Best answer
In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board. Ceramic and porcelain tile, more than almost any other surface material, needs a stable, flat, flex-free substrate. Even the slightest amount of movement in a building structure can telegraph to the tile and crack it.
Do I need a vapor barrier behind cement board in shower?
Moisture barriers stop that water or vapor from getting any farther and potentially rotting your studs, the drywall or greenboard installed behind the enclosure. They are required beneath your shower pan and behind your shower walls.
Do you have to waterproof cement board?
Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof. Since many people confuse the terms, it is a common misconception that this is the best material for use inside a shower or tub area.
Can you use plaster in a shower?
Regardless of how you're going to build your shower, you have to be aware that plaster is not waterproof. If the walls in question are going to be exposed to water, you should not be using plaster. Walls near but not in a shower should be greenboard (regular drywall with a water resistant facing).30 Sep 2015
Can you use 1/4 inch cement board on floors?
Floors. Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment. They also require a 3/4-inch subfloor where tile size exceeds 12 inches.
Can you paint cement board in shower?
Can you paint cement board in shower? Not likely. but Hardie backer board's official installation tutorial says it can be finish with paint. Use the backer board on the tiled part, and use the moisture resistant drywall on the rest.
Can cement tiles be used in a shower?
The most common question is, "Can I use them in my shower or bath?" The answer is definitely, "Yes!" Cement tiles can also be used in wet areas such as the bathroom floor, shower floor, shower wall, steam room or sauna. ... However, do not confuse encaustic cement tile with encaustic tile.
Do you have to use thinset under cement board?
No Thinset underneath the backer board “The thinset goes ON TOP of the cement board to stick the tiles!” ... Cement board is a different product and it needs to be installed in its own way. Additionally, screws don't take the place of thinset either.
Do you need to waterproof cement board in a shower?
Cement board is not waterproof. Hardibacker is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water.
Can you use Liquid Nails on cement board?
Can I use liquid nails or glue with HardieBacker® cement board? No. ... It is a structural adhesive generally used to bond the subfloor to the floor joists just prior to nailing. It creates a very solid joint between the surface of the floor joist and the subfloor and aids in reducing floor squeak.
Do I need to waterproof cement board in shower?
Here's what the TCNA handbook has to say about the matter: “A waterproof membrane or vapor retarder membrane must be specified to prevent moisture intrusion and protect adjacent building materials.” ~B412 Bathtub or shower with prefabricated receptor. Cement board or Fiber-cement board.
Related Question Answers

FaNo_FN
ProfessorCan cement board stop a bullet?
Registered. You can always use cement board or 5/8ths fire resistant board on the interior walls and fill in between with sand. Instead of 2x4 walls use 2x6. Sand works wonders for stopping sound, insulating and stopping bullets.

jfs
ProfessorCan you use cement tiles in a shower?
The most common question is, "Can I use them in my shower or bath?" The answer is definitely, "Yes!" Cement tiles can also be used in wet areas such as the bathroom floor, shower floor, shower wall, steam room or sauna.
...
However, do not confuse encaustic cement tile with encaustic tile..

OverLordGoldDragon
ProfessorDo you need plastic behind cement board?
Their online instructions/diagrams show no use of a vapor barrier. You should, so that any moisture that gets behind the cement board runs into the tub or shower instead of into your wall cavity (causing rot or mold/mildew).

spuder
ProfessorCan I use deck screws for cement board?
It's best to use the cement board screw, but a deck screw will do just fine. ... Use screws designed for cement board like Rock-On screws. They start easier than drywall screws in CBUs. They're easier to use, don't rust as easily and hold better.

Brandon
ProfessorDo you need a vapor barrier behind cement board?
You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.

Nima Talebi
ProfessionalWhat do you put behind cement board in shower?
Cement Board and a Liquid Membrane No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board.
A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is applied to the cement board and allowed to cure.
Then, tile is installed over the membrane..

mt1022
ProfessionalIs backer board the same as cement board?
Cement backer board is also called cement board, and it's the most commonly used backer board for all manner of ceramic and porcelain tiles. Made of cement and reinforced on the top and bottom with fiberglass, this waterproof backer board is generally used for tiled shower surrounds and floors in wet areas.

NoCommandLine
ProfessionalCan I use 1/4 cement board on floors?
Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment.

karthikr
ProfessionalCan you lay tile without cement board?
In either case you use whatever tools are necessary to get it back to a clean subfloor. The second way to interpret your question is, after you've removed and cleaned off the old floor, can you install new tile without backer board. Well yes.

Ethan Furman
ProfessionalCan you tile directly onto cement board?
Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete. Manufactured veneer stone is another use for cement backer board.

Marc.2377
UserDo you put cement board under a shower pan?
Once the subfloor of proper thickness is properly installed then you can apply cement board directly to the subfloor material. ALL CEMENT BOARDS MUST be installed in a fresh bed of thinset. ... If you want the cement board under the shower tray then do so - doesn't matter.

