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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 cement board is best 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.
How thick should cement board be for shower walls?
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.
What do you put behind cement board in shower?
Whenever installing tile in any area of your house, you need a special substrate, or base layer. In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board.
Do you need to seal Hardibacker before tiling?
Contrary to popular thought, tile and grout are not waterproof, and some moisture will penetrate even if sealant is used. If you decide to go this route, no sealant will need to be applied on top of the backerboard, as this could trap moisture between the two layers of waterproofing.
Which side of the cement board goes 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 vapor barrier behind Hardibacker?
Hardibacker doesn’t need a vapor barrier or waterproofing except you do need to tape and thinset the joints.
How long should cement board screws be?
Drill screws through the backerboard sheets every 6 to 8 inches. Position the screws at least 1/2-inch, but no more than 2 inches, from the edge of the sheet.
Do you need to waterproof cement board in shower?
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.
How do you choose backer board?
The main choice for the backer board is where it is being used, wet or dry areas such as a bathroom or a hallway. Fiber cement board is a thin layer of concrete that is installed as a sturdy surface subfloor for tile setting.
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.
Can you tile directly on drywall?
It will be fine to tile over drywall in low-moisture areas, such as tiling around a fireplace. In areas of high moisture, such as walls in a shower, for long term durability, it is NOT advised to install tile over drywall, even if the drywall is Type MR, moisture resistant.
Can I use drywall mesh tape for cement board?
What Tape To Use Where The Drywall Meets Cement Board. When dealing with a scenario where the drywall and the cement board meet, you can use fiberglass mesh tape. In this instance, you use a setting type compound for joints and apply the mesh tape to the compound.
Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?
This way, you should get a tighter wall without trapping moisture inside the exterior walls. If you are framing out a below-grade basement, however, do not use plastic as a vapor barrier. Concrete tends to wick moisture, and if you cover insulated cavities with plastic they can become wet and optimal for mold growth.
Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.
How thick does my backer board need to be?
Cement-fiber, or similarly reinforced, backer board comes in standard 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch thicknesses. If you’re installing backer board over an existing subfloor, 1/4 inch is sufficient. If you’re installing backer board in new construction, attaching it directly to floor joists, opt for 1/2 inch sheets.
What is the best cement backer board?
- Foam boards are lightweight, easy to cut, and a completely waterproof. Pictured: Wedi Board tile backer board.
- Schluter approves Kerdi over drywall.
- Hardibacker is the best known fiber cement board.
- Cement board has improved over the years and is easier to work with.
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 have to tape cement board before tiling?
If you are going to tile over the cement board, you should tape the seams. If you just want to leave the corners untreated that will probably be fine, because that seam won’t split the center of a tile.
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.
