Cement Board Installation for Beginners

This video shares how to install cement board inside showers.
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#diy #howto #tutorial #bathroomremodel #homerenovation
Cement Board Installation for Beginners
0:12 How to inspect shower walls for cement board
0:43 How to plane stud walls for cement board
1:00 How to hang cement board on stud walls
2:00 How to cut cement board
4:05 How to cut holes in cement board
6:44 How to waterproof cement board
These supplies were used in our video:
-Durock cement board
-1-5/8 inch cement board screws
-Schluter mixing valve seal
-Utility knife
-Milwaukee M18 drill and impact driver
-Bosch diamond hole saws
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Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[@ELECTR0HERMIT]

Bravo, nice attention to detail for us newbs who only intend to do this once and never again, lol.

[@gamebit9063]

Most thorough explanations for diy work on the web!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you 😊

[@jkbc]

He made the whole thing look so easy.

[@christabeasley4680]

U are the MAN. Period !

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you, hopefully it was helpful

[@ade7163]

That hose water measuring device is pretty cool!

[@Grunt49]

Always great info,thank you

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you 🙏🏼

[@notsosilentmajority1]

Great job. Nice, quick video without a lot of fluff. You explained everything clearly and showed how the work is done. Thank you. 👍

[@fortheearth]

Great advice. Thank ypu

[@tigercub1965]

Awesome 😀

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you 🙏🏼😊

[@RyRyDrake_Casual]

Hi Jeff, thank you for the concise video. I was wondering if there was any reason you chose a kerdi membrane over redguard?

[@pirihern9329]

Great video. I need to do this, but only 1 small bathroom. Will need to build a bathroom in basement.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Let me know if you have any questions 👍🏼👍🏼

[@chinhvannguyen1685]

@@HomeRepairTutor hi, how much usd/ m2 for basic exterior durock wall, tks

[@FrustratedBaboon]

I don't like the Schluter foam boards they look cheap and cost way too much. This Durock brand is 1/5fth the cost or more and larger is size. Glad I found your video. Great job.

[@paulmaxwell8851]

I've heard good things about the Schluter system. It is supposedly quite user-friendly. But the price, for a plastic product, is far far far too high. Unreasonably high. Bring the price down and maybe I'd be interested.

[@terekn2915]

Why not use RedGuard instead ?

[@summertime688]

Do you have a tutorial for installing the shower niche in the backer board? (I see one using all Kerri board but was hoping to see the difference.)

[@RK-ys7xm]

Hi Jeff, love all your videos. You are a fantastic presenter! Does that thin set wick water the same way the Schluter banding wicks water when using thinset to adhere it? I was watching the Tile Coach's videos and that seemed to be a big issue. Can you please share your thoughts on that? Do you have a thin set that you recommend to prevent that wicking? Thank you.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you and I'd be happy to address those concerns. Also, I'm not paid by Schluter or any waterproofing company. I just like Schluter products because they work and the technical support is the best - I do custom installations and lean on them a lot!! Here's how Schluter's system works: thin-set bonds to the fleece on the shower tray and to the KERDI-BAND. The thin-set has to be mixed to the correct consistency and applied with the appropriate trowel. For example, Schluter ALL-SET has specific directions for how much water to use for membranes like KERDI or KERDI-BAND. Use that those mixing directions. Then apply the thin-set with the KERDI trowel held at a 45-degree angle, this maximizes the trowel notch. Immediately embed the KERDI-BAND or KERDI into the substrate and express just enough thin-set from the banding or KERDI to make it flat. Over time, thin-set crystals will grow and anchor into both sides of the fleece, e.g. on the shower tray and KERDI-BAND. Those crystals will physically prevent water molecules from penetrating the bond. I cannot vouch for the type of thin-set Tile Coach used or how he mixed it or his water ratio. Keep in mind, his experiment is a N = 1. Meaning, it's one sample. In real world experimentations (my background is chemistry) a sample size of 1 is not a meaningful number. I'm not trying to be disrespectful, just objective. If you more questions I'd be happy to answer them here or via email at [e-mail]

[@mram7715]

I just got a very good deal on 1/4” cement board. Can I double up and stack two for shower walls? Thanks

[@rustyrocket8765]

Can you install double cement boards ? If yes how would you install them ? Screw them or use adhesive ? Do you need to also include the mesh in the middle ?

