- Cement Backer Board. Cement backer board is also called cement board, and it’s the most commonly used backer board for all manner of ceramic and porcelain tiles.
- Fiber Cement Board. Fiber cement board, also known as fiber board, is made from a sheet of Portland cement mixed with sand and cellulose fibers.
- Glass Mat Gypsum Board. Made from water-resistant gypsum treated with silicone, glass mat gypsum board is reinforced with fiberglass mats on top and bottom.
- Styrofoam Backer Board. 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.
- Water-Resistant Drywall. While not considered backer board, water-resistant drywall can be used in spaces where occasional splashes may occur but which are otherwise dry, such as a glass-tile backsplash in ...
- Plywood. Plywood also isn’t considered a backer board, although it’s often used as the substrate for tile installations.
What is the best backer board to use for tile?
1 Cement Backer Board. Cement backer board is also called cement board, and it’s the most commonly used backer board for all manner of ceramic and porcelain tiles. 2 Fiber Cement Board. ... 3 Glass Mat Gypsum Board. ... 4 Styrofoam Backer Board. ... 5 Water-Resistant Drywall. ... 6 Plywood. ...
Which is the best board for shower backsplash?
Which Shower Tile Backer board is best? 1 Sheetrock/Greenboard. Sheetrock in a wet area is a major no-no. It usually works fine for a kitchen backsplash or fireplace but as a shower tile ... 2 Glass Mat Gypsum Wall Board. 3 Fiber cement board. 4 Cement Board. 5 Foam Tile Backer Boards.
What kind of cement board do you use for floor tiles?
Fiber board is recommended for floor tile installations, since thin-set mortar adheres well to it, ensuring a strong tile-to-floor bond. Fiber cement board comes in sheets measuring 3 x 5 feet with a thickness ranging from 1/4-inch to 5/16-inch. Glass Mat Gypsum Board
What is membrane faced tile backer board?
Membrane-Faced Board Only One type of tile backer board is made with a water-resistant facing on both sides of the board. Georgia-Pacific's DensShield is one such product. The facing serves as an integrated waterproofing membrane, so you don't need to install a separate layer of plastic behind the tile backer or a sheet membrane over the backer.
What is the best backer board for tile?
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 board do you use behind shower tile?
Use an appropriate waterproof or moisture-resistant backing material behind grouted tile or stone or segmented plastic or fiberglass tub and shower surrounds. Appropriate materials include cement board which has a cementitious core and glass mats on both sides to strengthen the board.
Do you need cement board behind tile?
Do You Have to Use Cement Board Behind Tile? It's imperative to use a cement board or another waterproof backing board behind the tile in your shower. In most other applications, including in kitchens, you can tile directly onto drywall. Do not attempt to cut corners by tiling on top of drywall in your shower.
What goes behind tile in bathroom?
0:041:35Shower Tile Backers and What Not to Use - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr two cement backer board that's moisture resistant if you look at this existing shower that we'reMoreOr two cement backer board that's moisture resistant if you look at this existing shower that we're tearing out right now.
What material goes behind shower tile?
cement boardIn showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board.
What is the best material to use behind shower walls?
acrylicWe recommend acrylic as the best shower wall material. Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day.
Which is better cement board or Hardibacker?
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.
What is better cement board or backer board?
0:051:58Cement Backerboard Benefits: HardieBacker Installs BetterYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAvailable at Lowe's home improvement Hardiebacker. Cement board installs better than any other boardMoreAvailable at Lowe's home improvement Hardiebacker. Cement board installs better than any other board out there. No other cement board cuts cleaner with less mess. And better seam lines its solid
Can you use 1/4 cement board on floors?
1/4" USG Durock® cement board is an ideal substrate for floor and countertop ceramic tile installations. The 1/4" thickness helps eliminate transition trim when abutting carpet or wood flooring and minimize level variations with other finish materials.
Can you use green board behind tile in shower?
So what does all this mean? It means "Greenboard" can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).
What do you install behind tile?
1:497:01How to Tile a Shower | Tile Prep and Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe're installing our backer board you can see we've chosen a board with the same thickness as ourMoreWe're installing our backer board you can see we've chosen a board with the same thickness as our drywall. So you have a seamless transition from one to the other. You measure your work area. And you
What thickness backer board should I use?
