What do you put behind ceramic tile in a shower?

Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don’t use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

What is the stuff you put under tile?

Underlayment is something you put on top of your substrate to prepare it for tiling. The substrate (or subfloor) is the ground, whether it’s made of plywood or cement. Cement board or backer board are the most standard underlayments. They come in various thicknesses for different spaces.

What is underneath bathroom tile?

Tile may be strong, but it needs a solid, supportive base. An underlayment is the solid stabilizing layer directly below the tile and the tile adhesive (usually a thinset mortar). Using the wrong one can spell disaster for your tile installation.

Do you fit a shower tray before tiling?

We always advise fitting the shower tray before tiling the walls or installing wall panels as this ensures a more watertight seal around the sides of the tray.

Do I need to waterproof shower walls before tiling?

Applying a waterproofing sealer to cement backer board before tiling. Since a tile tub or shower surround gets wet, it requires a waterproof backing, rather than just drywall.

What kind of board goes behind tile in a shower?

Cement backer 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.

What is the best backing for tile in a shower?

Cement board
Cement board is a good, reliable backer board that works well on both floors and walls. Keep in mind that most tile setters err on the side of caution and brush a waterproofing membrane on top of cement board when it is in wet areas like showers or tub surrounds.

Do you put cement board under tile floor?

If you’re working over a wood subfloor, cement board is the right choice for your tile base. Because plywood expands and contracts beneath the ceramic tile, grout and tile failure (loose tiles and cracked, crumbling grout) is just a matter of time.

Can I use cement board instead of plywood?

Cement backerboard is more stable than plywood in high humidity and other wet environments. It won’t swell and buckle the way that plywood does, so it’s safe to use in mudrooms and bathrooms where things like spills and puddles are normal, as well as in areas with high levels of moisture in the air.

Do you need a moisture barrier under tile?

During patching, most people usually wonder if they would need a moisture barrier under tiles. Well, yes. A moisture barrier should be installed to protect the flooring against moisture or moisture vapor.

What happens if water gets under ceramic tile?

Water that has found its way underneath ceramic tiles after a leak can cause mold growth. Water left to stand underneath ceramic tiles will eventually compromise the structure of the tile itself, causing it to crack or break.