[@user-ue1hu8nj8c]

very helpful ....question how safe is it

[@besearchingforwisdom6267]

I really like your tutorials on KZbin. Would you ever use Cement Board for the shower floor?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you, I’d only use a prefab tray or custom dry pack with membrane on top, but not cement board 👍🏼

[@besearchingforwisdom6267]

@@HomeRepairTutor I agree and appreciate your reply. I think I need a new crew 😔

[@liztaylor85139]

I'm using this same system but I'm also using a Schluter preslopped shower pan. My wood subfloor is a little out of wack/uneven. I called Schluter and they told me NOT to use self leveler but to use cement board on the shower floor to even it out before installing the pan. I would install the cement board as if I were tiling the floor. So I would burn the thinset in and then trowel to place the cement board down. Then trowel the top of the cement board to place my foam pan. But Schluter has an excellent tech team you can call at any time if you don't want to guess at things.

[@catsmeow5566]

I'm doing a surround over a tub. Do I need the 1/8" expansion gap between the bottom and top boards? I'm not doing tile, I'm using a glue up surround. Some of my studs are greater than 16" apart but I have a chunk of plywood horizontally that will add extra support in the middle a bit. Some studs are closer than 16". Hmm... So the cut off edge is put down against the previous board instead of having it at the top? That's good to know.

[@jayclark1046]

Thanks for video it’s good info for people trying to do this I’m experienced with it but I got few tips that will make things easier 😊

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thank you 😊

[@dido1803]

Great presentation!! How is cement board compare to sheetrock, for sound proofing?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

they’re about the same, I’d add Rockwool inside walls to cut down on noise

[@palebeachbum]

What are those little metal plates called that you used to protect the plumbing? I wish you were local so I could hire you. You are such a conscientious worker and clearly know what you're doing. Plus, you seem like a nice guy. I'm tackling this job by myself for the first time in two bathrooms in a property I'm flipping. I'll save a ton of money, but I want to make sure I do it right the first time. Quality work is important to me.

[@je-fq7ve]

add nailers for toilet paper holder, grab bars, mirrors, towel racks, cabinets.

[@PatHaskell]

How do you compensate for how much the steel pipe protector plates bump out the cement board?

[@Crewrenovations]

Do you recommend water proofing with thinset the corners & mesh tape plus red guard when using cement board?

[@liztaylor85139]

Waterproofing with any type of red guard voids the Schluter warranty. But I'm installing the same way he is and once I get the Kerdi up and my foam Kerdi shower pan down... I'm going over the entire shower with Aquadefense! All these companies have great technical call lines with great answers as well FYI.

[@sharonpreston2826]

Great but how to do the floor? You have a video for that?

[@mavo_hiphop]

Can you do this and then install direct to stud bathtub walls? Or is this only for tile?

[@AnthonyClark177]

Thanks for this very helpful clip. I read some experts who strongly suggest that we don’t put waterproof membranes between cement board and the tiles; just apply thin set. So, I was wondering if the direct application of the tiles on the cement board is another approach for all tiles installation or an approach to deal only with ceiling tiles. Thanks 😊

[@HomeRepairTutor]

I would always use some type of waterproofing on cement board. Here’s why, showers produce water and vapor. And it’s the vapor that can easily create mold inside shower walls. KERDI membrane or liquid membranes reduce the flow of vapor into the stud walls. So I use waterproofing on the walls for that reason

[@weekendhomeprojects]

I’ve entered this info into my long term memory bank. Filed right behind, put the toilet seat down at Nanas to prevent being merked by the elderly.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Lol thank you

[@NoLimitBandZ]

Do you tile over the membrane?

[@humbertoacosta4012]

What if I use a spray water bottle ? Would it work the same ?

