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.
Can I use concrete 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).
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.
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.
Do you need a shower pan liner on concrete floor?
It will need to be lined or it will wick into the slab and studding. The liner also makes the walls around the pan water-tight, that’s why the liner normally goes up at least 3″ above the pan behind the tile and backer material. Moisture gets behind the wall tile and is eventually caught by the liner.
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.
How do you waterproof a concrete shower floor?
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.
Is Quikrete mortar mix good for shower pan?
The Quikrete Floor Mud is a concrete mix manufactured by QUIKRETE which is ready for use in creating shower pans, slate, travertine and marble floor tiles. When mixed with water, it creates a smooth and water-resistant surface which is ideal for shower pans.
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.
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 much quikrete do I need for a shower pan?
Quikrete has done all the figuring for you, just open the bag, mix it up and start working. It’s very easy to mix and work with. Pour Quikrete into a mixing tray, bucket or wheelbarrow and add the required amount of water. Generally the mix requires 4 quarts of water per 80 lb bag.
Does shower pan liner go behind backer board?
The wallboard must be installed 1/8 inch above the shower pan. If the shower pan is not in place, the wallboard height must be guessed, which can lead to inaccuracies and an expansion gap that is too large or too small.
Can you put tile directly on concrete?
A: It’s perfectly acceptable to put tile directly on concrete — with a couple of caveats. First, it is important to determine if there is moisture coming up from the slab. Those products should help prevent any cracks in the slab from damaging the newly installed tile.
Do I need to waterproof concrete floor before tiling?
Cement is actually a very porous material and can easily absorb water. Therefore, any concrete that may come into regular contact with water, such as under tile or for a pool, will need to be waterproofed. If cement is not waterproofed, it can cause issues with the mortar used between the tiles.
Is 6 inches too high for a shower curb?
In the USA, they adhere to the minimum shower curb height of two inches above the drain. The maximum height of a shower curb can be no more than nine inches. The building code ensures that the shower curb’s height is only a quarter-inch taller than the outside 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.
How many 2×4 do I need for a shower curb?
If you’re working on a wooden floor, I recommend stacking about two or three 2 x 4 wood on each other to create your curb. They are commonly used and you can find them at any Home Depot near you.
