My friend is going to get the American Standard Saver tub from Lowes (it's called Ovation at HomeDepot). The installation instructions call for a mortar bed.
Neither of us have ever worked with mortar (although I've poured cement & we've both worked with floor leveling mix-- not the self-leveling kind). I was trying to research & couldn't find any sort of consensus on the best & easiest type to use. I've seen people suggest everything from sandy cement mix to drywall mud to spray foam (spray foam is being ruled out). Looks like it needs to be at least 3/4" to 1" thick although I'm waiting for the mfr to confirm the distance of the tub bottom from the floor.
I checked youtube & some people showed very wet mortar bed, others showed it sandy & moist. We want it to be sturdy but to be forgiving if the tub needs to be pulled/moved.
Putting a moisture barrier down between the plywood and mortar bed is a given. I believe the mfr suggested roofing felt. But should we use some sort of plastic on the bottom of the tub between it and the mortar so it won't stick the tub if the tub needs to be pulled?
I know the pros of the mortar are that it is sturdy but I've heard that if you move the tub too much after placing it, the mortar won't conform to the tub as well as something like drywall mud.
Any particular techniques/tips for a mortar bed?
It's not the brand I would go with for my own house but the one in the store seems pretty sturdy & my friend's fiance LOVES the tub & doesn't want a different one.
TL: DR?
1. Mortar bed:
a) moist & sandy
b) peanutbutter consistency
c) drywall mud
d) other (please specify)
2. Moisture barrier between mortar & floor
a) roofing felt
b) plastic underlayment
c) other (please specify)
3. Barrier between tub & mortar
a) yes
b) no
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Neither of us have ever worked with mortar (although I've poured cement & we've both worked with floor leveling mix-- not the self-leveling kind). I was trying to research & couldn't find any sort of consensus on the best & easiest type to use. I've seen people suggest everything from sandy cement mix to drywall mud to spray foam (spray foam is being ruled out). Looks like it needs to be at least 3/4" to 1" thick although I'm waiting for the mfr to confirm the distance of the tub bottom from the floor.
I checked youtube & some people showed very wet mortar bed, others showed it sandy & moist. We want it to be sturdy but to be forgiving if the tub needs to be pulled/moved.
Putting a moisture barrier down between the plywood and mortar bed is a given. I believe the mfr suggested roofing felt. But should we use some sort of plastic on the bottom of the tub between it and the mortar so it won't stick the tub if the tub needs to be pulled?
I know the pros of the mortar are that it is sturdy but I've heard that if you move the tub too much after placing it, the mortar won't conform to the tub as well as something like drywall mud.
Any particular techniques/tips for a mortar bed?
It's not the brand I would go with for my own house but the one in the store seems pretty sturdy & my friend's fiance LOVES the tub & doesn't want a different one.
TL: DR?
1. Mortar bed:
a) moist & sandy
b) peanutbutter consistency
c) drywall mud
d) other (please specify)
2. Moisture barrier between mortar & floor
a) roofing felt
b) plastic underlayment
c) other (please specify)
3. Barrier between tub & mortar
a) yes
b) no
Any help would be greatly appreciated.