science | February 09, 2026

What kind of backer board do you use for a shower?

What kind of backer board do you use for 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.

Is there a waterproof backer board?

Concrete backer-board, once commonly referred to in the field by the brand name Wonderboard(r), is a cement product designed as a sheathing material for walls and floors. Most concrete backer-boards on the market today are not water-resistant, but all are waterproof.

What is the best material to use behind shower walls?

Acrylic is the best system to use for shower walls because it is the safest, least high maintenance, and easy to install, meaning your shower could be done in as little as one day. Acrylic is one of the most durable materials used in the shower construction industry, and for good reason.

How thick should cement board be for shower walls?

1/2″
The minimum recommended thickness for the shower wall is 1/2″ because like some of the other boards, they become far too flexible at thicknesses below 1/2″.

How thick is backer board shower?

1/2 inch
Cement backer board comes in two standard thicknesses, 1/2 inch and 1/4 inch. The industry standard is to use 1/2-inch-thick backer board on wall tile installations, such as a tub surround.

What cement board is waterproof?

HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology is a long-lasting, waterproof solution for walls, floors, and countertops.

What is the cheapest shower wall material?

Fiberglass Shower Wall This is one of the most affordable options out there for shower walls. You can find prefabricated fiberglass shower walls from most home improvement stores.

Can you use cement board for shower walls?

Can You Use Cement Board for Shower Walls? Cement boards are great to use for shower walls as they can be subjected to high amounts of water and moisture without deteriorating and growing molds. They are impact resistant and form a strong, solid, and stable base for your ceramic or porcelain tiles to install on.

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.