Mortar For Bathtub

The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full.

Mortar for bathtub.

The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides. Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents. Then embed the tub into the mortar. Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.

Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications. 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. The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight. Unsupported fiberglass and acrylic tubs tend to flex under the weight of water plus bathers which can be bad news in terms of your drain staying connected and the tub base remaining solid and free of cracks.

Setting tubs in mortar is a method used by professional plumbers who specialize in quality home construction. Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud. The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full so the casing of the tub doesn t have to support all of the weight and crack. Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable.

Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening. Here s another one of th. Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base.