Free reference
Deck Mud Coverage Chart
Use this deck mud coverage chart to estimate square feet per bag by bed thickness, then compare common shower pan and mortar bed sizes before you open the full calculator.
Coverage per bag by thickness
Coverage uses the same formula as the calculator: square feet per bag = bag yield divided by thickness in feet. A 60 lb bag is estimated at 0.45 cu ft, and an 80 lb bag is estimated at 0.60 cu ft.
| Bed thickness | 60 lb bag (~0.45 cu ft) | 80 lb bag (~0.60 cu ft) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.75 in | 7.2 sq ft | 9.6 sq ft |
| 1 in | 5.4 sq ft | 7.2 sq ft |
| 1.25 in | 4.3 sq ft | 5.8 sq ft |
| 1.5 in | 3.6 sq ft | 4.8 sq ft |
| 2 in | 2.7 sq ft | 3.6 sq ft |
| 2.5 in | 2.2 sq ft | 2.9 sq ft |
| 3 in | 1.8 sq ft | 2.4 sq ft |
These are one-bag coverage estimates before waste. Sloped shower pans vary in thickness, so use average thickness for coverage planning.
Bags for common pan and bed sizes
This table assumes an average thickness of 1.5 in, 10% waste, and whole bags rounded up. Sloped shower pans often run around 1.25 in at the drain and thicker at the perimeter, so 1.5 in is a typical average planning thickness.
| Pan or bed size | Area | Base volume | 60 lb bags | 80 lb bags |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 x 3 ft | 9 sq ft | 1.13 cu ft | 3 bags | 3 bags |
| 3 x 4 ft | 12 sq ft | 1.50 cu ft | 4 bags | 3 bags |
| 3 x 5 ft | 15 sq ft | 1.88 cu ft | 5 bags | 4 bags |
| 4 x 4 ft | 16 sq ft | 2.00 cu ft | 5 bags | 4 bags |
| 4 x 5 ft | 20 sq ft | 2.50 cu ft | 7 bags | 5 bags |
| 4 x 6 ft | 24 sq ft | 3.00 cu ft | 8 bags | 6 bags |
| 5 x 5 ft | 25 sq ft | 3.13 cu ft | 8 bags | 6 bags |
Bag counts include 10% waste. Check the yield printed on your product because bagged floor mud and sand topping mixes can vary.
How to use this chart
- Choose the bed thickness or use the average thickness from your sloped shower pan plan.
- Read the square feet covered per bag, or use the size table for common pan footprints.
- Add waste for packing loss, uneven substrate, and field trimming, then round up to whole bags.
- For sloped pans, custom bag yields, or a pre-slope layer, use the deck mud calculator.
FAQ
How much deck mud per square foot?
At 1.25 in thick, deck mud uses about 0.10 cu ft per sq ft. One 60 lb bag covers about 4.3 sq ft, and one 80 lb bag covers about 5.8 sq ft at that thickness.
What thickness should deck mud be?
For shower pans, plan around 1.25 in minimum at the drain, then slope about 1/4 in per ft to the perimeter. Flat floor mud beds commonly use about 1.5 to 2 in, but product instructions and qualified guidance should set the final thickness.
Is deck mud the same as floor mud?
Yes. Deck mud and floor mud usually mean the same dry-pack sand-and-portland mix, commonly discussed around 4:1 to 5:1 sand to cement by volume. The names are often used interchangeably.
How many pounds of mud for a shower pan?
A typical 3 x 5 ft shower pan can need about 4 bags of 60 lb mix, or roughly 240 lb, before extra waste. Use the calculator for your exact pan size, slope, thickness, and bag yield.
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