DIY Shower Mud Base

Lay down roofing felt over the entire floor of the shower area you plan to install the shower pan in. Staple the felt to the floor boards with a hand stapler. Trim the edges with a razor so the felt covers only the floor. Place steel mesh over the roofing felt and staple this into place. Trim this with metal shears so the mesh covers just the floor of the shower area.

Cut away the mesh and roofing felt over the drain hole with metal shears and a razor. Remove the cut away portions of the materials and discard.

Create the mud for the base. Use sand mix, a combination of cement and sand grains, pre-mixed for the best results. Mix this with water until you have a very, grainy mud that is similar to beach sand in consistency. Spread this over the mesh, completely covering the floor with at least 1 inch of material. Avoid spreading it over the drain hole.

Pat down the sand mix with the hand trowel to build a tapered, flat floor. The floor must taper consistently toward the drain hole. Use a carpenter's level to measure the taper. It should read as a quarter bead on the level.

Continue to flatten and taper the mud floor until it is consistent and smooth. Let the sand mix dry and cure for at least 24 hours.