Table of Contents
How thick does a concrete shower pan need to be?
Thickness for Concrete Shower Pan – Base Layer 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.
What kind of cement do you use for a shower pan?
The ideal mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement. This type of mortar creates a great water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit.
Is concrete good for shower pan?
Concrete is perfectly adequate, if not recommended, for use as the shower pan base for materials such as stone, tile or mosaic tile to be used as the finish surface (as long as there is a proper membrane between the concrete and any vulnerable surrounding material).
Can I use quikrete for shower pan?
The best concrete mix for shower pans is made by Quikrete. They make two products, the first is called Floor Mud, the 2nd is their Sand/Topping mix. Both work great for building a shower pan. Just like other types of concrete mix, there are DIY options.
Do I need wire mesh for shower pan?
Before installing the final layer of mortar on the shower pan you will need to install expanded wire mesh on the shower curb, over the PVC pan liner. The wire mesh will cover the entire curb from the inside of the shower pan at the top of the mortar floor over the top of the curb and down to the bathroom floor.
How thin can a mortar shower pan be?
Thin-set mortars are typically about 3/16”, which makes it preferred when height is an issue (e.g. barrier free showers). When tile is bonded to the subfloor with a thin-set, movement in the subfloor can telegraph through the tile and cause it to crack.
How high should a shower pan curb be?
The standard shower curb height in the United States is a minimum of 2 inches above the top of the drain. This is building code however it does not mean that the curb itself must be 2 inches high. It means that you must have 2 inches of a drop from where the drain is located to where you step in.
How many bags of sand do I put in a shower pan?
I usually mix one bag sand/topping mix with a half bag of sand (25lbs) to make things easy and have had good luck with that. Be very careful with how much water you add to the deck mud as you mix it up. It’s referred to as dry-pack mortar for a reason. Do not add water like you are mixing concrete.
What do you put under a shower pan?
Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.
Can you use thinset for shower pan?
Mix thinset mortar with the drill and paddle. Add more thinset to one side to level the floor, if necessary. Check the floor to ensure it is level, using the carpenter’s level. Set the acrylic shower pan in place on top of the mortar.
How do you waterproof a concrete shower?
The most common technique is to apply multiple coats of a penetrating sealer like a water-based polyurethane. Fautch uses epoxies or two-part polyurethanes, sometimes both — epoxy as primer with polyurethane on top.
What’s the best mortar mix for shower pan?
The best mortar for shower pans is a mixture of sand and Portland cement as it creates a water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit and the users. You can create your own with Portland cement and fine sand (1:5) and 4 quarts water for 80 lb. of the mixture.
Can I use high strength concrete mix for shower pan?
You can use Quikrete for a shower pan but only if it is a sand mix. Floor Mud is ideal for shower pans because it does not sag and it can cure quickly. Be careful because Quikrete Floor Mud is not waterproof and you have to mix it carefully.
Can you use Sakrete sand for shower pan?
We recommend using Sakrete Sand Mix Topping & Bedding for shower pans. The Sand Mix is used with less water to achieve a “dry pack” consistency, which allows the product to be used at a greater thickness than 2” inches. There is not a recommended amount of water to be used for a dry pack.
Is Pre pitch necessary?
A pre-slope is necessary because once water has reached there, it needs to be directed to the drain area. If underneath your liner is flat – without any slope to the drain – this will cause water build-up, eventually causing mildew. The Pre-Pitch System is designed to build your pre-slope.
Is 6 inches too high for a shower curb?
Your shower curb height should be at least 2 inches above the drain according to the U.S. building code. If you are working with a 1/4 inch per foot slope, and the curb’s distance is 3 feet from the drain, the curb must be raised about 1 1/4 inch from the shower floor.
Does a shower curb need to slope?
The curb should not be level, and above all it should never slope away from the enclosure and toward the bathroom floor. Rather, it should have a 1/8” to 1/4” pitch toward the shower floor. If, instead, it slopes toward the bathroom floor, you will experience water leaking under the door and into your bathroom.
