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.

Plywood alone cannot be used as a substrate under tile in showers. The first step of understanding how to tile a shower is preparing your work area. Doesn t deteriorate when wet. 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.

But with many non organic shower backer boards available as alternatives there is little reason to use greenboard. To cut a backer board mark the board score it with a knife and snap it along the cut. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. Wear heavy duty work gloves and remove the tile and backer board down to the studs.

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. A successful tile installation depends largely on the type substrate the tile is adhered to. 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. Backer board is the best substrate for tile.

Choose a backer board that s the same thickness as the drywall so you have a seamless transition from one to the other. The industry standard is to use 1 2 inch thick backer board on wall tile installations such as a tub surround. You don t need to use a backer board in the entire bathroom just in the wet shower area. Leave the shower pan in place if possible covering it with a blanket or towel to prevent damage.

This is not true. Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses 1 2 inch and 1 4 inch. The amount of water that seeps through the tile and grout and backer board of a shower wall is minuscule.