For flooring, the backer board should be installed over a 5/8-inch thick OSB or plywood base. For countertops, use 3/4-inch plywood beneath the backer board. And for walls and ceilings, apply 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch backer board screwed directly to the wall studs or joists.
Can I use green board in a shower?
So what does all this mean? It means "Greenboard" can still be used in bathrooms (and other areas), it just cannot be used as a backer for tile in a shower or tub surround. It can be used in areas not subject to direct water exposure (tub/shower surround), and areas of noncontinuous high humidity (bathrooms).
Can you put tile on drywall in a shower?
The bottom line is that drywall (and this includes moisture resistant drywall) should never be used behind tile in wet areas (showers and tub-shower combinations).
How thick should cement board be for shower walls?
1/2″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″.
Do I need to waterproof cement board in shower?
You need to apply waterproofing over cement board in wet areas such as a shower. However, in areas that don't get wet you don't need it. Mortar, tile and grout provide some protection against water as well as the cement board itself. It's enough to resist water in areas that don't get that wet like a tiled floor.
What is cement tile backer board?
Cement tile backer board is a mineral-based board, usually 30 inches by 60 inches, used as a lower, dimensionally stable surface for ceramic tile. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate . Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to ...
What is the substrate for tile in a 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.
Why is my drywall paper moldy?
Because paper is an organic product, it will quickly become moldy.
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 put plastic sheeting behind cement board?
In this application, cement board is installed directly onto the studs. No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board. A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is rolled onto the cement board and allowed to cure. Then, tile is installed over the membrane.
Can plywood be used as a shower backer?
Plywood on its own cannot be used as a substrate under tile in showers. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower/tub backer board. This is not true.
Is greenboard drywall or drywall?
Greenboard 's acceptability as a shower backer board is debatable. Greenboard is only slightly more water-resistant than plain drywall. Greenboard has drywall 's same gypsum core and paper facing.
How thick is a tile backer board?
Like regular drywall, it’s found at most home centers in 1/2-in. thick, 4 x 8-ft. sheets. A good base for paint, wallpaper and tile in occasionally damp areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Inexpensive—about a fifth the price of the other types of tile backer board. Not suitable as a tile backer around tubs and showers.
What is a good backer board for drywall?
Water-resistant drywall is a good backer board choice behind sinks and other places where occasional splashing and high humidity could affect regular drywall. The sheets are made from a water-repellent gypsum core covered by water-resistant paper. Like regular drywall, it’s found at most home centers in 1/2-in. thick, 4 x 8-ft. sheets.
What is glass mat gypsum board?
Glass mat gypsum board. Glass mat gypsum board works well in damp areas, including tub surrounds, but not in areas that may be continuously wet or damp. The sheets are made from water-resistant silicone-treated gypsum, reinforced on both sides by fiberglass mats. The tile side is sealed with a waterproof coating.
What is cement board?
Cement board is the most durable, trouble-free tile backer for tub surrounds, showers, floors and all other wet areas. Its made from cement and sand, and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides, so it’s impervious to water. It’s typically available in 1/2-in. thick, 3 x 5-ft. sheets. Other sizes are available, including 1/4-in. or 5/16-in. thick. For installation instructions, see cement board ceramic tile
How thick is a tile sheet?
It’s typically available in 1/2-in. thick, 4 x 5-ft. sheets, but tile dealers carry other sizes, including 1/4-in. thick sheets. Strengths: Waterproof skin; doesn’t need an additional moisture barrier. Lighter in weight than cement board. Easier to cut and fasten than cement board.
What are the drawbacks of fiberglass mats?
Drawbacks: Will soften if water seeps through joints or gets behind the waterproof surface. Can’t support all types of floor tile (see product specification sheet). Fiberglass mats irritate bare skin. Wear long sleeves, gloves, goggles and a dust mask when cutting and handling them.
Why do you put a tile backer under tile?
You install a tile backer (also known as a backer board) under tile in wet areas because tile needs a good, solid base or substrate. But not just any type of material will work as a substrate.
What is backer board?
