What Is The Best Backer Board For Tile In A Shower Floor

Backer boards are an essential component of any tiled shower floor, as they create a stable and waterproof surface for the tiles to adhere to. They also help to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor, which can lead to rot and other problems. With so many different types of backer boards on the market, choosing the right one for your project can be a daunting task.

In this article, we'll discuss the different types of backer boards available and help you choose the best one for your shower floor. We'll also provide tips on installing backer boards and tiling over them. So whether you're a professional contractor or a DIYer, read on for all the information you need to get the job done right.

Types of Backer Boards

There are three main types of backer boards: cement backer boards, gypsum backer boards, and foam backer boards.

Cement backer boards are made from a mixture of cement and sand. They are strong and durable, and they are resistant to water and mold. Cement backer boards are a good choice for shower floors because they can withstand the wet and humid conditions.
Gypsum backer boards are made from gypsum plaster and paper. They are less expensive than cement backer boards, but they are not as strong or durable. Gypsum backer boards are not recommended for use in shower floors because they can be damaged by water.
Foam backer boards are made from polystyrene or polyurethane foam. They are lightweight and easy to install, but they are not as strong or durable as cement or gypsum backer boards. Foam backer boards are not suitable for use in shower floors because they can be damaged by water.

Choosing the Right Backer Board for Your Shower Floor

When choosing a backer board for your shower floor, there are several factors to consider, including:

Strength and durability: The backer board should be strong enough to support the weight of the tiles and thinset. It should also be durable enough to withstand the wet and humid conditions of a shower.
Water resistance: The backer board should be resistant to water and mold. This is important to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor and causing damage.
Cost: Backer boards range in price from $10 to $50 per sheet. The price will vary depending on the type of backer board, the size of the sheet, and the brand.

Once you have considered these factors, you can choose the best backer board for your shower floor. Cement backer boards are a good choice for most shower floors. They are strong, durable, and resistant to water and mold. However, they can be more expensive than other types of backer boards.

Installing Backer Boards

Once you have chosen a backer board, you can begin installing it. The process is relatively simple, but there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Prepare the subfloor: The subfloor should be clean, dry, and level. If the subfloor is not level, you will need to level it before installing the backer board.
Cut the backer board: Cut the backer board to fit the space using a utility knife.
Apply thinset: Apply a thin layer of thinset to the subfloor using a trowel.
Place the backer board: Place the backer board on the thinset and press it firmly into place.
Screw the backer board: Use screws to secure the backer board to the subfloor. The screws should be spaced about 6 inches apart.
Seal the seams: Seal the seams between the sheets of backer board with thinset or a防水 membrane.

Tiling Over Backer Boards

Once the backer board is installed, you can begin tiling over it. The process of tiling over backer boards is similar to tiling over any other surface. However, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Use a thinset mortar: Thinset mortar is a type of adhesive that is used to bond tiles to backer boards. It is important to use a thinset mortar that is specifically designed for use with backer boards.
Apply the thinset mortar: Apply a thin layer of thinset mortar to the backer board using a trowel.
Place the tiles: Place the tiles on the thinset mortar and press them firmly into place.
Grout the tiles: Once the tiles are set, you can grout them using a grout float.

Conclusion

Backer boards are an essential component of any tiled shower floor. They create a stable and waterproof surface for the tiles to adhere to, and they help to prevent moisture from seeping into the subfloor. When choosing a backer board for your shower floor, it is important to consider the strength, durability, water resistance, and cost of the board. Cement backer boards are a good choice for most shower floors because they are strong, durable, and resistant to water and mold.