Proper mortar for tile shower mortar bed
#1
03-18-11, 11:01 AM
Proper mortar for tile shower mortar bed
I'm building a tile shower and I'm now ready to make the bottom mortar bed, the one which I will put my vinyl liner on top of.
My common sense told me to grab something with the words "mortar bed" on it. so I ended up with a bag of "rapidset" brand mortar.
Then I second guessed myself and asked the contractor services desk at home depot, and they told me to use "sakrete" brand "construction grout".
As always, I am back here for my final answer (the one I will accept)
.
so, what type of mortar? and do I use the same stuff for the bed ABOVE the vinyl liner?
My common sense told me to grab something with the words "mortar bed" on it. so I ended up with a bag of "rapidset" brand mortar.
Then I second guessed myself and asked the contractor services desk at home depot, and they told me to use "sakrete" brand "construction grout".
As always, I am back here for my final answer (the one I will accept)
.so, what type of mortar? and do I use the same stuff for the bed ABOVE the vinyl liner?
#2
03-18-11, 11:35 AM
Ack! I usually defend associates at Big Box stores.....but thats just not right.
IIRC You use a "sand mix" with a latex additive. You also should put a slipsheet of some sort between the wood/concrete and the mix. Tarpaper would work.
Ahh...here's a link with pictures that I think is pretty complete and lines up with what I've seen in the past. Building a shower pan with pre-sloped mortar bed, liner and curb. Remember...theres more than one "correct" way to do some things.
IIRC You use a "sand mix" with a latex additive. You also should put a slipsheet of some sort between the wood/concrete and the mix. Tarpaper would work.
Ahh...here's a link with pictures that I think is pretty complete and lines up with what I've seen in the past. Building a shower pan with pre-sloped mortar bed, liner and curb. Remember...theres more than one "correct" way to do some things.
#3
03-18-11, 11:45 AM
First off, as always, thank you.
Can you give me a brand and product or something? or do you mean, a bag of sand and a bag of portland?
I have seen this done. what's it's purpose?
oh, and while I am at it, I have another question I just though of. due to the lousy concrete floor pouring job that was done (wonder who did that???
) the shower concrete floor is not totally flat. it's a 32"x32" but two of the corners are a bit lower and not very smooth/flat. Should I just take some "sand mix" and level that off FIRST, then continue with the tar paper, and the rest of the job?
Originally Posted by Gunguy45
IIRC You use a "sand mix" with a latex additive.
You also should put a slipsheet of some sort between the wood/concrete and the mix. Tarpaper would work.
oh, and while I am at it, I have another question I just though of. due to the lousy concrete floor pouring job that was done (wonder who did that???
) the shower concrete floor is not totally flat. it's a 32"x32" but two of the corners are a bit lower and not very smooth/flat. Should I just take some "sand mix" and level that off FIRST, then continue with the tar paper, and the rest of the job?
#4
03-18-11, 12:05 PM
Well...I've only done a couple...but I've been here A LOT...lol.
There should be something at your local store labeled "sand mix"...or "sand topping mix" or similar. Pretty sure they are the same..QUIKRETE® - Sand/Topping Mix
The tar paper or similar "disconnects" the mortar bed (a misnomer actually...tho I think the experts actually may have used mortar in the past?) from whats underneath and prevents moisture from being sucked out...as I understand.
I wouldn't worry about the corners, pressing the mix in will take care of it.
Pro's will be checking in, might wanna wait...I know you aren't working as we talk...lol.
There should be something at your local store labeled "sand mix"...or "sand topping mix" or similar. Pretty sure they are the same..QUIKRETE® - Sand/Topping Mix
The tar paper or similar "disconnects" the mortar bed (a misnomer actually...tho I think the experts actually may have used mortar in the past?) from whats underneath and prevents moisture from being sucked out...as I understand.
I wouldn't worry about the corners, pressing the mix in will take care of it.
Pro's will be checking in, might wanna wait...I know you aren't working as we talk...lol.
#5
03-18-11, 12:16 PM
LOL no I am at work. I will be working on it tomorrow morning. thanks for the link. hey, that product seems just like the one I bought though. although, I will return this one and get the one you listed just to be safe. check it out.
Mortar Mix - Rapid Strength Gain, High Durability, Low Shrinkage Mortar Mix Concrete Repair Material
Mortar Mix - Rapid Strength Gain, High Durability, Low Shrinkage Mortar Mix Concrete Repair Material
