Building New Tiled Shower

Amanda M
by Amanda M
I need professional advice on this topic. We will soon be framing an area for a tiled shower. Do we need to use sheetrock and backerboard, or can we use just backerboard? Every other how-to article gives different steps. This will be a 2-person tiled shower. Thanks!
  5 answers
  • Frame out the shower, then use one of two products. Cement backer board or Schluter Kerdi Shower kit. http://www.schluter.com/8_4_kerdi_shower_kit.aspx Then use Their wall system http://www.schluterkerdiboard.com/ This combo will assure you professional results and a shower that will last a life time. Many people use cement board which is fine. But it is heavy and oftentimes difficult to cut and work with. Check out their home page at http://www.schluter.com/index.aspx and read about all the products that they sell. The key to a long lasting shower is not only making it water tight, but choosing products and materials that work and play well together. I have used their products on several projects and all came out with little effort and great results. As far as using Sheetrock with backer board that is not how it is done. In some cases contractors will use the backer board down low and wall board up high. This is ok, but do not put one over the other. your simply wasting your money and time as you gain nothing other then a lighter wallet. Be sure to take lots of photos and share them with us as you move along on this project.
  • There are numerous ways of doing this & like Woodbridge I am a big fan of Schluter products. At no time should you use drywall in the shower unless you are using a product like Schluters Kerdi and then you would tile directly over that. Cement backboard is generally the go-to product for most pros due to it's cost - with that said you still need to seal the seams & screw holes with a waterproofing product before tiling over it The best advice I can give you is skip looking at all the DIY advice (as so many of them are just flat out wrong) & go with what the manufacturer says - whether it is Wedi, Schluter, Mapei, etc...
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Jan 01, 2013
    I'm a fan of hardibacker here is a recent article I wrote on this http://www.networx.com/article/a-comparison-of-tile-backer-boards
  • Amanda M Amanda M on Jan 01, 2013
    Thank you, everyone, for clearing the confusion and recommending your preferred product. We are hoping to begin moving the closet wall for the bigger shower this month. Lord willing, the shower will be done in time for my birthday in February! Of course there will be pictures as the bathroom progresses. You guys are wonderful, and I hope the favor is soon returned! Many blessings!
  • Joanne Costello Joanne Costello on Oct 24, 2015
    Durock is a kind of backer board that holds up in a tiled tub/shower area. We used it almost 30 yrs ago and our tiles are still great. We always turn to This Old House for guidance. I would also seek advice from a tile store-not just a home supply store. Tiling really isn't hard. Educate yourself and take your time and make sure you chose the right type of tile for the area you are using them - porcelain vs ceramic, floor vs wall. Good luck!!!