Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit vs Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2")
These are not competing products. The Kerdi Shower System Kit is a complete 38 x 60 shower waterproofing package with a presloped foam tray, curb, Kerdi membrane and sealing strip. The Kerdi Board is a single 48 x 96 waterproof foam backer panel. Buy the kit if you are building a standard 38 x 60 shower from the floor up. Buy the board if you need wall backer for a tub surround, a custom shower or a bench. The kit's best new price is $482.95 at Richmond Tile & Bath as of November 4, 2026, and the board's is $109.00 at The Home Depot as of November 4, 2026.
Today the Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2") costs $373.95 less at its best price.
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Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit
Choose the Kerdi Shower System Kit if you want one box with the presloped tray, curb, membrane and sealing strip for a 38 x 60 shower floor.
- One purchase covers tray, curb, membrane and sealing strip
- Presloped tray saves mortar-bed work
- Off-center drain fits common rough-in layouts
- Membrane roll covers about 108 sq ft
What separates them
| Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit | Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2") | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Complete shower waterproofing kit with tray, curb, membrane and strip | Single 48 x 96 foam backer panel |
| Footprint covered | 38 x 60 in shower floor | 32 sq ft per panel (48 x 96 in) |
| Thickness | 1.5 in tray height, 6 in threshold | 3/8 in (9 mm) panel |
| Drain | Off-center 2 in outlet, drain not included | No drain provision |
| Waterproofing | Kerdi membrane plus 5 in x 33 ft sealing strip | Fleece-faced panel, waterproof by itself |
| Insulation | Expanded polystyrene tray, minimal R-value | Extruded polystyrene, thermally insulating |
| Weight | 22 lb kit | Lightweight panel, easy to carry |
| Best new price |
Price history
- Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit: lowest $482.95 on Nov 4 at Richmond Tile & Bath.
- Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2"): lowest $70.69 on Nov 4 at FloorBox.
Prices at every store
Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit
- Richmond Tile & BathNew
In stock
$482.95Observed at 10:51 AM - Home DepotNew
In stock
$499.64Free shippingObserved at 10:51 AM - eBayNew
In stockSold by stonetooling
$557.82Free shippingObserved at 10:51 AM - AmazonNew
Availability unknown
As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.
$820.48Free shippingObserved at 10:51 AM
Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2")
- The Home DepotNew
In stock
$109.00Observed at 10:51 AM - Professional Tile-Setters StoreNew
In stockReturn policy
$125.00Verified - FloorBoxNew
In stock
$70.69+ $120.00 shippingObserved at 10:51 AM
Specs compared
| Spec | Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit | Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2") |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Expanded polystyrene | Extruded polystyrene foam panel |
| Shower area size | 38-in x 60-in | — |
| Tray dimensions | 38" x 60" | — |
| Drain placement | Off-center | — |
| Drain outlet size | 2-in | — |
| Flange material | ABS | — |
| Curb dimensions | 38" x 6" x 4,5" | — |
| Membrane size | 3'3" x 33' (108 sq. ft.) | — |
| Waterproofing strip size | 5" x 33' | — |
| Weight | 22 lbs. | — |
What reviewers say
Schluter Kerdi Shower System Kit
Kerdi systems are widely regarded as a reliable waterproofing method, and installers like getting tray, curb and membrane in one box. Complaints center on the extra cost of the drain and on the need for a perfectly level floor.
- Trusted waterproofing that passes inspection
- Saves time versus building a mud pan
- Clear, system-wide instructions
- Drain not included adds cost
- Tray flexes if the subfloor is not flat
- Price runs higher than sheet-membrane alternatives
Schluter KERDI BOARD (1/2")
Tile setters and remodelers generally rate KERDI BOARD highly for cutting install time and adding waterproofing plus insulation in one step. Complaints center on cost and on the care needed to avoid denting the foam before tile goes down.
Questions and answers
- Can I build a whole shower with just the Kerdi Board?
- No. The board handles walls and benches. You still need a sloped floor, a drain and waterproofing at the floor, which is what the kit provides.
- Does the kit include wall board?
- No. The kit covers the floor, curb and seams. Add Kerdi Board or another backer for the walls.
- Is the drain included in the kit?
- No. The kit has an off-center 2 in drain outlet but the drain itself is not included.
- Which lasts longer?
- Both are waterproof systems from Schluter and last decades when installed to spec. Longevity depends on the install, not the product choice.
- Is the kit worth the extra money?
- If you need a 38 x 60 shower floor, yes. It replaces a mortar bed and several separate waterproofing parts. If you only need wall backer, the board alone is far cheaper.
- Can I use the board as a shower floor?
- No. It is a wall and backer panel, not a presloped floor. Use the kit's tray or a mortar bed for the floor.
