtures.
Further, the components can be purchased separately or as a kit at a discounted price.
High-Quality Construction
One thing that stands out about the Wedi system is the quality of the components. The wallboard and shower bases are manufactured in the USA and held to a high standard.
The foam’s rigidity and density are quite remarkable. Yet, it can be cut very quickly and precisely with a utility knife.
The 1/2 inch notch
At the heart of Wedi’s philosophy is the 1/2-inch notch that surrounds their shower bases. This notch is designed to receive a healthy bead of sealant and compress the wall panels into it.
Wedi is a stickler for this detail, and although their shower bases can be cut smaller to fit your space, this 1/2-inch notch must be cut back into the shower base.
Wedi’s Click and Seal Drain
A couple of years back, Wedi redesigned its drain and replaced it with the Fundo Click and Seal Drain. It’s a better design, allowing more flexibility when getting things lined up.
This drain is proprietary to their shower bases and incompatible with other systems.
Unlike other shower systems, they don’t manufacture a bonding flange drain. So, if you were to install a mortar shower base, you can cover it with Wedi Subliner Dry waterproof membrane, but you would need to purchase a bonding flange drain from a different manufacturer.
Further, the Wedi warranty would then end at the connection to the drain.
Wedi Warranty
Wedi offers a 10-year warranty, which, from the way I read it, covers both the shower’s components and replacement—in other words, parts and labor.
There’s plenty of fine print in there, and I would encourage you to read it for yourselves, but that seems to be further than other manufacturers go.
Additionally, the warranty can be extended to 15 or 20 years if installed by a Wedi PRO certified installer who has completed their training course.
Price point
The Wedi Shower System is top-of-the-line and priced at the top of the market.
Bottom line on the Wedi Shower System
- High-quality product and manufacturing
- A wide variety of components
- Expensive
Wedi Fundo Primo (original center point drain system)
Now called the Wedi Fundo Curbed Point Drain Shower, the Fundo Primo is the original shower system.
It’s a curbed shower and the most versatile system they offer.
Currently, there are:
- 16 different preformed shower bases to choose from, ranging from 9 sq. ft. to 36 sq. ft. in size
- 10 different complete shower kits starting from 9 sq. ft
The shower bases are roughly 1 5/8 inch thick and have no minimum tile size. However, if you are installing tiles smaller than 1 inch x 1 inch on the shower pan, Wedi requires both an epoxy adhesive and grout for such an application.
Wedi Fundo Ligno (the Curbless Shower System)
If you desire (or require) a curbless shower system, you should purchase the Fundo Ligno Shower (now called the Fundo Curbless Shower).
These shower bases are thinner and designed to be installed in a recessed subfloor without notching the floor joists.
The Wedi Fundo Ligno Curbless Shower System comes in:
- 10 different standard-sized shower pans from 12 sq. ft to 36 sq. ft.
- 3 different shower kits from 12.25 sq. ft to 20 sq. ft.
Point Load Considerations
With foam shower pans, the concern is about point loads- too much force concentrated in one spot, causing the foam to deform or compress.
Because these curbless shower pans are thinner, Wedi reinforces the area around the drain, which is the thinnest part of the foam pan.
Additionally, they require a minimum 2-inch x 2-inch tile size for the Ligno bases. Further, if a wheelchair is used, the tiles are required to be installed with epoxy mortar and grout.
Lastly, Wedi requires their waterproof sheet membrane, Subliner Dry, to bridge the joint between the shower pan and the bathroom floor.
In their literature, I didn’t see a specific length, but Tile Council of North American standards specify that the floor should be waterproofed at least 12 inches beyond the high point of the shower.
Wedi Fundo Riolito (linear drain shower pan)
Fundo Linear is a much better name than Riolito, in my opinion. For linear options, Wedi has:
- 3 standard-sized pans plus modular
- 1 kit (32×72 single slope)
I found this a bit confusing, but they have three ‘all-in-one’ pans with integrated drains. The drains are not full-length, and the shower pans have multiple slopes.
The other option is a two-piece option with a modular drain unit and a separate shower pan with a single slope (they refer to these as extensions).
This explains why only one complete shower kit is available. You can cut the single slope extension to whatever length you like.
Lastly, Wedi has several linear drain grate options to finish your shower.
The Verdict on the Wedi Shower System
- The Wedi system is very high quality: the shower bases, the backer board, sealant, etc.
- Wedi has an entire ecosystem around its showers that is one of the most diverse and complete on the market
- Surprisingly, many of the components, like wall panels and shower bases, are manufactured in the USA
- It is one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive, systems on the market
Frequently Asked Questions about Wedi Shower Systems
Yes, standard Wedi building panels can be used in residential steam showers. However, Wedi requires their Vapor 85 wall panels to be used with continuous-use, commercial steam showers along with their 620 sealant
Wedi manufactures two types of sealant. The standard Wedi sealant is used to assemble the components of its shower systems.
They also have Wedi Sealant 620 for adhering to Subliner Dry waterproofing membrane and for use with its Vapor 85 steam shower panels.
Leave a Reply