Shower Receptors That Don't Need To Be Set In Mortar?

Mike Finley

I'm looking for shower receptors that don't need to be set in mortar if this is possible. Also I want the kind that are self-leveled, they sit on the subfloor, if the subfloor is level, they are level. I've talked to a few people in town and they keep coming back to Florestone. Keep in mind a solution that costs a lot of money isn't a solution, I'm talking about the fiberglass/acrylic price range units, if it's going to cost $600 for a 36x36 then there are other solutions it is competing with and it doesn't make any sense. My cost on a Florestone for say a 60x34 is under $200.00.

To sum it up -

Is there a shower receptor that is economical but still you would be comfortable installing without a mortar base?

Peladu

The simple answer to you Mike is that I always set my bases in mortar, always.

My tubs too, always.

Double-A

The Sterling Advantage series is a nice strong receptor and mortar is optional. I don't suggest ever setting without mortar if the folks using it weigh 200+ lbs.

For those situations where the client is 250+ lbs. we try to go to a terrazzo receptor.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

Peladu

Battery, your math doesn't work. (200lb.)

It doesn"t work because what happens if your client sells the house in the future to a person who is over the 200 lb mark?

There is no way to calculate the weight of anyone who would be using that shower in the future.

Z wha I'm Zay-en?

Mike Finley

Just to clarify, what I'm looking for is a line where mortar isn't just optional, but where mortar isn't required. You know what I mean? I'm looking for a line that is engineered so that mortar isn't a requirement because the receptor has been engineered and built in such a way that it doesn't need mortar to avoid the flexing or the crunching and squeeking noise issues down the road.

I suspect that I'm looking for something that doesn't exist. I have a feeling that like double A suggested that there will be a line where it is "optional". But we all know what "optional" means - you better do it, if you want a bullet proof install.

The way I see it the choice of the shower floor for us is a budget driven item. You either are working on a lower budget remodel and it's a receptor, or it's a higher budget remodel and it's a custom mud pan covered with tile. A terrazo in my mind would be a choosen as style consideration. That's my thoughts anyways.

Mike Finley

I understand that, and I understand why. It's product driven, it's because of the way some products are built. But there are definitly tubs that don't require a mortar base, they are engineered and built so it isn't needed. But shower receptors? I'm wondering if it's just an issue of economy. Such as there isn't any because there is no market for one because it will cost too much to build one that way. So is it ultimately that if you want a receptor because it's driven by price then you have to mortar them.

ron schenker

Mike, you should know that receptors in a shower are illegal! I'm surprised MDSHUNK hasn't chimed in yet

__________________
Don't worry, the baseboard will hide it!

Double-A

We set on mortar as well, all the time.

What I was getting at is reading through what the manufacturer has to say, mortar is not required. Period.

If the manufacturer says that mortar is optional, then its optional, and not required. I was just pointing out a situation where I would no longer see it as optional based on 'existing circumstances'. Its a mute point with me, I prefer to set on mortar in almost all cases. I will set a cultured marble unit in sand when recommended, but I still prefer mortar with a barrier over it for cultured marble.

Swanstone is the only cultured marble product that I know of that will allow you to set directly in mortar.

Sterling says using a spun roving under the receptor will take care of the squeakies. They provide it with many of their receptors.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006

Double-A

No, that's just unmarried receptionists and only in certain parts of PA and Crockett, Texas. Married receptionists are legal in all 50 states and encouraged. Especially if they are wired.

__________________
"My clients’ wishes are the center of my attention." -- David Guido, a contractor in Woodstock, N.Y.
New York Times, July 20, 2006