Floating a Shower Base

DoubleARS · 12-31-2012, 01:06 AM

Howdy all,

I wish that I were spending more time in my garage during my holiday break but I am stuck indoors doing other projects. I'm having some trouble with one project I am hoping someone may have some experience with. I have spent countless hours searching already and this is one of the most active forums I participate in so here it goes.

I have to build a shower. It is a custom walk through between a his and hers bathroom. A few months ago I discovered that the original installers in 2003 when the house was built really screwed up and I had to demolish the whole thing. I am trying to build it back right but I am having a hard time.

I am trying to float a "deck mud" base to go under the pan liner. I bought two 55 lb bags of Mapei 4 to 1 and gave it ago. I mixed it based on what I have found on the internet. It was dry but I could still make a ball. I checked it out over the period of two days and it was just crumbling. I could run my finger over it and it would create a divot. I pulled it all out and decided to try again. I called Mapei and they said it was either too wet or too dry (not real helpful). Two days ago I tried the second bag. This time I added more water. The manufacturer said 2 to 3 liters. I went just shy of 3 liters. This time it was smooth but if you put pressure on it, it would rock. I assume it was shrinking. I pulled it again.

What am I doing wrong? I'm not an idiot but I cannot figure out how to get this done right. I don't want to do it again and have to pull it again. Do you have recommendations on the proper mix? Is there a particular brand? Do you buy the sand and portland cement and mix yourself? I've read one guys write-up that suggests you should do 5 to 1 sand/cement. I want to do this only one more time. Sorry it's so long. I'm running out of options. Please help me so I can get this done and go install a cam in my Camaro!

Regards,

Aaron

12-31-2012, 01:06 AM	#1
DoubleARS Drives: 2010 Dodge Challenger Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Arkansas Posts: 124 View My Garage	Floating a Shower Base Howdy all, I wish that I were spending more time in my garage during my holiday break but I am stuck indoors doing other projects. I'm having some trouble with one project I am hoping someone may have some experience with. I have spent countless hours searching already and this is one of the most active forums I participate in so here it goes. I have to build a shower. It is a custom walk through between a his and hers bathroom. A few months ago I discovered that the original installers in 2003 when the house was built really screwed up and I had to demolish the whole thing. I am trying to build it back right but I am having a hard time. I am trying to float a "deck mud" base to go under the pan liner. I bought two 55 lb bags of Mapei 4 to 1 and gave it ago. I mixed it based on what I have found on the internet. It was dry but I could still make a ball. I checked it out over the period of two days and it was just crumbling. I could run my finger over it and it would create a divot. I pulled it all out and decided to try again. I called Mapei and they said it was either too wet or too dry (not real helpful). Two days ago I tried the second bag. This time I added more water. The manufacturer said 2 to 3 liters. I went just shy of 3 liters. This time it was smooth but if you put pressure on it, it would rock. I assume it was shrinking. I pulled it again. What am I doing wrong? I'm not an idiot but I cannot figure out how to get this done right. I don't want to do it again and have to pull it again. Do you have recommendations on the proper mix? Is there a particular brand? Do you buy the sand and portland cement and mix yourself? I've read one guys write-up that suggests you should do 5 to 1 sand/cement. I want to do this only one more time. Sorry it's so long. I'm running out of options. Please help me so I can get this done and go install a cam in my Camaro! Regards, Aaron