Thinset is a mortar that is made of portland cement silica sand and moisture retaining agents.
Mortar for bathtub.
Unless you re installing a cast iron bathtub you are going to need a mortar bed to support your tub base.
The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full.
Then embed the tub into the mortar.
The mortar provides a stable base for the tub to rest on when the tub is full so the casing of the tub doesn t have to support all of the weight and crack.
It should not be runny but rather stand up on it s own.
Thinset tile mortar has a smooth slippery consistency similar to mud.
Setting tubs in mortar is a method used by professional plumbers who specialize in quality home construction.
The mortar should be evened out and about 2 inches thick on all sides.
The mortar conforms to the contours of the tub and when it sets it prevents the tub from moving and supports the weight.
Both regular thinset mortar and floor leveling compound are suitable.
Thinset tile mortar.
Thinset mortar is your default tile mortar for most indoor and outdoor applications.
Mix the mortar so that it can support the tub.
Pour the mortar on the subfloor so that it s a few inches from the drain opening.
It is applied to the substrate with a notched trowel.