How to Mortar a Shower

When installing a shower, you must construct a shower pan before you begin installing the tiles that comprise the shower's surface. The shower pan consists of a mortar bed and a shower liner. Installing approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches of mortar, before installing the shower liner, helps protect your bathroom subfloor from moisture damage. The water from each shower that does not go directly down the drain seeps into the mortar bed. The mortar bed's slope directs this excess water down the drainpipe.

Slip sheet
Scissors
Wire mesh
Wire cutters
Staple gun
Drain assembly
Mortar
Shovel
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Cut a slip sheet to fit your shower. You can use a variety of materials for a slip sheet, such as garbage bags or roofing felt. The slip sheet protects the wooden shower base from moisture. Cut a hole in the slip sheet for the drain with a pair of scissors.
- 2
  Lay the slip sheet over a sheet of wire mesh. Use the slip sheet as a guide. Cut a piece of wire mesh the same size as the slip sheet with wire cutters. Cut a hole for the drain.
- 3
  Staple the slip sheet onto the shower's subfloor. Staple the wire mesh sheet to the slip sheet.
- 4
  Install the bottom section of the drain assembly over the wire mesh.
- 5
  Mix the mortar, according to the manufacturer's instructions. The amount of mortar you need will vary depending on the size of your shower.
- 6
  Scoop the mortar into the shower bed on top of the wire mesh with a shovel.
- 7
  Spread the mortar with a trowel. Shape the mortar bed in a slope toward the shower drain. The edges of the mortar bed should measure approximately 1-1/2 to 2 inches thick while the area around the drain should measure no more than 3/8-inch thick.
- 8
  Wait for the mortar bed to begin curing for 24 hours before starting the tile installation.

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