Do you need a mortar bed for a bathtub?

Do you need a mortar bed for a bathtub?

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.

What type of mortar do you use under a bathtub?

Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable. A series of strategically placed piles is easier to control than a full bed, and it provides comparable support for the tub.

Do acrylic tubs need a mortar bed?

An acrylic tub is not self-supporting, which means it must be supported along its entire bottom with mortar or grout. It should go without saying that the floor should be solidly constructed to support the weight of the tub, water and the person using it.

How thick should a tub mortar be?

Because the mortar bed needs to be 2 to 4 inches thick, it’s a good idea to install these supports about an inch higher than you would if the tub were sitting on the floor.

How thick should a shower mortar bed be?

The shower pan base mortar layer thickness should be approximately ½ to 1 inch thick. Since the shower floor already has a pre-slope, just apply a base mortar layer that has an even thickness throughout the shower floor area.

How thick should a mortar bed be?

With a standard thinset the maximum bonding thickness should never exceed 3/8 inch. If something is classified a medium bed mortar it is typically good for a maximum bonding thickness of ¾ inch.

How do you install mortar under a bathtub?

Prepare the floor for the mortar. Cover the entire floor under the base of the tub with plastic sheeting to prevent the mortar from seeping moisture into the wood subfloor over time. Cut it to fit with a utility knife.

What is a bathtub mortar bed?

This mortar bed is created during the installation of the bathtub and is contoured to the bottom of the tub to support the weight of human bodies plus water. Without this support, the plastic of the tub would eventually break and crack.

How to install a concrete tub on concrete floors?

Place another layer of plastic on top of the cement layer to protect the underside of the tub if you want to remove it later. Place the tub into the frame and onto the mortar. Fill the tub to the rim with water and let it sit for at least 72 hours full of water until the concrete dries. You can use drywall mortar as well as cement mortar.

Can you use drywall mortar for a bathtub?

Place the tub into the frame and onto the mortar. Fill the tub to the rim with water and let it sit for at least 72 hours full of water until the concrete dries. You can use drywall mortar as well as cement mortar.