Table of Contents
What goes behind shower walls?
Rigid air barrier materials for use behind showers and tubs include fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels.
What is the cheapest shower wall material?
Fiberglass Shower Wall This is one of the most affordable options out there for shower walls. You can find prefabricated fiberglass shower walls from most home improvement stores.
How do you waterproof a shower wall?
Do you need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?
Applying a waterproofing sealer to cement backer board before tiling. Since a tile tub or shower surround gets wet, it requires a waterproof backing, rather than just drywall.
What can I use for shower wall panels?
Acrylic: Acrylic can also be an affordable pick for shower walls. Although it can get a bit more expensive than fiberglass, it’s a very popular choice for shower panels. Lightweight and resistant to chipping or cracking, it’s also low maintenance and attractive.
Can you use cement board for shower walls?
Cement boards can be used in a shower because they can be exposed to water and moisture without warping, rotting, and deteriorating. It also does not promote the growth of molds and mildew. Cement boards are also a good substrate to use for tiles, which are commonly installed in showers as well.
Do you put drywall behind a shower surround?
Fiberglass and acrylic tub and shower enclosures come with a flanged edge that attaches directly to the wall studs, and the proper way to hide this flange is to install drywall over it. Consequently, enclosures are typically installed on the bare studs.
What are shower walls made of?
Acrylic & Fiberglass For those who are on a budget or want the easiest shower wall option, acrylic or fiberglass walls are the way to go. Acrylic and fiberglass materials are the most widely used shower wall materials in new home constructions as they’re low-maintenance, affordable, and extremely durable.
What goes behind cement board in shower?
Unless specifically manufactured as a waterproof product, cement board is water resistant but not waterproof. You must coat it with a fluid-applied waterproofing or apply a water-resistant barrier behind it that drains (BSC 2009b).
What kind of drywall do you use for shower walls?
Look into cement board if you need waterproof drywall. This type of waterproof drywall is designed for wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds. Be cognizant that cement board requires a moisture barrier behind it, which makes the installation process longer than moisture-resistant drywall.
Does cement board in shower need waterproofing?
Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Since many people confuse the terms, it is a common misconception that this is the best material for use inside a shower or tub area.
What is the best material for a shower panel?
What Is The Best Material For Shower Walls? Glass Tile. Glass tiles are one of the most commonly used shower wall materials due to their protective waterproof nature. Ceramic Tiles. Ceramic tiles are available in a variety of sizes, designs, and textures. Fiberglass. Acrylic. Natural Stone.
Can I use laminate sheets for shower walls?
You can use laminate sheets for shower walls. Laminated shower walls differ from molded shower enclosures. Each wall is a separate piece. Laminated sheets can’t be bent to fit corners or edges, so individual pieces are cut to fit each wall.
What are shower wall panels?
A shower wall panel is basically a tough, hardwearing and waterproof wall covering designed to be fitted inside shower cubicles or areas. Often sold in kit form, they are a waterproof panelling system which is an alternative to more traditional tiles.
Can wood be used on shower walls?
If wood is used as a wall, floor, or ceiling finish in a bathroom—especially one with a bathtub or shower—you’ll want to make sure you have a fan installed for proper ventilation. This will also protect the wood from warping and reduce the chance of mold or mildew from growing.
What kind of wood is used for shower walls?
Cedar is a very popular wood for shower enclosures. It is soft, light, and easy to work on. It is rot, termite, and powder Beetle resistant. It can last years without maintenance or treatment.
What is the best backer board for 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.
What do you put under shower base?
Mortar is recommended to use under all shower pans. Mortar reduces the risk of your pan slipping or cracking from an uneven surface.
How thick should cement board be for shower walls?
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.
Does shower pan liner go behind backer board?
The wallboard must be installed 1/8 inch above the shower pan. If the shower pan is not in place, the wallboard height must be guessed, which can lead to inaccuracies and an expansion gap that is too large or too small.