[@JonasGas]

A qué medida de distancia van los barrotes?

[@thecelticforge]

One set of instructions I read, stated to leave a 1/4" gap between the cement board and the studs. Not so?

[@sunshinecompany1]

Can I put boards directly over lathe and plaster?

[@philliphill4901]

How much gap can you get away with before trying to shim the wall board? I running about a 3/16 gap between stud face and the cement board and what is the preferred method of shimming

[@ryanfleming3091]

Does the 1/8" gap go between the second and third board or between the third board and the ceiling?

[@alexissockwell9070]

Do you have any recommendations for using a schluter shower pan and cement backer board for the walls? water proofing especially? thank you

[@liztaylor85139]

I called Schluter and they said it was perfectly fine. I'm a DIYer and could not afford the Kerdi walls so I went with Kerdi peslopped pan and Durrock for walls. They did tell me to use the SMOOTH side out on the cement board because the small points on the rough side have a chance of making cuts/holes in the Kerdi membrane when you install it on the walls.

[@George-pz6zl]

​@liztaylor85139 did you install your cement board above the schluter pan or down to the subfloor?

[@0zen551]

What about cement boards for tub surrounds? Do they also need a .25 inch gap?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

At the tub deck, yes

[@sunshinecompany1]

Do I have to use the membrane? Isn't it cheaper and easier to use waterproofing and paint it on?

[@DavidKlausa]

Yes, Redgard works fine and is much cheaper.

[@DTWCT]

Is that schluter necessary or can you just apply thinset right to the cement board and tile away

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Cement board is water resistant. That means it isn’t waterproof and vapor will go through it. Thus, I recommend waterproofing it with KERDI or a liquid membrane

[@SouthernGuardian]

Where did you get that cool water metering nozzle ? That looks like a tool that would save my crews some time and headache?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

That’s the Collomix AQIX

[@MAGAMAN]

If only there was a name on the product that you could use to search the internet.

[@justinmagness7497]

Can i set cement walls before schluter pan and use red guard instead for waterproofing

[@theaffiliatechris5508]

Walls need to sit on top of the pan so pan goes in first... yes you can redguard the whole shower after pan is down and walls are hung.

[@treybaskin9775]

How do you cut a hole for Led strip hidden in the shower neesh

[@preludesc]

What’s the decision process for doing this versus Kerdi-board?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

I would have used KERDI-BOARD but it wasn’t in stock at the time, that said, cement board can be more affordable so it’s a good option if you cannot find KERDI-BOARD

[@liztaylor85139]

I personally could not afford the Kerdi-board so I went with Durrock using the Kerdi membrane that came with my foam Schulter shower pan.

[@Geee6]

Hello, at 1:00 mark, is this step necessary if the shower pan is already installed? In other words, do I still need a 1/4 expansion gap between the lip of my shower pan and bottom cement board?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Yes, it’s helpful for expansion and contraction

[@Geee6]

@@HomeRepairTutor okay, thank you! Also, maybe I missed it but I don’t recall hearing anything about an expansion gap between the main, left and right wall. Is such gap required?

[@DavidKlausa]

@@Geee6 I believe it's only at the bottom, as gravity will pull things down over time.

[@HawkGTboy]

I’d bet that 90% of newly built houses are using drywall screws to hold up the backer board.

[@dtaposse2832]

Do I need a gap between the first board and the tub?

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Most authorities say you need 1/4 inch between the cement board and the rim of the tub or shower. Others say don't come down over the flange at all. This is a very contentious issue.

[@Geee6]

1/8 in expansion gap between vertical sheets (2nd and 3rd sheet) 2:20 1/8 inch gap at the ceiling 1:50 1/4 plywood strips between bottom of cement sheet and floor 1:00

[@DeepFutureSim]

Can anyone answer this . I have installed backer board onto a concrete wall but there is a small amount of flex in parts , Can you tile onto that or does it need to be rock solid ?

