How much will mortar compress?
#1
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How much will mortar compress?
I will be setting a one-person jacuzzi on a mortar bed. There is 3/4" of space under the jacuzzi pan for the mortar. If I put down 1" of mortar, would it be difficult for me to displace the mortar down to 3/4" while inside the tub? I weigh 190 pounds.
Also, should the mortar be mixed per instruction on bag, or should it be wetter?
Also, should the mortar be mixed per instruction on bag, or should it be wetter?
#2
I think it should be the same consistency that you would use for laying bricks or blocks with. The extra 1/4" should be sufficient to promote good full-surface contact. I'm not sure if your body weight would be enough to displace the mortar but some form of vibration would help. Did you ever see a bricklayer tap the brick with the handle of the trowel. It really makes a difference. It may be helpful to get a rubber mallet and lightly tap all around the bottom of the tub to seat the tub in the mortar. A large surface area could make it difficult.
I could be all wrong, but that is how I would handle it if it was my tub.
I could be all wrong, but that is how I would handle it if it was my tub.