Prepping walls after cement board

In this video i will show you how to get walls perfectly flat after the cement board is installed. I share some pretty good techniques that are very easy to use. It is very important to have flat walls to prevent lippage and to help you from having a disaster of a tile installation on your hands. You don't want to miss this must see video.
My website - www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/
My facebook page- / sothatshowyoudothat
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Tile university - www.sothatshowyoudothat.com/s...

[@BBPhotoBoise]

You are a lifesaver!! I am a recently empty nester, single woman who started a big remodel on my home to make room to rent out part of my home. The remodel started late January before the COVID 19 outbreak hit Boise Idaho. Most of the work got done but I was left with all the finishing and tile work. Since I am now unemplyeed, low on funds and heavy on time I have taken to youtube to figure out how to tile and finish the project up. YOu have been a great help! I have learned how to tile and actually really enjoy it! I find it very creative. It has been a great healing process for me during these stressful times. Thank you for all your videos. Incredibly helpful for a novice remodeler.

[@ryan291211]

Excellent video. I just finished cement boarding and some of my walls have some low areas. Came across your video and it was exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@rayray2877]

This guy is very knowledgeable and practical with building new showers from scratch!

[@xChromerSatanasx]

Exactly what I was looking for. A real PRO

[@valarthur-charles7685]

I am understanding your step-by-step method. Great explanation on how to install cement boards .

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks!

[@kevinw4041]

Thank you for the video, I just used this technique to fix a dip in the wall, prior to installing tile. I never would have thought of it myself.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yw

[@robjennings39]

Nice. Great tutorial. Thank you!!

[@saibaz9447]

Sir thanks for taking time to making wonderful vid. Very informative and great explanation.keep up good work.👍

[@leviotten]

This is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yw

[@jlynn5474]

Thank you for your incredible videos! Yours are the best I've found to help with my bathroom project--I'm prepping my walls now, and this informative video (and others of yours) has been incredibly valuable. Thank you!.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you so much!!

[@kipkinnane1223]

Just discovered a leak in a sanitary ejector pipe that ran between two bathroom walls. Gonna have to tear out all of the drywall and I am going to replace it with cement board and then tile. Your videos are great regarding how to install and tape the cement board. Thanks for producing these videos. They are going to be a big help.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you very muck Kip! Im happy to hear that!

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

Been wondering if I could use this exact method to fix a wall to make cbu plumb. Thanks for the excellent video.

[@gregaltenhofel7326]

In one of your other videos I watched you cut the cement board with a razor knife like it was drywall. I've not done this a lot just a few times in my life but, always used a dry cut masonry blade in my skill saw. I just used my utility razor knife. Man was that easier. Thanks for the tip.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks for the comment!

[@terrencemclaughlin3241]

Good Man,Thanks for the info.

[@tamarawidrick5177]

Thanks!!! I'm new to tiling, and have watched a LOT of videos. I LOVE your straightforward, no fancy frills, and easy to understand approach. I'm doing wainscot height tile in a bathroom. Had some water damage to the existing drywall, so I will replace that with cement board, but not to the full height of the wainscot. That way, like you said in one of these videos, I can use thinset to cover that gap, then the top tile will be directly over drywall. For the part of the room where the drywall is okay, I will tile directly over the drywall. I SO grateful that you showed how to level the surface. Can I use thinset to level any discrepancies on the painted drywall section?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes you can and thank you!

[@walterbutler3200]

I really appreciate your video. Got a question I used hard board for my backer over 1x 6 bead board then tape all my joint but didn't use thin set over joints I just used Aqua Defense, so do I need to cut that aqua defense out of the joints and retape and thin set the joints then reapply the aqua defense? Walter

[@anonymous..-]

Einstein looks different now-a-days, but he's still a genius. This is a great method!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Glad you think so!

[@douglaspayne5162]

You have great videos. I think I've watched almost all of them. Thank you. Glad to see your views are going up. When you are explaining the trowels, would you use a 3/8" x 1/4" notch for 12" x 24" tile on a shower wall?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes I would!