[@charlescaston1527]

Rock solid is always best. If you know where the gap is fill it with thinset or some type of liquid nail. If you’re tiling over wavy cement board you’re gonna find yourself adding or subtracting thinset on the tile too compensate

[@davegordon6943]

I always add horizontal blocking between studs were the two sheets will meet and the bottom when using Duroc. It's very breakable and brittle and most of the time it's already lost its structural integrity before you even install it. Even though technically it doesn't add any structural integrity according to building inspectors. But you know what I mean, it gets all floppy. Don't get me wrong I think it's still a good product but needs reinforcement. It won't wick like Hardi and it's not foam. (My overkilling self won't let me use foam). When installed correctly with taping, mudding and waterproofing I think it's a better overall system. But I certainly don't claim to know everything just my opinion.

[@liztaylor85139]

I'm a first-time installer of a system like this. Should he have taped the seams on the Durrock? Before floating for the Kerdi membrane?

[@davegordon6943]

@@liztaylor85139 when I use durock I use mesh tape, thinset and then redgaurd. I don't like the kerdi or shluter stuff. But if using it, they make a 6 inch banding fabric to use in place of the mesh tape, thinset and redgaurd. But yeah I'd do all seems and corners.

[@halinamann9535]

May i ask how is it 100% waterproof, if the thin set that was used as adhesive absorbes water?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It’s only waterproof if you use a liquid or sheet membrane over the cement board. Here’s a video showing how to use KERDI membrane kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3WmmKxsiN55oLssi=l32pu1EwHvLumBsH

[@rosadiaz9355]

Can the cement board go over brick wall?

[@gamebit9063]

My wonderful contractor has about 5 inches of cement board open past the shower tile. How should it be prepped in order to paint over?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

That’s no problem, finish the tile then Kerdi-Band or mesh tape the seam. Use setting type joint compound to feather the transition, eg 2-3 passes with 6” then 10” then 12” knives, sanding after each coat. Then prime and paint

[@gamebit9063]

@@HomeRepairTutor you need to tour the country and stop in Chicago, i will have plenty of work for you! Thanks as always!!!

[@lol9991911]

Can you use 1/4 board for walls?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

I wouldn’t, 1/2” is sturdier

[@josearango8838]

What is the name paper to used over thigset

[@azncooler]

On the side wall, why did you use two sheets instead of a full sheet?

[@serhiiursul7582]

Так мембрану клеят когда гипсокартоном обшивают, а когда такими плитами тогда углы и стыки мастикой проходят

[@aleksandrnastin6669]

hey boss, is cement board u using 1/4 ? thickness

[@HomeRepairTutor]

It’s 1/2” thick

[@paulmaxwell8851]

1/4 inch cement board is for floors.

[@luismendieta946]

What would you recommend for the floor on a single story house

[@vvsmixing]

what exactly is the point of cement board if the waterproofing is done by the kerdi membrane which is also protected by the finish

[@paulmaxwell8851]

The cement board gives you a solid, immovable surface. The Kerdi foamboard is flimsy in comparison.

[@fredymelendez4773]

Can you run cement board vertically ?

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Yes you can. It's often run horizontally on the long wall behind a tub, then vertically at the head and foot of the tub.

[@raz2083]

Can someone punch through this from outside. Also, do termites eat these and can i double these up?

[@LeanHVAC]

My contractor used drywall screws unfortunately.. How bad is thst mistake?

[@timothyschreiber8338]

Pretty bad. You need to get a new contractor. Those screws will break down.

[@paulmaxwell8851]

If your shower or bath is meticulously maintained so that caulk is renewed as necessary, water will never penetrate the wall. If your studs are always dry you have nothing to worry about. Don't lose sleep over this.

[@viralvidz7582]

Where is the next video of this

[@forrealtyler]

Kerdiband and the corners?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

So yes, I KERDI-BAND the transition between the pan and KERDI on the cement board. But, that’s after installing the inside corners

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Also, here’s another video that might be useful Curbless Shower Construction: Save $8000 in Eight Minutes kzbin.info/www/bejne/mJCznICrYriGadk

[@forrealtyler]

@@HomeRepairTutor Liked and subscribed thank you sir

[@explorer806]

Life is easier in mm.

