How to Mud a Shower Floor With a Copper Pan

Remove the shower drain cover by unscrewing it with a screwdriver. Cover the shower drain opening with an appropriately-sized rubber ball to prevent any of the mud mixture from getting into the drain.

Prepare the concrete and sand mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the concrete mix into the copper shower pan.

Spread and pack the concrete mix to a thickness of about 2 inches along the perimeter of the shower pan, creating an edge or curb with your trowel.

Pack the concrete mix toward the drain area, creating a gentle slope of about 1/4-inch per each foot of the copper shower pan. Ensure the mud is slightly below the top edge of the drain so the tile floor will lie flush with the drain.

Alternately pack and smooth the concrete mix to achieve a smooth mud bed surface. Check the slope with a level and adjust with the addition of more concrete, as needed.

Allow the mud bed to dry for 24 hours. Adhere the shower tiles to the dried mud bed using thinset mortar.