How to Use Drywall Mud for a Tub Bed

There are many bathtub styles to choose from, and all of them install somewhat differently. Larger tubs need some form of support underneath the tub itself so the tub doesn’t move or crack with the weight of a bather in the tub. Many manufacturers recommend using some form of mud, such as a mortar or drywall mud. Drywall mud is one of the easiest methods because you can buy pre-mixed mud that quickly and easily gives you a base foundation for your bathtub.

Drywall mud
Margin trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Prepare the tub for the mud base. Install the tub in place as you would normally. Attach all the flanges as well as any necessary plumbing or wiring if you are installing a Jacuzzi. If you are dealing with a top-set tub, wait until after the tile has been installed to set the tub and attach the plumbing.
- 2
  Fill the area under the tub with drywall mud while the tub is empty. Scoop the mud out of the container with a margin trowel and fill the entire area under the tub, from side to side and down the entire length. Add sufficient mud so that you have more than needed for just the bottom, with an excess mud base wrapping slightly up the curvature of the side of the tub.
- 3
  Fill the tub nearly full with water to simulate the weight of a person plus water when the tub will be in use. Let the tub sit with the water in it for at least 72 hours before draining the tub. Anything less than 72 hours is not sufficient because the thickness of the drywall mud will not allow it to try sufficiently before then.

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