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The minimum recommended thickness for the shower wall is 1/2″ because like some of the other boards, they become far too flexible at thicknesses below 1/2″. Foam shower tile backer boards are generally about 4x the cost of cement board.
Can you use 1/4 inch cement board walls?
Although some older guidelines claim that a 1/4 Hardie backerboard for shower walls is sufficient, this is due to the fact that it is technically true. The 1/4-inch concrete backerboards will indeed grip the mortar and be moldproof as well as resist dissolution from exposure to moisture.
How thick should cement board be for bathroom?
Cement Board Thickness Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses, 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. The industry standard is to use 1/2-inch-thick backer board on wall tile installations, such as a tub surround.
What is the best cement board for shower walls?
Styrofoam backer board is extremely lightweight, and it’s strong and waterproof. It’s also easier to cut than other backer boards, and it’s dust-free. It’s ideal for wet areas like the shower walls or floor.
What thickness cement board should I use?
Floors: A 1/4-inch minimum thickness is needed, but thicker panels are also fine. Walls: Use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch-thick cement board, not 1/4-inch. The extra thickness is needed when spanning the studs and it provides a solid base for the tile.
Can you use cement board in a shower?
There are several acceptable applications of cement board in the shower. All applications pair up the tile board with some kind of waterproofing material, whether a liquid membrane, plastic sheeting, an uncoupling membrane like Schluter Kerdi, or a board that is already faced with waterproofing.
Can you double up 1/4 cement board?
You can double it up, but I would not exceed 1/4″ as it may interfere with the tub/shower lip if you use 1/2″. 3×5 sheets of hardie or durock will be easier to handle. Seams are little worry, just use proper mesh tape and thinset.
Can you use drywall screws on cement board?
You don’t want to use regular drywall screws for cement boards. They can corrode, they can break down the edges of the boards, and they won’t drive in flush properly. Use ITW’s ROCK-ON and BACKER-ON screws instead.
Do I need to seal cement board before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. However, if you choose to use concrete backerboard, which is much stronger and more durable than gypsum board, a water vapor membrane must be placed underneath it or a sealant applied on top of it.
Can you finish cement board like drywall?
Durock Cement Boards are a type of drywall reinforced with cement for a harder surface. This type of wall material can be finished just like ordinary drywall, using joint tape and joint compound.
Is Hardibacker better than cement board?
HardieBacker is much more light, and it is also the best selling brand of cement board available. It is much cleaner because it does not have any glass in it. It allows for a smooth job with minimal mess. As a bonus, HardieBacker board has an EZ Grid pattern so you can cut perfect lines.
Do I need vapor barrier behind Hardibacker?
Hardibacker doesn’t need a vapor barrier or waterproofing except you do need to tape and thinset the joints.
Can I just screw down cement board?
Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on the floor. Along the perimeter, screws should be installed at least ½ inch from the edge, but no more than 2 1/4 inches.
What is the best backer board to use in a shower?
Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.
Which side of cement board faces out?
Screw the board in place Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.
Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?
Contrary to popular belief, ceramic tile and grout, by themselves are not waterproof. Water can penetrate through cement-based grout and work its way through the substrate. To prevent water damage, you must install a waterproof membrane just below the tile bonding mortar as close to the tile as possible.
Do you need to use RedGard over cement board?
As long as it’s Cement Board & not some crappy “almost” cement board stuff. You really don’t need the RedGard, but the more protection the betterso go for it. And yes, you can do the boards beforehand. But, hit the filled seams & screws (your weak points) as soon as a panel is ready to give it some time to setup.
What kind of tape do you use on cement board?
FibaTape Drywall Tape for Cement Board FibaTape® Cement Board Tape is a patented alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh drywall tape, and the only tape that should be used for cement applications with dry or thin-set mortar.
Can I use 2 layers of cement board?
You can use 1/2″ cement board on the floor if you want to. If you want the floor height higher, then use a layer of plywood first, then add a layer of cement board. Cement board is heavy, and doesnt add any structural strength to the floor like plywood does.
Can you lay cement board over Cementboard?
You can use sheets of cement board over a concrete subfloor before installing ceramic tile. While cement backer boards are normally nailed to wood studs or a wood subfloor, you can use thin-set mortar to bond the cement boards directly to the concrete.
Can you put cement board over Cementboard?
James Hardie Industries, makers of HardieBacker, and USG, makers of Durock, indicate that their respective cement backer boards should not be installed over concrete. James Hardie: HardieBacker specifications specifically exclude concrete as a base for installation.
How do you finish joint between cement board and drywall?
For best results getting a good finish between cement board and drywall, use a setting-type joint compound. This product produces a better finish over mesh tape than all-purpose joint compound. Apply 2–3 coats of joint compound to the seam between wall boards. Wait at least 24 hours between coats of joint compound.3 days ago.
