Shower Tile Backer Board Install

I often get questions on what sort of tile backer board to use for showers and tub surrounds.

Shower tile backer board install. For highly wet areas such as showers and bathtub surrounds cement board typically is attached directly over the wall studs and the studs may be covered with an intervening moisture membrane. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood. Wedi board tile backer board which shower tile backer board is best. Center a tile horizontally along the length of the wall and do a quick dry fit to make sure you don t have a lot of tiny tile at the end of the rows.

Once demolition of the old tile is complete install a cement backer board in the shower area image 1. If so adjust your layout to have wider tile on the sides. Have a professional install a shower membrane and shower pan appropriate for the space. For the vertical layout begin your pattern at the top of the wall so there ll be full uncut tile at the top.

Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Decide the best way to install the board on your shower walls. When it comes to installing a tile backer board the easiest to install is usually the worst choice or most expensive option. Ceramic and porcelain tile more than almost any other surface material needs a stable flat flex free substrate.

The best method is to refasten the subfloor then add a layer of plywood. There is no need to install backer board on a concrete substrate ceramic tile can be applied right over concrete provided the surface is flat smooth and free of significant cracks. For most shower walls the drywall installed in the home during the building phase is cut off at the edge of the shower opening and then backer board is installed in place of the drywall in the wet areas. In our project the shower pan is poured concrete image 2.

According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters installing backer board directly over an old solid wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. The backer boards are usually around a one half inch thick in both cases. All the insider information on how to build and waterproof a.

Cover the wall studs in plastic sheeting cut down to size with a utility knife to act as a moisture barrier for the. Anyone can enjoy the benefits of a cement board shower system if you follow these 3 easy steps. How to install backer board in a shower 1. Vertical or horizontal placement doesn t matter.