[@ralphborja8569]

Great job bro,,it's hard to find people that take pride in there work,,

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@angelikamariae]

Hi.. your video is exactly what I was looking for.. i just arrived to this point after applying the redguard... I am wondering what will be the appropiated mud for me To flat the wall and leave it solid enough for the tiling?

[@texasroper2222]

Can you put a link for where I can buy a trowel handle and blades like that one please?

[@caravann26]

Your good at what your do and obviously have ambidextrous skill but why fight gravity? Have you tried working the material upwards instead of down starting from the bottom and working up

[@ericbartoszak5211]

Thanks!

[@gopsln]

Thanks for the video. I am DIY family guy and ran into this exact problem yesterday. Very helpful to know the techniques you are showing. 2 Questions, please advise: 1) Can one use left over mastic in-place of thinset for the leveling you are showing? 2) What straight edge i can buy from HomeDepot or Lowes?

[@Cholo_Terocal]

Thank you so much ....Sir.

[@swordfishinc6556]

Thanks. great video

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thank you!

[@themusj]

Did I miss seeing how you smoothed out the dried thinset the next day when it was dry?

[@HomeImProveMentHow]

hey bro where do I sign up so that I can get some questions answered thank you for sharing your knowledge and and videos

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Hey Ken, I know u found that answer but to anyone else out there..... Go to my facebook page for quick response to questions. A link is below.

[@myinnovationscustomworking4510]

thanks for your video , my shower wall studs are out like a half an inch what do you recommend I used to level the wall in this situation I never done this before I have done finish carpentry but this is slightly different not sure what the best way to go about this is

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I would use sister studs to straighten out the walls. I have more videos on this subject they are located on my website.

[@mr.wizeguy8995]

Ever thought by using thin plywood over studs to make wall plum if your studs are crooked instead "sistering" studs with short pieces. You can also adjust thickness of those slice with planer and make them vedge if needed.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes I have also done it this way but, I am trying to show people what I feel is the easiest way!

[@KK-to4kn]

Great Video. Question.... My shower will be 2.5' x 4' The 2.5' walls are slightly off. There's a 1/8" bow in the middle of my durock. Is this small enough that I can just use the thinset thickness while tiling to offset? My tiles are 7" x 10" Thanks!!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Sure.

[@pughimag]

Very helpful. I found I had as much as 1/4" out of true in places. The notch trowel approach is great. I'm also mixing my thin set a little stiffer.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Great and glad to help John!

[@gregoryhagar]

I really like this method to make a flat even wall if you didn’t make sister studs before installing the cement board as discussed in your other video. I have a similar problem when it comes to the floor though. After installing the cement board on the floor, I see now that it’s not flat. The whole floor dips about 3/8in toward one side of the room. Can I use this method to apply thinset above the cement board to make a flat surface, let it dry, and then go about applying thinset while tiling? Or would you recommend a different method? I’d really prefer not to pull up all the CB after screwing it down, and I’d also prefer not to just go ahead and tile an uneven surface. Thank you for your advice

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes i use the same method

[@whitehh15]

Wouldn't wet shimming the studs before installing the cement board be a better strategy?

[@trevorlahey1479]

Can this method be used on floors? I've got about a 1/4" dip across a small bathroom floor. Not sure to try this or use some sort of floor patching compound.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes i use it for both

[@Elfin4]

Hardie backer say you have to put a good quality sealant down joints prior to putting on the tape over joints, do you do this or just tape all wall corners and floor joints. Looking a wet shower area so need it totally waterproof. I intend waterproofing the Hardie backer prior to tiling.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I would still paint membrane over seams and screw holes

[@TableTennisLover1234]

Hi, I have a similar situation were the main bathtub wall is bowed in the middle by as much as 1/2" out, and needs to be flattened. I used dense shield boards around my tub. They already have a waterproof membrane on them. Do I use unmodified or modified thin set to flatten with? Thanks.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Use modified thinset.

[@Tito-wf1qx]

At 4:08 he mentions a technique where you "put extra thinset in the back", I agree, it is a pain in the butt, but more importantly if it is not an even layer it will result in tile failures down the line. Do not add pedestals to the tile, always get full thinset coverage behind those tiles folks.

