Best answer
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.
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 need to waterproof cement board before tiling?
So, if you're looking for durability and strength, concrete backer-board will probably be your choice. First, you should provide a waterproof/resistant membrane against the wood studs before installing the concrete backer-board to protect the wood studs from moisture absorbed through the backer-board.
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.
Do you need to prime cement board before tiling?
Do I need to prime HardieBacker® board before I tile onto it? No. HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling.
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.
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.
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.
Can 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..
Do 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).
Related Question Answers

Alvaro
ProfessorDo you need green board behind cement board?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Jacob
ProfessorDoes it matter which side of cement board faces out?
Screw the board in place Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

Fusion
ProfessorIs Thinset under cement board necessary?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

Raphael Rafatpanah
ProfessorWhat 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..

Konrad Viltersten
ProfessorIs 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.

Kiran Maniya
ProfessionalCan you use cement board in a shower?
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.

E_net4 ran out of flags
ProfessionalIs there a front and back to cement board?
Also, cement board typically has a label or manufacturer sticker on the front of the board. The back of cement board is plain, has no manufacturer-defining stickers and is void of the front-featured grid. Always install cement board with the grid facing out.

Markus Weninger
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.

Alexander Oh
ProfessionalDo 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.

Matt
ProfessionalCan I use concrete for shower pan?
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).

ErikE
UserCan you put cement board over tile?
Cement board forms a durable, stable base for tile, and it has no organic materials (unlike drywall, greenboard, or plywood) so it is not prone to mold, rot, shrinkage, or decomposition due to moisture. Ceramic tile laid over cement board is one of the most durable floor or wall surfaces you can install.

Moritz Mahringer
UserHow do you cut and install cement board?
Lay your cement board flat, and draw a line with a carpenter's pencil where you intend to cut. Place a straightedge along the line and drag either a drywall utility knife or a scoring tool against it. Repeat your cuts two to three times to make them deeper, which will make snapping the board easier.

Zachary Wright
UserCan 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..

xpt
UserCan 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).

dfsq
UserDo I need a shower pan liner on concrete floor?
JRC3 Member.
It will need to be lined or it will wick into the slab and studding.
The liner also makes the walls around the pan water-tight, that's why the liner normally goes up at least 3" above the pan behind the tile and backer material.
Moisture gets behind the wall tile and is eventually caught by the liner..

Péter Török
GuestDo I need a shower pan on concrete floor?
You will have to ensure that there is no wax, oil, grease, or soap scum on the face of the concrete slab that could ruin or reduce the bond. After that, I recommend that you install a sloped shower pan to contain the shower water and prevent harmful organisms from becoming resident in the surrounding walls and floor.

ehab
GuestDo I need to prime cement board before tiling?
Do I need to prime HardieBacker® board before I tile onto it? No. HardieBacker tile backerboard is ready to tile once installed, just wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust prior to tiling.

tpetzoldt
GuestDo you need a shower pan liner on concrete floor?
JRC3 Member. It will need to be lined or it will wick into the slab and studding. The liner also makes the walls around the pan water-tight, that's why the liner normally goes up at least 3" above the pan behind the tile and backer material.

AbdulMomen عبدالمؤمن
GuestDo you need plywood under cement board?
The Surface Below the Cement Board Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board.

Joe Holloway
GuestDo you need Thinset under cement board?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners.
And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete..

vadian
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..

Will Robertson
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.

Peter Badida
GuestHow do you lay cement board on tile?
InstructionsApply the Mortar Bed. Mix a batch thinset mortar, following the manufacturer's directions, using a bucket and margin trowel or putty knife. ... Place the First Cement Board Sheet. ... Fasten the First Sheet. ... Install More Sheets. ... Trim the Last Panel. ... Apply Joint Tape. ... Mud the Taped Joints.

cyberwombat
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.

ecatmur
GuestCan you install cement board over drywall?
Because cement board can be used either for floors or walls, the surface below the cement board will vary: ... In such wet areas, never install cement board directly over drywall or green board. Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Bhojendra Rauniyar
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.”

Brandon
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.

Brian Willis
GuestIs there a front side to cement board?
The back of cement board is plain, has no manufacturer-defining stickers and is void of the front-featured grid. Always install cement board with the grid facing out.

Kev
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 ...

John
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.

digitaldreamer
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..

Vega
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.

Stephan202
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..

Nick Heiner
GuestDo you need a shower liner on concrete floor?
JRC3 Member. It will need to be lined or it will wick into the slab and studding. The liner also makes the walls around the pan water-tight, that's why the liner normally goes up at least 3" above the pan behind the tile and backer material. Moisture gets behind the wall tile and is eventually caught by the liner.

fracz
GuestHow do you install a shower tray on a concrete floor?
Fit the shower tray over the bed of adhesive and firm down ensuring the tray is level in all planes Identify the position of the drain and trap and remove any existing concrete to a depth of approx. 85mm down from the underside of the tray together with a channel to accommodate the waste pipe.

Quinn Comendant
GuestHow thick does a concrete shower pan need to be?
As a general rule, a shower curb foundation is 3 to 4 inches thick and 4 to 6 inches tall, with finish material adding to these dimensions..

Angew is no longer proud of SO
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.

eipi10
GuestWhat kind of concrete do you use for a shower pan?
The best concrete mix for shower pans is made by Quikrete.
They make two products, the first is called Floor Mud, the 2nd is their Sand/Topping mix.
Both work great for building a shower pan..

Metroids
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.

Tanaike
GuestDo you need to use thinset under cement board?
Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won't have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

andilabs
GuestWhat side do you tile on cement board?
Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

geekosaur
GuestHow do you remove a toilet from a concrete floor?
Use a small hammer and chisel to carefully crack the back of the pan near the joint to the waste pipe. This will separate the pan spigot from the rest of the pan. Then smash the pan away from the pipe with a bigger hammer and clean off any cement on the floor.

Guy
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.

Kinglish
GuestShould you wet cement board before tiling?
The concrete is unaffected by any water that manages to get behind the ceramic tile. But these concrete products are heavy, problematic to cut and can wick water, causing wood rot. ... If you use cement backer board, you have to install a separate moisture barrier between the board and any wood it's attached to.

Andy
GuestHow many bags of cement do I need for a shower pan?
Building a mud shower is really hard work. This one required 300 lbs (dry) of cement and sand. Another 300 lbs of cement board for the walls. More hundreds of lbs of tile, thinset and grout.

Danziger
GuestHow much does a concrete shower cost?
Custom pans, which are built on-site by your plumber and may be made of metal sheeting, concrete, or waterproofing materials $45 - $65 an hour, plus materials ($50+). Expect a 36x36 inch shower pan 3 to cost at least $650, up to as high as $1,500 if replacing an existing pan or using luxury materials.

Matthias
GuestWhat is better cement board or backer board?
Cement board is the most common and widely-known backer board. ... On the downside, the cement boards are heavy, somewhat difficult to cut and can leave abrasive sandy crumbs that can damage tubs and shower bases if you're not careful. Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls.

John La Rooy
GuestWhat is the best cement board for shower walls?
Styrofoam backer board is extremely lightweight, and it's strong and waterproof. It's also easier to cut than other backer boards, and it's dust-free. It's ideal for wet areas like the shower walls or floor.

Niteesh
GuestWhat do you use for a concrete shower pan?
The ideal mortar for a shower pan is a mix of standard cement mix with sand and Portland cement. This type of mortar creates a great water-resistant barrier that can support the weight of the shower unit.

Aminadav Glickshtein
GuestWhat goes 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.