Mortar For Bathtub Install

Unsupported fiberglass and acrylic tubs tend to flex under the weight of water plus bathers which can be bad news in terms of your drain staying connected and the tub base remaining solid and free of cracks.

Mortar for bathtub install.

The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub. The tub should be level in all directions. Ridge the mortar with the notched side of the trowel.

Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud. Screw the shower pan rim into the wall studs using 1 1 4 inch screws through the pre drilled holes. If the tub is not level use a floor leveling mortar a form or material suggested by the tub manufacturer to level the floor under the tub. Whether you are installing a regular acrylic bathtub that doubles as a shower unit or a larger two person jacuzzi most bathtubs require a mortar base for the tub to rest on.

For extra waterproofing install a shower pan liner between layers of mortar before laying the shower pan on top. It should not be runny but rather stand up on it s own. Custom mortar mix you can make your own mortar if you want to save money. Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base.

With the smooth side of a 1 4 inch notched trowel spread enough mortar for one sheet. Thin set dries slowly allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed. The ratio is four shovels of sand to one shovel of cement and then you dry mix the components until they are completely blended. Set the tub flat on the floor and position a level on top of the tub.

The tub is set and like with all other mortar installations filled with water for 72 hours to form the mortar to the tub. It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel. Use thin set mortar when installing cement backerboard. Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents.

The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight. Thinset tile mortar. Add water and. Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable.

Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening.