Tools you will need:
- Drill and mixing attachment
- Bucket
- Trowel
- Measuring jug
- Sponge or damp cloth
- Access to clean water
- Spirit level
Materials you will need:
- 20kg bag of Rapid Set Sand & Cement
- Clean water
- Tile trim (optional)
Recommended products
For a premixed ‘just add water’ mortar to bed a shower base, we recommend using Cement Australia Rapid Set Sand & Cement.
Requiring minimal mixing and sets rapidly, so it is highly suitable for repair applications.
Before you get started
- Coverage: Approx 1m2 per 20kg bag (5mm thickness)
- Read the Hints & Tips section
- Ensure your waterproofing and required tile underlay is completed prior to commencing this project in accordance with Australian Standard AS 3740 “Waterproofing of domestic wet areas”
Safety
Before you begin any project, please ensure you protect yourself with the following:
Boots
Face mask
Gloves
Googles
Long pants & sleeves
Team lift
Look after yourself properly
- Protect your skin and eyes. Cement based products are alkaline and can cause burns to exposed skin or eyes.
- All 20kg bags of cement products require 2 people to lift them safely. Always follow safe lifting procedures to avoid injury. So ask a friend to help you lift the bag.
INSTALLING A SHOWER BASE
1
Mix the Rapid Set Sand and Cement
Mix according to the instructions on the bag. Only mix the required amount that can be placed within 5 minutes.
Tip
It is recommended to use a drill mixer to mix the product quicker and ensure a consistent mix.
2
Placing the Mortar
Place onto the shower base surface taking care to not penetrate the water proofing. Leave the thickness of the tile between the top of the bedding and the tile trim or water grid to allow a flush surface when tiling.
3
Finishing the bedding surface
Spread the mix with the trowel. Ensure that there are no low or high spots on the trowelled surface.
4
Repeat steps 2 & 3 if more product is required. This needs to be done quickly as the product will begin to dry.
5
Ensure the correct fall
Check the bedding falls towards the drain using a level so that all the water runs into the drain.
6
Curing the shower base
Allow the Rapid Set Sand and Cement to cure for 3 days.
7
Tile the surface
Tiles can be placed when the product has cured.