[@ehronwright7128]

One question regarding the smoothing of the fill surface: Would you have a particular reason for initially sweeping your straight-edge from the deep region to the shallow? It seem that would result in pushing a lot of the excess out of the shallow region, whereas sweeping from the shallow to the deep initially would allow you to push any high spots from the shallow region into low areas remaining in the deep region. If there is a reason for doing otherwise, I would be interested to know?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Just do what makes sense to you.

[@Alex2007MUC]

Hello Sir, another question. You are using modified thin set to level the cement boards, closing the corner. Our bathroom got this stippled "flower" pattern all the way - incl the ceiling above the bathtub/shower stall. I scrapped the stippled flower-plaster down, sanded, sealed it, sanded, mud it (2 times with usg joint compound mud) primed it, painted it. Obviously there was no problem with the plaster, usg joint compound before on the ceiling as stippled flower pattern. Do I have to thin-set the ceiling? I don't intent to put tiles up there.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

No It will be just fine

[@Alex2007MUC]

Thank you. After 8 steps the ceiling is done and some videos scared the living... out of me, saying "the ceiling has to be covered with thin-set. Thanks for your answer. Great!

[@Mportello1]

i'm applying to your university!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

That would be great! Can't wait to see you in there!

[@PSTrophyHunt]

What kind of thin set mother are you using to level out the backer board?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

modified thinset

[@andrewandstacieweller1927]

Cool

[@LastBastian]

New to this, but my wife and I have been reading that cement board should be treated, coated, or wet before applying mortar, otherwise the cement absorbs the moister from the mortar too rapidly? So, is this what you are doing here? Putting a barrier between the cement and the tile mortar you will use later? ...sorry if you explained in the video and I missed it.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I am using this to waterproof the shower! The thinset wont dry out too fast.

[@samuelborrero2398]

can you add this set on red guard? i kind of did it backwards

[@ChorteBoy512]

Hey buddy now is the thin set actually mortar ???

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

It`s a definitely nice method! Can you tell me what kind of filler did you use? Was it a plane cement/send mix or a special, like tile adhesive, please? Secondly, do you have an idea how to fix an opposite way bow (if a spirit level is rocking at the centre of the wall... And lastly, can you tell how many milliliters of deviation can be acceptable for the further tiling (porcelain 600*600mm). Thank you

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I used thinset. You can plane the stud that sticks out too far. You want the walls or floor to be as flat as possible. You can always add more thinset, but this can be a pain.

[@Yaqeen2013]

how thick would the plaster be for exterior cement boards? If the board has been painted should I first remove the paint then plaster?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

It should be at least a half inch thick. So I know I got your question correct are you using plaster for the walls or are you tearing plaster off the walls?

[@InTheGame21]

My question is after you slim coat with thin set do you still have to install a membrane or is it good to go

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

If you applied the membrane under the thinset first then no but if you have not applied any membrane at all then yes you must apply a membrane

[@ashleyrhoden8018]

Hey I'm trying to level a wall. That's 9.5x9.5 with a 4x2 window in the center and 4x2 niche about 1.5 ft below the window. When I level the wall should I I only do it with the level vertical? If I hold my level horizontal it's real wide at the ends 1/4-3/8 in if I hold my level horizontal on just the left side of the wall and not in the center the far end is off the wall an inch at least. With the level vertical my gaps are in a few spots but only 1/4-3/8 inch. How should I level this up? Please help.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Ashley, can you send me some pics on my facebook page? There is a link below in the description. I can help you much faster there!

[@jessegandarilla4472]

How would you level out a half inch dip that's right up to drywall? Use thinset or cement all?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Sometimes you need to use sheetrock joint compound and then be sure to waterproof it when done.

[@99hiyata]

Can you use this leveling method on cement board if you will be using a topical membrane? If yes, when is the best time to apply the membrane, before or after leveling?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes u can. Either way works.

[@milenawasniewska9734]

Can I use this method on my shower wall where I have Niches? is it safe to gradually build up mortar around the niche? This one wall is giving me a headache

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes you can

[@lindalee9463]

Thanks for your tips! I just ran into this problem in my shower. :(

[@herenthere10]

One thing I do to save time and thinset is put a level vertical and diagonal across 2x4 to find humps and valleys. Then use sheetrocks shims. Staple them on in layers to achieve flatness. Install W/B then fine tune with thinset on the tile.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Good tip!