[@gerardorodriguez9696]

And the title says for beginners 😂 if I could make it look like that I consider myself a pro 😂😅

[@HomeRepairTutor]

🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@MR713JOSE]

Yeah screw, it I'm going ahead with drywall screws

[@SuriyaWetzler]

Why you didn't show how you did the shelf/ niche part?!

[@robpet4424]

4 years from now..... hum we need to update the bathroom.....😢

[@GodaMohamed-bo8kx]

Please, can someone write the steps in order??

[@aichahsoogree5992]

So if you're installing waterproof boards, you'd skip the membrane ?

[@ohokayofficial]

Those boards (USG Durock) 1/2” - are not water proof. It is water durable, but also porous So usually a waterproofing membrane goes on top of the board *after* or a plastic waterproofing goes behind the board *before*

[@arthurreece]

You forgot to cover the studs with water proof paper

[@maintenancebynathan2150]

Like your vids but why on earth aren't you using Go-Board? Best Tile in Wexford handles it all.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

I don’t like it because of the fibrous construction, getting that airborne isn’t good for lungs or skin. Plus I feel like it’s easy to put a screw through the foam. I like sticking with the system approach and maintaining the warranty as well. Just my thoughts

[@JeremeyHowlett]

You need to be careful and watch out for cement board with oily surfaces. Sometimes waterproofing won’t stick because of this.

[@noelbowerman1562]

Where is your stud adhesive? Screws alone will eventually fail .

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Screws will fail only if continuously wet. They'll then slowly rust over the years and fail. But if your walls are continuously wet you have much, much bigger problems.

[@serchmarc]

cement board thickness,, you didnt mentione it

[@ohokayofficial]

1/4” on the floor 1/2” on the wall

[@explorer806]

Why not just use Kerdi board and done with it?

[@hh7258]

My walls/2x4s are not square/plumb/straight what should I do ?

[@jonport_]

i don't how you use durrock. its horrible lol

[@bootscooty]

Hey question, can you hang cement board on top of cement word?

[@mikegrande4957]

Why use cement board if your gonna use kerdi?

[@larryarbol4863]

Tant qu'à moi, ces panneaux sont inutile dans une chambre de bain et même pour une chambre d'eau car ils absorbent l'eau et de plus, il faut mettre un polymère pour les rendre hydrofuges. C'est ridicule quand les panneaux de gyproc hydrofuge coûtent bien moins cher que cette mer..de.

[@denysvlasenko1865]

Badly ventilated cavities behind bathroom walls. Exactly what you should AVOID creating. Fill them with something resitant to water. Do not just assume your waterprrofing will be perfect for many decades.

[@thomasschafer7268]

Das Geld und die Zeit könnt Ihr euch sparen! Nehmt die grünen gipskartonplatten. Eventuell osb dahinter. Auf jedenfall schlüter oder ardex dichtband und 3x elefantenhaut rollen!!!👍👍🇩🇪

[@SciaticaDrums]

I won't use cement board. It's too porous. Green board with a rubberized coatings applied correctly if far superior. Also in this day in age doing tile is ridiculous when there are PVC systems with any finish you want and no grout. Grout sucks. The really good stuff is not available to consumer DIYers like me.

[@liztaylor85139]

My biggest mistake? Going with Durock backboard for walls! It's only me, it's heavy and hard to work with! Your right. I've watched soooo many videos and should have gone with the Green board! Especially with all the good waterproofing that is out there now.

[@juventusventuno9213]

PVC shower vs custom tile? thats sad. if done right the tile looks 100x better and will last 20 yrs

[@DavidKlausa]

@@juventusventuno9213 Only 20 years?

[@juventusventuno9213]

@@DavidKlausa I pulled down a decent but dated shower that was circa '84. Again, held up well, and no sign of rot or mold beneath after the demo was done. Just very dated, and even builder grade to be honest.

[@paulradice3534]

Not rocket science

[@kbtube8125]

niche. what is nissh. like trailer "hitch"