Wall Backer For Shower Tile

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.

Wall backer for shower tile.

Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. To cut a backer board mark the board score it with a knife and snap it along the cut. Measure the work area and cut your boards to fit. 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.

Doesn t deteriorate when wet. The first step of understanding how to tile a shower is preparing your work area. Backer board is the best substrate for tile. But with many non organic shower backer boards available as alternatives there is little reason to use greenboard.

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. Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. You don t need to use a backer board in the entire bathroom just in the wet shower area.

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