Wall Backer For Shower Tile

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.

Wall backer for shower tile.

To cut a backer board mark the board score it with a knife and snap it along the cut. A successful tile installation depends largely on the type substrate the tile is adhered to. Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch. Wear heavy duty work gloves and remove the tile and backer board down to the studs.

The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround. Measure the work area and cut your boards to fit. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. The only area a topical waterproof membrane makes any sense is installed over a sloped mud pan run up the wall a few inches and wrapped over the shower damn step.

This is not true. Plywood alone cannot be used as a substrate under tile in showers. Doesn t deteriorate when wet. The amount of water that seeps through the tile and grout and backer board of a shower wall is minuscule.

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. Choose a backer board that s the same thickness as the drywall so you have a seamless transition from one to the other. The first step of understanding how to tile a shower is preparing your work area. You don t need to use a backer board in the entire bathroom just in the wet shower area.

Remove all shower accessories and hardware. Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. Leave the shower pan in place if possible covering it with a blanket or towel to prevent damage.