What KBRS does

KBRS, Inc. is a privately held US manufacturer specializing in tile shower waterproofing systems and accessories. Founded around 2003 by Tommy Davis — who applied composite construction techniques originally used in watercraft and surfboard manufacturing — the company is headquartered in Hardeeville, South Carolina, with manufacturing facilities in the Southeast and a stated team of more than 75 employees. The company sells primarily to residential homeowners, tile contractors, hospitality and commercial projects (hotels, condominiums), architects and builders, and a niche luxury marine segment, with a 100+ location dealer network spanning the continental United States and Canada.

The company's core technology centers on a proprietary composite process: a 3-pound high-density expanded polystyrene (EPS) core coated with epoxy and glass fibers, producing factory-sloped, factory-waterproofed shower bases and related components that arrive ready-to-tile. The product portfolio spans pre-fabricated shower bases (Point Drain and Linear Drain Tile-Basin and ShowerSlope lines), the Wedge barrier-free slope system, the HardCurb with PVCore composite cap, ShowerSeat and ShowerNiche accessories, ShowerSeal liquid waterproofing membranes, point and linear drains, and the KBoard waterproof backer board. Products carry ICC PMG certification and meet ANSI 118.10 requirements, with 10-year limited warranties on both residential and commercial lines.

KBRS generates revenue primarily through one-time product sales via three channels: direct e-commerce on showerbase.com for standard and custom orders, wholesale through Showroom Dealers, and project-driven sales to HCI (Hard Core Installer) partners, Qualified Installers, and commercial/hospitality customers. Pricing is unit-based, with stock products subject to a 30-day return window and 15% restocking fee and custom orders quoted on specification with a 10 business-day average lead time. The company is founder-owned and led, with no disclosed institutional funding, acquisitions, or ownership transitions in the available record.

Name

KBRS

Legal name

KBRS, Inc.

Website

https://kbrs.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

KBRS, Inc. is a US manufacturer of tile shower waterproofing systems and composite shower bases, serving residential homeowners, tile contractors, hospitality projects, and commercial builders across North America through dealers, installer partners, and direct e-commerce.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Tile Shower Waterproofing Systems

NAICS

Plumbing Fixture Fitting and Trim Manufacturing (332913), Paint and Coating Manufacturing (325510)

SIC

Gaskets, Packg & Sealg Devices & Rubber & Plastics Hose (3050), Wholesale-Hardware & Plumbing & Heating Equipment & Supplies (5070)

akta.pro primary industry

Bathroom Waterproofing & Leak Remediation (Shower Pan, Membrane, Sealing) (HSAPABAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Shower Remodel & Installation (Walk-in, Tile, Glass Enclosures) (HSAPABAB)

Keywords

• Tile shower systems
• Shower waterproofing
• Shower pans
• Shower bases
• Bathroom waterproofing

Headquarters

HQ city

Hardeeville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales (E-commerce): Direct online sales through showerbase.com for standard sizes and custom shower products including Tile-Basin, ShowerSlope, drains, curbs, seats, niches, and waterproofing accessories.
2. Dealer/Partner Network: Wholesale distribution through Showroom Dealers, HCI (Hard Core Installer) partners, and Qualified Installers who purchase KBRS products for installation in customer projects.
3. Custom Product Orders: Custom-manufactured products to specification for unique shower configurations. Average lead-time of 10 business days for custom orders.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

KBRS manufactures and sells factory-sloped, factory-waterproofed tile shower bases, cut-to-fit mortar-replacement shower floors, structural shower curbs, waterproofing membranes, tile backer board, and linear/point drains under its Tile-Basin®, ShowerSlope™, HardCurb®, ShowerSeal®, KBoard, and Wedge™ brands. Products are sold directly via showerbase.com, through a nationwide network of Showroom Dealers and certified installers, and through direct commercial sales to hospitality, residential, and marine projects.

