Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Installing a new tub

I am installing a new bath tub and the book I have says that I need to have a mortar base to set the tub. The salesman at the store (a large chain) didn't have any idea about this (both in the bath and cement areas). The existing tub (installed by the builder) didn't have a mortar base, so what is the correct way to do it? Thanks for your help.

The best way to do any project is follow the directions.

In this case that is true, a mortor bed is the best way to install a fiberglass tub. It creates a solid surface for the entire tub base.

However, depending on the tub, and the surface you are installing on you may be able to do without.

I just put in a Kroler 96 gl corner wp tub. The installation book gave several options for installation, the prefered was to use a mortor bed.

I was already concerned about the wieght of the tub on the second floor without the extra pounds of a mortor base. I opted not to use the mortor. (However still following the manufacturers alternate directions).

Unless you are concerned about wieght, I would recomend a mortor bed. Mortor is very inexpensive, ($3 - $4 per bag, 3 - 6 bags should do it depending on the size of your tub), and fairly easy to work with.

I have seen posts on this site where others have used drywall compound in place of mortor. I suppose this would do the same job, and a little less wieght.

I hope this helps.

Almost every tub and shower, shower only, jacuzzi, and shower pan I have installed sits on mortar. Best way to support units and is a great selling point to my customers along with the added strength that these units need.