Constructing A Mud Shower Pan For Tile Installations

Constructing A Mud Shower Pan For Tile Installations

The building methods of a mud shower pan in a tile shower remodel can make or mistake the completed installation.
Faulty shower pans can lead to cracks, leaks, and an total disaster.
Follow these steps in creating the mud pan and be sure to read and re-read the whole article, as to get all materials principal for the scheme and ensure the endeavour is done right the first time.

1. Faultless demolition of shower area down to subfloor and wall studs.
Remove all debris, and leave area in broom-clean condition.

Shower Wall

2. Generate a moisture barrier to protect against wood rot and deterioration.
Staple 15lb roofing felt to wall studs and over subfloor. Overlapping seamed areas where necessary.

3. Generate the curb.
You can frame the shower curb using wood 2x4s nailed together. It is commerce accepted for a six inch curb, so three 2x4s stacked together will due. Advise using stainless steel nails for fastening together.
You can also substitute a 2x4 curb frame with a pre-fabricated curb.

4. Build a pan pre-slope.
The mud mix used to Faultless scheme is 1 part Type Ii Portland Cement to 4 parts clean moist sand. Ensure you have enough bags to mix to Faultless whole project. (You don't want to run out and then have a "cold" pour meet a "hot" cure.)
Create a pre-slope to direct water towards the drain. Ensure to keep exterior perimeter level and bear in mind that your final slope should rise 1/4" for every foot.

5. Setup waterproof liner.
You'll need to purchase a waterproof liner that will wrap completely over your curb and fold inside pan and wrap tightly up wall studs to rise at least 3" above curb on all three walls.
Do not fasten or perforate liner in any place but on edges over curb and on top of wall studs. (Staple or nail off)
Make an "X" cut on liner over drain and stuff inside.

6. Setup cement backerboard on wall studs.
Install 1/2" cement backerboard units over wall studs. Use stylish fasteners, refer to factory instuctions placed on sticker of backerboard product.
Skim coat seams with 2" fiberglass mesh tape and thinset.
Be sure to Not perforate waterproof liner, and stay at least 6" above lowest of backerboard where it meets shower pan.

7. Trowel mud shower pan.
Use mud mix (1 part Type Ii Portland Cement to 4 parts clean moist sand) to Generate shower pan.
Keep perimeter level and trowel slope with a rise of 1/4" for every foot. Pack about an inch of mud over whole curb.
Use flat edge of trowel to level mud over whole pan and curb. Let cure for at least 24 hours.

8. Set tile.
Install tile over pan and walls using accepted thin-set mortar.

Good luck!
And Have fun.

Constructing A Mud Shower Pan For Tile Installations