Installing a backer board is a substitute for troweling on countless thick layers of mortar as a base. In essence, you are getting your troweled on base–except that all the work has been done for you in a factory and is delivered to you in a nice, compact, and hard form: backer board.
What is a wedi panel?
Wedi Panel Panels are so much more than a simple tile backer board and offer endless installation opportunities. Available in a wide variety of thicknesses and sizes, they are compatible with virtually any substructure. wedi Building Panels are lightweight, internally waterproof, and dimensionally stable, making them fast, clean, and simple to work with. The blue waterproof core is CFC-free, made from waterproof extruded polystyrene foam, reinforced with fiberglass mesh on both sides, and coated with synthetic polymer resin mortar which fully embeds the mesh layer resulting in the panel’s strength and the ability to develop the highest adhesion strength to virtually any type of thin-set mortar. The embedded mesh eliminates the risk of delamination of installation layers.
What size is a hardie backer?
HardieBacker comes in both 3′ x 5′ and 4′ x 8′ sizes. But unless you are installing as a team, you will find the large size too heavy to handle on your own. HardieBacker is 90% Portland cement and sand, along with patented MoldBlock technology. Details: If you expect to apply fiber cement board in areas of high water volume (tiling a bathtub, ...
What is Wonderboard made of?
Composition: Wonderboard is a very fibrous material, its cement core heavily interlaced with long fibers designed to help hold the board together. Details: Available in 36″ x 60″ sizes (either 7/16″ or 1/4″ thick), Wonderboard can be cut with a utility knife.
Why doesn't green board work?
These materials do not work because you need a cementitious base–one that has the qualities of cement and masonry, cousins of tile. Wood, regular drywall, and even green board have organic elements which will degrade in high-moisture environments.
Can a panel be used for bonded waterproofing?
With suitable preparation of the abutting seams and joint areas, the panel may be used for bonded waterproofing assemblies. The boards are simply cut to size with a utility knife. The gridlines, which are printed on the surface, are helpful for neat and quick cuts and installation.
What is blueboard tile?
Blueboard is a type of drywall that is frequently used for a tile wall in a shower. Not only is it water-resistant, but blueboard is easy to find and inexpensive, making it an ideal option for those on a budget. Furthermore, blueboard is not difficult to install. The process of installing blueboard is similar to that of regular drywall and can be done with little prior experience. Although it is water-resistant, you will need to make sure all seams are properly covered and place some kind of water barrier between the tile and blueboard. Fortunately, there are plenty of products for this purpose, including RedGard and Kerdi membranes.
What type of drywall is used for tile walls?
Cement board is by far the heaviest type of drywall used in tile wall applications and the most resistant to water. While it may be heavy, installing cement board is just like installing drywall, with a few minor differences. For starters, the cement backerboard will need to be cut to the proper dimensions with a jigsaw. Next, properly secure the board to the wall’s structure via concrete screws. Unfortunately, drywall screws will not work. After applying some seam tape to cover joints, a waterproof membrane should be added to prevent any leaks. In addition to the water barrier, it's a good idea to install a vapor barrier behind the cement board. This can be in the form of plastic sheets and will help minimize damage if water does make its way through the board.
What is greenboard made of?
Greenboard is created with recycled materials, which makes it ideal for an environmentally-conscience choice. The installation process of greenboard is the same as blueboard, and a water barrier will be needed to keep moisture away from the board.
How long does it take to install tile?
Second, the installation will likely take a few days to complete, which may or may not leave you without a shower for a day or two.
Why do you need a water barrier on drywall?
This is done to help prevent water from damaging the structure of the wall. Additionally, using regular drywall can compromise the integrity of the tile as water will disintegrate the drywall.
Can you use drywall in a shower?
Regular drywall can be used as a base for tiles in a shower, but only as an absolute last resort. Even in the best of scenarios, the tile and grout will eventually wear down, leaving behind a clear route for water to seep through and soak into the drywall. If you have to use regular drywall, then a water barrier must be inserted behind ...
Do you need a water barrier behind tile?
Whatever type of board you use, there needs to be a waterproof barrier installed behind the tile. Not only will this keep water from ruining the backboard, but it will also ensure that the structure of the wall is not comprised. Furthermore, it is also a good idea to install another water barrier behind the drywall in order to keep water ...