Product overview

KBRS offers a comprehensive line of tile shower system products centered around its proprietary Hard Core Technology. The core product lines include the Point Drain Tile-Basin® (factory-waterproofed, ready-to-tile shower base) and Point Drain ShowerSlope™ (cut-to-fit mortar replacement), both available in standard and custom sizes. For modern linear drain installations, the Linear Drain Tile-Basin® and Linear Drain ShowerSlope™ provide matching solutions. These primary shower bases are complemented by a full ecosystem of accessories including the Wedge™ (barrier-free linear slope), HardCurb® (structural shower curb with anchoring capability), ShowerSeat™ (ready-to-tile seating), and ShowerNiche™ (recessed shelving). The ShowerSeal® waterproofing family provides liquid liner, polyurethane sealant, and gauging fabric for complete system protection. Supporting components include point drains and linear drains in various finishes. The KBoard Backer Board completes the wall protection system.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Point Drain Tile-Basin® Factory-sloped, factory-waterproofed shower base with patented perimeter flange and hard curb attachments; arrives ready-to-install and is guaranteed not to leak. Available in 29 standard sizes plus custom configurations for tile contractors and homeowners.
• Point Drain ShowerSlope™ Mortar-replacement tile shower floor that can be cut-to-fit in the field and connects to most common 3-piece tile shower drains; requires waterproofing after installation. Available in 17 standard sizes and unlimited custom sizes.
• Linear Drain Tile-Basin® Factory-sloped, factory-waterproofed shower base engineered for flanged linear tile shower drains; supplied with factory-applied perimeter flange and curb/ramp combination. Available in standard and custom sizes up to 9,500 square inches.
• Linear Drain ShowerSlope™ Mortar-replacement tile shower floor solution for linear drains; equipped with a 1-1/4 inch leading edge and linear drain slot; can be cut-to-fit in the field. Available in standard and custom sizes.
• Wedge™ Linear slope solution for building barrier-free tile showers with linear drains; 1/4 inch leading edge with 2% slope. Used for wet rooms, spa bathrooms, and accessible-design installations.
• HardCurb® Patented ready-to-tile shower curb with solid EPS core and PVCore composite cap; prevents leaks and tile failure from water damage; features a self-sealing anchoring layer that seals around screws for glass shower enclosure hardware.
• ShowerSeat™ Ready-to-tile shower seating available in corner seats, bench seats, floating bench seats, and ladies leg ledge configurations. Solid EPS block construction eliminates voids where mold can grow; 100% waterproof with no special framing required.
• ShowerNiche™ Recessed ready-to-tile shower niche made from 1/2 inch solid PVCore waterproof composite material; available in multiple sizes for creative combinations; ~15-minute installation attached to wall studs with backer board screws.
• ShowerSeal® Waterproofing System Family of waterproofing products including Seamless Liquid Liner (rubberizes shower for 100% leak-proof coverage), Polyurethane Sealant (drain perimeter and joints), and Gauging Fabric (reinforcing fabric for seams). Meets ANSI 118.10 requirements.
• Point Drains Standard 3-piece tile shower drains compatible with KBRS ShowerSlope and Tile-Basin products; residential options include Oatey, Ebbe, Kohler, and Sioux Chief brands; commercial options include Blucher, Josam, Wade, J.R. Smith, and Zurn; side outlet options for tub-to-shower conversions.
• Linear Drains Modern linear shower drains in stainless steel and tile-in configurations; seamless design, low profile, one-piece injection-mold construction with patent-pending Grate Risers for height adjustment to accommodate varying tile thickness; sizes 24 to 60 inches.
• KBoard Backer Board Strong, lightweight, waterproof, and vapor-resistant tile base for wet areas; XPS foam panel manufactured with a proprietary blend of synthetic polymer mortar and alkali-resistant fiber mesh; alternative to cement backer board that is fully waterproof without additional measures.

Quantifiable outcome

• Installs in 30 minutes or less
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• ICC (International Code Council)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProducts certified by ICC Evaluation Service (ICC PMG) meeting building code requirements. Critical for commercial and residential compliance.
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerShowerSeal products meet ANSI 118.10 requirements for waterproofing membranes. Products tested and certified.
• TCNA (Tile Council of North America)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association member supporting tile shower installation standards and best practices.
• NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry association member supporting quality tile installation standards.
• OateycoreTechnology or IntegrationStandard residential drain brand compatible with KBRS Tile-Basin and ShowerSlope products. Recommended brand for tile shower installations.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Noble Company: Noble Company is a long-established supplier of sheet and liquid waterproofing membranes (NobelSeal TS, Chloraloy) for tile showers, directly competing with KBRS's ShowerSeal® liquid liner and pre-waterproofed base approach across professional installers.
• Schluter Systems: Schluter is the dominant maker of bonded waterproofing shower systems (Kerdi membrane, Schluter-KERDI-DRAIN, pre-formed shower trays like Schluter-KERDI-SHOWER-TRAY/-STY/-SC). It is the most direct peer to KBRS: same core category (pre-waterproofed, code-certified shower systems), same installer/contractor channel, same tile-shower remodels end customer.
• Prova: Prova manufactures pre-formed shower pan systems (Prova Pan®, drain systems, waterproofing accessories) closely analogous to KBRS's Tile-Basin®/ShowerSlope™ offerings and competing for the same installer/specifier audience.
• Laticrete: Laticrete competes directly via its Hydro Ban waterproofing membrane and shower system components, while also being a recommended thin-set partner. It overlaps with KBRS's ShowerSeal® waterproofing line for both residential and commercial shower installations.
• Wedi: Wedi manufactures XPS-foam-based pre-formed shower bases, walls, and waterproof building panels—directly comparable to KBRS's Tile-Basin® and KBoard products in construction, value proposition, and installation workflow.
• Blanke Perma-Shield: Blanke manufactures pre-formed shower pans, drains, and waterproofing systems (Perma-Shield, Aqua Shield) that overlap directly with KBRS's Tile-Basin® and ShowerSlope™ offerings for tile shower installation.

Broad incumbents

• Johns Manville (GoBoard): Johns Manville's GoBoard product line is a lightweight, waterproof tile backer board panel that directly competes with KBRS's KBoard backer board in the same shower wall waterproofing use case, distributed through the same building materials channels.
• USG (Durock): USG's Durock brand offers cement and foam shower system components (backer boards, pre-formed pans, waterproofing accessories) and competes with KBRS across bases and backer boards within broader wall/flooring portfolios at major retailers.
• Mapei: Mapei is a global broad-line building chemicals manufacturer whose Aqua Defense liquid waterproofing and Mapelastic lines directly compete with KBRS's ShowerSeal® membranes. Despite also being a KBRS-recommended thin-set, Mapei's portfolio breadth and scale make it a structural incumbent competing for the same shower waterproofing wallet.
• Custom Building Products: Custom Building Products offers RedGard waterproofing and full shower system components, overlapping KBRS's ShowerSeal® products. As a broad- portfolio building products incumbent, it competes for both the waterproofing layer and adjacent tile installation systems while also being a KBRS-recommended partner.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KBRSINC
• Facebookfacebook.com/KBRSINC
• Instagraminstagram.com/kbrsinc
• Pinterestpinterest.com/kbrsinc
• Xx.com/KBRS_Inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about KBRS