Wall Backer For Shower Tile

To cut a backer board mark the board score it with a knife and snap it along the cut.

Wall backer for shower tile.

A successful tile installation depends largely on the type substrate the tile is adhered to. Measure the work area and cut your boards to fit. The first step of understanding how to tile a shower is preparing your work area. Wear heavy duty work gloves and remove the tile and backer board down to the studs.

You don t need to use a backer board in the entire bathroom just in the wet shower area. Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch. Backer board is the best substrate for tile. Remove all shower accessories and hardware.

Choose a backer board that s the same thickness as the drywall so you have a seamless transition from one to the other. This is not true. Tile needs to be installed on a backer board to keep the assembly stiff otherwise the assembly will flex at the grout joints allowing water to seep behind the tile and rot the substructure. Leave the shower pan in place if possible covering it with a blanket or towel to prevent damage.

Doesn t deteriorate when wet. Whether it s a wall floor or countertop tile installation using the right substrate is crucial for preventing cracks and breaks in the tile and grout. Cover the wall studs in plastic sheeting cut down to size with a utility knife to act as a moisture barrier for the wall studs behind the backer board. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board.

Plywood alone cannot be used as a substrate under tile in showers. But with many non organic shower backer boards available as alternatives there is little reason to use greenboard. The amount of water that seeps through the tile and grout and backer board of a shower wall is minuscule.