Where to stop tile on pony wall?
A lot of times, people will stop the tile at the outside edge of the pony wall. For the 39 inch wall, you can stop the tile short of 39-inches if you like. It should extend beyond the tub but if you want to stop at 35-inches, or whatever works, then that is perfectly fine.
What is the best size for a ditra tile?
But they both perform essentially the same function: to provide an underlayment for tile over a subfloor. Typically, the 1/8 inch thick Ditra is a better choice for today’s big tile and matching up with neighboring carpet or hardwood. However, it has a minimum size requirement of 2 inch x 2 inch.
What are the drawbacks of foam board?
The main drawback is the cost and maybe availability. The foam board itself is typically 3 times the cost of cement board. Then you have to buy the urethane sealant that you use in between the joints of every panel (or banding for products like Kerdi-board). Also, the stainless screws and special washers.
Can you use sealant in between tub seams?
July 2, 2019 at 6:40 pm. You can use sealant in between the seams and then use the 5-inch banding over that. There’s nothing wrong with doing that. Also, the Schluter video that shows the banding around the edge of the tub is a good method and would be a good way to finish your tub with Durock foam board.
Can you use Kerdi on a shower floor?
Kerdi is used for walls and waterproofing wet areas but Schluter doesn’t want it used for floors (other than sloped shower floors). Ditra is used for floors, but not walls, and has some waterproofing capabilities but shouldn’t be used in a shower environment as the primary waterproofing membrane.
Can drywall be wet?
The thinking is that as long as there’s a completely waterproof membrane on the front of the drywall that the sheetrock will never get wet. Factor in that drywall is easy to install and easy to thinset over and you can see the appeal of waterproofing your shower this way.
How thick is a steam shower ceiling?
By the way, a steam shower ceiling should have a 2-inch per foot slope to it. This is another of the special steam shower requirements.
What is the best material for a cement board?
Equivalent materials include coated glass mat which has a gypsum core with glass fibers sandwiched between fiberglass surface mats and fiber cement which is reinforced with wood fibers.
What is the best material for a shower?
Use an appropriate waterproof or moisture-resistant backing material behind grouted tile or stone or segmented plastic or fiberglass tub and shower surrounds. Appropriate materials include cement board which has a cementitious core ...
Why do you need to seal the walls behind a shower?
When installing a shower or tub on an exterior wall, it is essential to air seal and insulate the wall cavities behind the shower and tub enclosure to prevent thermal bypasses that can result in moisture, heating, and cooling problems.
Is cement board waterproof?
Cement board comes in the same standard sheet sizes as regular gypsum board: both are 5 feet wide, which is also the width of a standard tub surround. Unless specifically manufactured as a waterproof product, cement board is water resistant but not waterproof.
Can gypsum board be used in a shower?
Use of water-resistant gypsum backing board is allowed on ceilings where framing spacing is 12 inches or less on center for ½-inch thick or 16 inches for 5/8-inch thick gypsum board. Water-resistant gypsum board cannot be installed over a Class I or II vapor retarder in a shower or tub compartment.
How thick should grout be for ceramic tile?
Also, in water areas, your grout line thickness should never exceed 1/8 of an inch. This helps in minimizing water penetration and also helps in the visual appeal.
Do you need edging on glass tile?
Glass and often natural stone don't need any edging at all, because the edges of the tiles are attractive. Simply taking care to clean up the thinset and grout carefully should be all you need. If it's porcelain or other ceramic, the edge will often show the clay plus the glaze and look unfinished.
Do you need backerboard for shower?
No backerboard required. Unlike a shower which is continually soaked by water, a backsplash just catches the occasional splurt of some liquid or other. The tile you put up with the sealer you put over it is more than adequate to deal with that amount of liquid. Our wallboard, like yours, wasn't in pristine shape.
Cement Board Detail
The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1/4 in. above the lip of the tub. Then apply a generous amount of thin-set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1/8 in. above the tub.
What is Backer Board?
Cement backer board is used as a sub-surface for tiling, usually for showers or bathtubs. Backer boars are generally placed against plywood or OSB board. This treatment is unnecessary if there is already cement backing.
