I think do too much research so I can procrastinate from getting on with the job I'm redoing the 3x4 stall after failure in my recently purchased 8 year old home, I'll send some pics and the story of what happens with Ontario's "just barely to code contractors" later, a code that really needs to change.

1) Some articles on preslope say put in reinforcing wire onto the top layer of concrete. Is this neccessary for 3x4 shower, I will also be using strenghthening addidtive instead of water.
2)This sites article puts the floor mud above the CBU - others say bring it up to bottom and leave space for a filler to allow movement.
3) Tiles walls before or after the mud over the pan ? Does it matter ?

Thanks in advance.

John
Did you look at the preslope article on the Ontario Tile Setters home page? Lots of pics and detail for installation.
I place the CBU about 1/4" off the final mud pan height to prevent wicking.
Personal preferences on the order in which tile is installed varies, some do walls first then the floor or floor then walls. I do floor then walls.

Yes, very good article as is this one Shower Mortar Bed

Main principles are the same as the article here but you will see the slightly different methods that prompted my questions.
Do you put in reinforcing wire or is it that overkill for a small area ? Could it rust and cause failure after a while ? I plan to be in this house for a while and don't want to do this room again - I already know I have to redo the tile in the other bathroom.

Thanks, John.

Wire is necessary no mater what the size is.
Have a look at the Schluter video on Kerdi Drain. Still the best method in my opinion.
http://schluter.com

Hi John .... in a small area I never use the wire lath BUT I have to respect RC's choice to use it. I'm not going to say it's over-kill but it certainly takes care of any doubts you may have.

The most important requirement of a shower floor are the slopes under the liner and over the liner. If your water exits quickly you'll have no problems.

As far as the backer board being above the mortar bed or above, if it's set into the bed but yet above the liner, there is no wicking and the bottom section of the backer is secure with blocking from one side and a mortar bed from the other. The article link above states the same.

The Schluter system is an excellent system but not recommended for a first time project. I use them for handicap units were shower dams (curbs) can't be installed in the doorways.

You'll have various opinions on procedure but the bottom line is a successful installation of tile that will last a lifetime.
Good luck!

Apologies, I was searching on another topic and found this was answered a long time ago, It's nice that you guys don't just tell all us newbies to do a search first.
http://www.ontariotile.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=000158#000003

John.