Wall Backer For Shower Tile

This is not true.

Wall backer for shower tile.

Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. Remove all shower accessories and hardware. 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. 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.

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. Leave the shower pan in place if possible covering it with a blanket or towel to prevent damage. Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board.

But with many non organic shower backer boards available as alternatives there is little reason to use greenboard. Measure the work area and cut your boards to fit. Backer board is the best substrate for tile. Wear heavy duty work gloves and remove the tile and backer board down to the studs.

The first step of understanding how to tile a shower is preparing your work area. Doesn t deteriorate when wet. Plywood alone cannot be used as a substrate under tile in showers. The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround.

Choose a backer board that s the same thickness as the drywall so you have a seamless transition from one to the other. 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. A successful tile installation depends largely on the type substrate the tile is adhered to.