Mortar For Bathtub Install

The ratio is four shovels of sand to one shovel of cement and then you dry mix the components until they are completely blended.

Mortar for bathtub install.

It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel. Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base. 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. Thin set dries slowly allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed.

Thinset tile mortar. Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. The tub should be level in all directions. Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents.

Set the tub flat on the floor and position a level on top of the tub. The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides. Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening. Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable.

The tub is set and like with all other mortar installations filled with water for 72 hours to form the mortar to the tub. For extra waterproofing install a shower pan liner between layers of mortar before laying the shower pan on top. Ridge the mortar with the notched side of the trowel. With the smooth side of a 1 4 inch notched trowel spread enough mortar for one sheet.

It should not be runny but rather stand up on it s own. The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight. Trial fit the tub in the tub alcove. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.

Use thin set mortar when installing cement backerboard. Then embed the tub into the mortar. 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.

Custom mortar mix you can make your own mortar if you want to save money.