I have been using Quikrete sand topping mix for several years, but the past few times I bought it there was a large amount of tiny gravel in it that made it hard to work with. I put up with it two times and decided that was enough.

I've started using TileCrete all the time now. If TileCrete or some equivalent is not available at your local tile store, I would suggest using 5 parts sand to 1 part portland cement. Be sure you add just enough water to hold it together, no more.

I would probably make the bed a little thicker than 1/2" at the drain if at all possible, maybe 3/4-1". Make sure you're able to screw the drain up high enough for that, also.

Thanks Kman we will look for the tilecrete but if we dont go with that and use the Quikrete do we use the formula i had posted?

Also what is the safest way to get the old mud out without damaging the membrane? I'm thinking plastic hammer and a shopvac but what do you think?

We will definitely make the bed thicker at the drain like you suggested.

Thanks again

Mixing deck mud is simple .... you use a few bags of "Sand-Mix" found at any building supply store and mix with very little water. Pack it well by pounding it hard, and then scrape it to the contours required.

Thanks Harry. Now I guess its time to get all the old mud out and start over!! Ugh!

Jill,

The optimum mix for deck mud is 5:1, for shower floors like yours it's 4:1, but anything from 3:1 to 6:1 will work. Quikrete Sand Topping is 3:1 and since it is "rich", it's a bit harder to work with. That is why some people suggest adding sand to adjust the ratio. I have done dozens of shower floors without the addition of sand.

The problem with adding sand and that calculator is that people forget that the ration is given in volume, NOT weight. So, 4 shovels of sand to 1 shovel of Portland. I think most people are adding too much sand. Not sure I haven't calculated the density of sand to Portland by volume yet.

I just finished a Kerdi shower, I mixed 240lb. of sand mix and added some sand I had. Not sure how much, but not more than 40-50 lbs. It's not that critical, just do not add too much.

You may be able to separate the deck from the curb? Be careful, use a wide chisel and tap lightly.

Had you consulted with me......I would have suggested a Kerdi shower though. Much better!

Jaz

Hey Jaz

I think you're right about the sand, I think we used too much and made it weak. I think that might make it easier to get out though and not wreck the curb!!

In hindsight we would use the Kerdi if we were to do it all over again (not including this redo of the mud deck!) Moving the drain and breaking up concrete doesn't sound to awful hard right about now!

Thanks for all your help Jaz and everyone. Might not get to do much more til after Thanksgiving but will start for sure by the weekend.

Hi Jill, I don't know if your question about small green marble tiles got answered or not. In theory, any size can curl with exposure to a non-epoxy mortar, but practically speaking a 2x2 tile likely will not.

We did a floor this past summer and I gambled and used regular thinset-but the tiles were very small and I was certain there wouldn't be any perceptible warpage.

Happy Holidays everyone! Here is a rundown and a couple questions. We tore out and replace the mud deck which came out great! We have done the tile on the shower floor and the walls. Now my question, we are using Mapei grout and I'm wondering if we use it for the shower floor do we have to wait 21 days for it to fully cure before we seal the grout and use the shower? I have read about waiting 72 hrs. but I am confused.

All help is appreciated!

Jill

As far as sealing, check the directions on the bottle. Most of the ones I have used require 48-72 hours before sealing, then 24 hours before using the shower.

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you Jill and everyone reading this.

Kevin's got you covered on the sealer. The correct time to wait is whatever it says on the bottle.

Congrats on completing your shower. Since you built a pre-slope under the membrane, your shower is probably built better than 99% of the showers in our fair State of Michigan. Well, that goes for most any part of North America too.

Jaz