Durock is too abrasive and can damage vinyl, porcelain, and enamel. HardieBacker does not contain any course materials, so it is the preferable choice. It has a warranty that extends over the use of vinyl tile applications.
Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures. Use an alternate approved product such as fiber-cement, fiber-reinforced gypsum, glass mat gypsum, or fiber mat-reinforced cementitious backer panels.
Hardiebacker is significantly lighter than Durock and WonderBoard, leaving this the lightest out of the bunch. How light it instantly makes it one of the most popular brands on the market. Since there isn't any glass mesh in it, unlike Durock, it makes the job much smoother and even minimizes the cleanup.
1/4" hardibacker alone is an unsuitable substrate for shower wall tile. If it were attached to properly waterproofed drywall, plywood, or plaster it would be fine. Think about it, one wayward elbow, knee, or hip bump and you may get flexion which would cause the grout (or tile) to crack.
Cement backer boards, like Durock and Wonderboard, are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. This means that they don't swell up when they get wet. When used in a shower or bathtub setting, they still need to be waterproofed appropriately.
For most interior applications, Durock® Brand Cement Board Panels are not affected by water and do not need to be waterproofed. Durock® is water durable but not waterproof. If you're looking for added protection to water sensitive material behind the Durock®, you may consider adding a waterproofing membrane.
Walls: Use 1/2-inch or 5/8-inch-thick cement board, not 1/4-inch. The extra thickness is needed when spanning the studs and it provides a solid base for the tile. Countertops: 1/4-inch, 1/2-inch, or 5/8-inch-thick panels are all suitable for countertops.
Cement Board and a Liquid Membrane
No plastic sheeting goes behind the cement board. A liquid waterproofing membrane, such as RedGard or Hydro Ban, is rolled onto the cement board and allowed to cure. Then, tile is installed over the membrane.
The Disadvantages Of Hardie Board Siding
This material is heavier than vinyl, which means installation requires more labor and specialized installation. The material itself is also more costly than most vinyl options.
Hardiebacker (James Hardie): the use of a waterproof membrane, vapor barrier or vapor. retarding membrane is optional unless the local building code requires it.
Hardie® Backer Cement Board with HydroDefense™ Technology permits time-savings on install by allowing you to skip the step of applying waterproof coating across the entire board surface area. Just waterproof the joints and fasteners and then move on to the next step.
Among all these drywall variants, the most suitable ones for your bathroom are cement, purple, blue, green, and paperless sheetrock drywalls. Because they are highly resistant to mold and mildew, you can use them for creating the partitions in your bath spaces.
Cement coated building board 1200 x 600 x 6
Cement coated building boards are used for creating a waterproof surface suitable for fixing wall and floor tiles to. Thanks to them you can level out old concrete or wooden subfloors in your bathroom. They are commonly used in showers, steam rooms, and swimming pools etc.
Passes ANSI A118.10 Waterproofness
No water penetration through Hardie® Backer Board with HydroDefense® Technology during 48-hour hydrostatic test. HardieBacker® Cement Board with HydroDefense® Technology is a long-lasting, waterproof solution for walls, floors, and countertops.
Best Bathroom Drywall
For shower and bath surrounds, use cement board. Cement board is appropriate for direct contact with water, and you can tile over it. The best bathroom drywall for walls and ceilings includes green and purple board. Both offer moisture resistance and are intended for high-humidity areas.
0.42 in. thickness provides strength and ease of use on walls, with flooring or countertop projects in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms.
Provide a 1/4 in. clearance gap between the floor, tub or shower receptor base and the cement board. Do not place cement board into the shower pan mortar bed.
For Hardie siding, it's recommended to use stainless steel or hot-dipped galvanized nails. You can either nail by hand or use a pneumatic nailer. However, it's best to use a pneumatic nailer for speed and consistency. At the bottom, the siding should be face nailed, and at the top, it should be blind nailed.
However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it's not used.
Yes, HardieBacker 1/4'' cement board may be used in a shower. However, we recommend HardieBacker 500 if you need to make a smooth transition to drywall. The board must be mechanically fastened every 8'' on center to the wood or metal studs spaced a maximum of 16'' on center.
Generally, liquid waterproof membranes can be applied by home owners for a basic, quick, and economical means to waterproof your shower. If you are looking for a much more robust and longer-term service, going with some sheet membrane or foam backer board is most likely your best bet.
Three great tools for waterproofing showers
There are three types of proven products for waterproofing shower substrates—sheet membrane, liquid-applied membrane, and foamboard— and you can often use them together in the same shower.