I am confused. I am in the process of remodeling one of our baths. We wamt a mortared shower pan so I can tile floor. Almost all of the books,web sites talk about this floor layed over a wood sub floor. If concrete is there already do I lay a metal lath down? What is the process or layers. Do I slope floor first then lay tar paper and membrane then mortar floor again in prep for tile. Where and when does wire mesh go down? Some articles/web sites talk about a concrete curb. If I do this do you rebar this to existing floor? I thought a hammer drill,drill a few holes put in rebar then pour curb. What do you guys think? Appreciate your help on both questions. Thanks in advance> Jeff L.

Hi Jeff, the construction aspect is the same as if working on plywood. The lath is there to add strenght to you sloped bed so it doesn't end up cracking and breaking on you.

Steps are :
1- preslope
2- membrane
3- final slope
4- tile
As far as your curb, you can lay 3 2x4's down to make a curb then lay membrane over them. Just tapcon the first on down.

Sounds also that you may be a fine candidate for a schluter shower tray and curb. Super easy to do and super quick. Try a search for it here or go to www.schluter.com

RandyL, Are you ssaying that I lay lath down on concrete and mud it in when I slope the floor step #1. Thanks for you involvement! Will check out the web site. Jeff

No need for the lath over a concrete floor.
Just before you place your pre slope mud bed use a modified thinset bond coat over the concrete and then place the mud bed over this wet layer.

RC, By a modified thin set are you talking about a thinset that uses a latex additive instead of water? It is my understanding that if you use a latex additive you get better adhesion of this first coat. Thanks.

Just use a polymer-modified thinset that only requires water to mix. There's no need for a liquid latex additive for what you are doing.

Don't know whats available in your area but something like Versabond Fortified thin set mortar will work fine.

Randall---Thanks for your input I appreciare it. Jeff