Filip
UserCan cement board be used around a fireplace?
You can use Hardiebacker board around your fireplace. However, using fiber cement board like Hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.17 Jul 2017

aaron
UserCan I use cement board around a fireplace?
Yes, HardieBacker® 1/4" Cement Board is deemed noncombustible when tested to ASTM E 136 and can be used in conjunction with other noncombustible materials around a fireplace. ... However, using fiber cement board like Hardieboard is acceptable in locations including the mantel and fireplace surround.

ruohola
UserCan you finish cement board like drywall?
When you buy cement board it requires the same installation materials as drywall but with a twist. ... Instead of using drywall joint compound to embed the tape in the cement board you should use thin-set mortar. We utilized the same thin-set that will be used to attach the tiles.

Dean Taylor
UserCan you put cement over silicone?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board.
In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board.
Use proper screws.
Such as the specific cement board screw..

readonly
GuestHow do you cut cement board around a toilet?
You can also use a carbide tipped cutting tool similar to a utility knife to cut the cement board. Use a compass to draw the hole and use the cutting tool to score the board on both sides, then pop it out with a hammer.

Daniel
GuestCan you use 1/4 inch cement board walls?
1/4" Durock cement board should not be used for wall or ceiling applications. For wall or ceiling applications, use 1/2" or 5/8" Durock cement board. If you have 3/8" sheetrock, use 1/2" cement board and feather out the joint to approx 10" to 12". It should be almost unnoticeable if done right.

a2br
GuestCan you use cement board as a subfloor instead of plywood?
No. You will need actual subfloor (3/4 osb or ply) below the cement board to support it. And you'll only need cement board if you're laying tile. Cement board alone will be far to soft, among other problems.

bishop
GuestCan you use cement board for shower walls?
Cement Board and a Sheet Membrane Kerdi can also be installed directly over standard drywall in a shower because, when installed correctly, it creates a continuous waterproof barrier..

k_rus
GuestCan you use cement board instead of drywall?
Regular drywall is not appropriate. Many professional installers even recommend against using water- or mold-resistant drywall in high-moisture areas. In sharp contrast, cement backer board does not rot, warp, grow mold, or deteriorate when subjected to water.

Matías Fidemraizer
GuestCan you use cement board stone veneer?
For interior applications, stone veneer can be installed over cement board, drywall, and all of the above.

Rahul Sharma
GuestCan you use concrete in a shower?
Concrete is perfectly adequate, if not recommended, for use as the shower pan base for materials such as stone, tile or mosaic tile to be used as the finish surface (as long as there is a proper membrane between the concrete and any vulnerable surrounding material).

Prakhar Gyawali
GuestCan you use Venetian plaster in a shower?
ROCKCOTE Venetian Plaster is suitable for walls in wet areas but NOT suitable in showers, bath tubs, hand basins, floors, splash-backs or bench tops. They include bathrooms, laundries and toilets.

Günter Zöchbauer
GuestDo I have to use cement board under Wall Tile?
In short, tile and grout are not inherently waterproof. ... Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

spender
GuestDo you install cement board before shower pan?
The wallboard must be installed 1/8 inch above the shower pan. If the shower pan is not in place, the wallboard height must be guessed, which can lead to inaccuracies and an expansion gap that is too large or too small.

yann ziselman
GuestDoes cement board go over lip of shower pan?
The best approach when installing cement board or other tile backer around a tub is to keep the cement board out of the lip area.
Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1/4 in.
above the lip of the tub.
...
Fill the gap between the tile and the tub with caulk..

rustyx
GuestDoes cement board need to be sealed?
While you don't always need to seal backer board, it sometimes make sense to do so. If you are installing backer board in an area that will be subject to a great amount of moisture, like in a shower, then it makes sense to put a waterproofing sealer on it.

Dmitry Bychenko
GuestDoes silicone stick to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws. Such as the specific cement board screw.30 Sep 2015

coobird
GuestCan I use cement board for shower floor?
Do not use cement board on its own. Your shower will leak and you will be tearing it out within a year.

drubb
GuestWill silicone adhere to cement board?
Yes, silicone will stick to cement board. In fact I highly recommend that you use cement board such as 'Durock' as your backer board. Use proper screws.

Francesco Borzi
GuestDo I need cement board for kitchen backsplash?
But for a tile backsplash, if your wall is good and plumb, without any major ridges or problems, you don't always need to use a backer board, often you can just apply thinset to the walls and put your tiles in place.

