How to Lay Mortar in a Shower Bed

Mortar shower beds involve building up layers of wood, plastic sheeting, mortar, wire mesh, cement and tile to create a solid, well-drained floor surface. The addition of mortar strengthens the shower bed, provides a smooth, solid foundation and holds the layers of the bed together. Shower beds require two layers of mortar: one applied over the plastic shower liner and a second layer sandwiched between wire mesh and tiles. Use the same techniques to apply both mortar layers.

1 by 2 wood boards
Wheelbarrow
Builders sand and Portland cement or type S mortar
Latex additive
Mortar mixer
Flat trowel
Mortar tamper
Broom

Instructions

- 1
  Place wood boards around the perimeter of the shower bed with the 1-inch side facing up.
- 2
  Mix 1 part Portland cement in a wheelbarrow with 5 parts builders’ sand. Alternatively, pour type S mortar mix into the wheelbarrow.
- 3
  Slowly pour latex additive into the mixture, stirring constantly with a mortar mixer. Keep stirring until the mixture has the consistency of very dry mud. Squeeze a ball of mortar to test its consistency. It is ready to use when the ball keeps its shape without crumbling.
- 4
  Trowel mortar onto the shower bed and spread it out to a depth of ¾ of an inch. Leave ¼ inch per square foot of shower floor space free around the edges, and keep the drain uncovered. Spread the mortar slightly thinner around the perimeter of the drain.
- 5
  Pack down the mortar with a tamper and spread it very smooth. Lightly sweep the mortar surface with a broom to promote adhesion of the next layer.
- 6
  Allow the mortar to cure and rub it with a trowel to scrape away loose pieces before adding the next layer.

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