The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight.
Mortar for bathtub.
Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.
Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents.
Whether you are installing a regular acrylic bathtub that doubles as a shower unit or a larger two person jacuzzi most bathtubs require a mortar base for the tub to rest on.
Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening.
It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel.
Then embed the tub into the mortar.
Setting tubs in mortar is a method used by professional plumbers who specialize in quality home construction.
Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications.
Unsupported fiberglass and acrylic tubs tend to flex under the weight of water plus bathers which can be bad news in terms of your drain staying connected and the tub base remaining solid and free of cracks.
Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base.
Thinset tile mortar.
The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full.
The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides.
Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.
The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full so the casing of the tub doesn t have to support all of the weight and crack.