Games Brainiac
GuestWhat is the best way to cut cement board?
Score-and-Snap The simplest way to cut cement backer board is to score the surface and snap the sheet along the scored line, similar to the way you'd cut drywall.
In fact, you can use a drywall utility knife to score backer board, but a better option is a carbide-tipped scoring tool..

lYriCAlsSH
GuestDoes cement board in shower need waterproofing?
“A waterproof membrane or vapor retarder membrane must be specified to prevent moisture intrusion and protect adjacent building materials.” ~B412 Bathtub or shower with prefabricated receptor. Cement board or Fiber-cement board. Ceramic Tile. ... Consult local building code for moisture barrier requirements.”

Ben Fortune
GuestCan I use regular drywall screws on cement board?
You don't want to use regular drywall screws for cement boards. They can corrode, they can break down the edges of the boards, and they won't drive in flush properly. Use ITW's ROCK-ON and BACKER-ON screws instead.

Ginikai
GuestCan I use thinset on cement board?
Use thin-set mortar when installing cement backerboard. Thin-set dries slowly, allowing you to fix and readjust backerboard sheets as needed.

laukok
GuestCan you floor level on cement board?
A self leveling compound can be applied to most types of subfloor materials. You can apply self leveling compound to plywood, osb, concrete, cement board, hardibacker and many other types of subfloor materials. You can also use self leveling compounds when installing tile over top of an existing tile installation.

Shadi Namrouti
GuestCan you use 1/4 cement board on floors?
Both 1/4- and1/2-inch cement board are appropriate for floors. To install cement board on floors, cement board manufacturers mandate a 5/8-inch plywood subfloor or OSB underlayment.

uminder
GuestHow do you fix cement board in a shower?
Linda CottinStep 1: For holes larger than 1/2-inch in diameter, use a carton knife or carbide-tipped tool to cut a V-shaped groove behind the edges of hole. ... Step 2: Use a clean, damp sponge to wipe down the area to be patched.Step 3: Mix up a small amount of thin-set mortar following the manufacturer's instructions.More items...•

BlueRaja - Danny Pflughoeft
GuestIs Durock cement board non-combustible?
This DUROCK® cement board is a non-combustible, water and mold-resistant panel designed for use under tile, in shower areas, and readily applied over ...

cimmanon
GuestDo I need cement board for shower ceiling?
It can be, but it's not really necessary. You can tile directly to drywall in any dry area. If your doors go all the way to the ceiling, you might consider cbu verses any kind of drywall on the ceiling, otherwise, it is considered a dry area.

Jared Smith
GuestCan you tile over concrete in shower floor?
Installing a tile shower floor is not difficult and will only take one weekend to complete. Since the shower is a potentially hazardous area it is recommended to use only ceramic, glazed, or tiles specifically designed for high moisture areas. Use the level to check the entire concrete slab for any unlevel areas.

Phil Gyford
GuestCan you use cement for a shower floor?
Combining a basic mortar mix with sand and Portland cement will create a good dry pack concrete. All of these mixes create a strong water resistant barrier for your shower floor and tile. Ahead we'll discuss each option in more detail.

Riwen
GuestCan you use concrete mix for shower pan?
The best mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement.
...
A mortar mix provides the best base because it's very shapable, allowing the owner to fit whatever type of shower or bath pan into the supportive base..

Martin Wettstein
GuestCan you caulk cement board in shower?
In the event the caulk seal between the bottom row of tile and the tub/shower fails, water can get behind the tile. If the backer board is touching this ledge, it will readily soak up this water like a sponge. ... Then, before installing the tile, apply a bead of pure silicone caulk between the backer board and the ledge.

Patrick Johnmeyer
GuestCan you make a shower pan with cement board?
Do not use cement board on its own.
Your shower will leak and you will be tearing it out within a year..

Rohan Singh
GuestWhat kind of cement do you use for a shower pan?
Floor Mud QUIKRETEQUIKRETE® Floor Mud (No. 1548-81) is a Portland cement based underlayment mortar designed for leveling travertine, slate and marble floor tile, and for shower pan applications.

Roophie
GuestWhere do you put cement board in a bathroom?
Cement backer board is mainly used as a sub-surface for tiling. Cement backer board is often used as a tile base on plywood or OSB subfloor. Cement backer board on concrete as a subfloor or underlayment is usually not recommended or needed. In most cases, you can apply tile directly to the concrete.

Donut
GuestDo you need to waterproof cement board in shower?
Cement board is not waterproof. Hardibacker is not waterproof. Tile and grout are not waterproof. Cement board will not fall apart when exposed to water.

Top-Master
GuestWhat do you cut cement board with?
The simplest way to cut cement backer board is to score the surface and snap the sheet along the scored line, similar to the way you'd cut drywall. In fact, you can use a drywall utility knife to score backer board, but a better option is a carbide-tipped scoring tool.

tim_yates
GuestHow high should cement board be in shower?
Start installing your boards a quarter inch above the floor, tub, or shower board and caulk accordingly. 2. Fasten cement board with specified nails or screws, a maximum of 8” on center at all supports.