How To Install Backer Board On Bathroom Walls

Above the lip of the tub.

How to install backer board on bathroom walls.

Carefully lift the backerboard panel into the tub area and set it on several shims placed about a foot apart to maintain a 1 4 inch gap between the board and tub. The backerboard should completely cover the subfloor joints. 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. All the insider information on how to build and waterproof a.

But that s pretty much where the similarity ends. Backer board is everything that drywall is not. Spread the mortar to about 3 16 thickness. Install blocking for future grab bars while the walls are open.

Ceramic tile backer board also called cement board or tile backer is a rigid panel material that installs over wood framing much like drywall. Secure the panels to the wall framing with galvanized backerboard screws. Apply it to the wall with the bottom edge about 1 4 in. Then apply a generous amount of thin set to the bottom bathtub tile and position it 1 8 in.

It s made primarily with cement and sand and it has no paper that can deteriorate or promote mold growth if it gets wet. Using a notched trowel apply a leveling bed of thinset mortar over the subfloor and embed the backer board sheets into the adhesive. If needed cut the backerboard to fit in small spaces or around obstructions. Do a dry run and lay the backerboard down to fully cover the area you plan to tile.

The fasteners should be flush with the surface. Score the board with a utility knife then cut it using a jig saw with a carbide blade. Lay the backer board according to the manufacturer s instructions.