[@mikeryckman3120]

Terry Schlaht never heard of Sheetrock shims ,wood shims yes but not sure what u mean by Sheetrock shims

[@purochikano1]

Great video sir. What kind of thinset is good to fill in, if is not flat like you showed us

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

As long as it is a modified thinset , you are good to go.

[@purochikano1]

@@SoThatsHowYouDoThat thank you sir you're the best

[@djshaggy167]

Hopefully not a repeat question ... when you run the level over the thinset, it looks like some of the ridges were not disturbed at all. Doesn't this mean the thinset is still too low to make the wall flat ... need to add more material or use a trowel w deeper notches? Perhaps I just couldn't see clearly enough in the video. Thanks!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes, it means that more filling needs to be done and I show that in another video. It is located inside tile University and there is a link below the description of this video

[@alisonmitchell2521]

Ok so the next day, do you repeat this again until it is plumb? I have a pretty deep dip in my wall and it may take a few passes. Is that ok to do that? Meaning can I repeat this process multiple times in the same spot?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes, you can repeat the process as many times as it takes

[@locusfocus8412]

Genius

[@johnal4560]

Hi if you found out this issue after you already applied REDGARD than what kind of cement do you use for floating modify or un modify thanx

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Modified thin set.

[@detinme4me]

I straightened all my wall before the durarock and totally missed the ceiling!😔 can I use this method for a half inch safely without tile falling on my kids head?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes it can.

[@jacquelinestaller4979]

Hi we are using cement board. What kind of thinset would I use for leveling. Modified or unmodified. You site is awesome ... I hope you keep on making them

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I use modified for tile over cement board.

[@jacquelinestaller4979]

Thank you

[@chrislienhart9067]

There seems to be a difference of opinion between professionals like yourself about using thinset to level/prep walls after cement board like this video. Do you have any reasons for not using thinset? Thanks and great video!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

No, thinset is perfectly fine to use.

[@alflowers9492]

so is it better to use thinset on drywall/durock joints or drywall mud on the joints? or both?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

You can use either on that joint. The only reason I would use drywall mud is because if you need to feather out past the point where the tile ends than you can get it smooth so it will look good when painted.

[@mainorvargas7473]

Hi buddy what would you charge for a walk in shower like that?

[@Fantasy_3peat]

What do you do when the hardieboard doesn't line up flush with the existing drywall?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Can post a pic on my facebook page? There is a link below. Or go to my website and use the lI'm nk there.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Link*

[@Fantasy_3peat]

SoThatsHowYouDoThat just sent msg via fb, sorry feel asleep right after I sent the msg (In hawaii) You have a fast reply time!

[@robbob4872]

It would have been a lot easier to make the framing flat before installing the backer boards.. good on you for making the walls flat before installing the tiles either way...

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes, and i have a video that shows how to do that.

[@myinnovationscustomworking4510]

where is the link to your website I'm not seeing any links here at all

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

did you find it! I have links to my website all over my channel.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

where can i get those trowels???

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Toolsforflooring.com

[@eridu77]

3/16" hahaha I had 1". What you did is what I should've done.

[@tjdlugosz8735]

Can I use this method over kerdi board?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes, you can.

[@mikeryckman3120]

How do you get dried thinset off the tiles

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

+Mike Ryckman scrape it, scrub. It with a sponge or even a scrub pad. If all else fails then you can wash it with moratic acid. But it will scrub off with water.

[@renaissancemen1]

Dynamite.

[@cooldog60]

I am going to do my bathroom by myself. I hope I can do it in a month.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I'm sure you can do it!!!

[@JoeF330]

so why do you use plastic AND hydroban as a barrier? doesnt that cause a double vapor barrier?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Some might say that, but no.

[@shawnwalters6738]

is that alkali resistant tape?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Yes it is Shawn.

[@damlee321]

Titling on cement board without waterproofing is ok?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

No. I applied the membrane after the prep.

[@rbnjr]

What music is that at the end?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Beach Party by Peter McIsaac Music

[@Methodical2]

Why don't Hardie make an exact 1/2" board instead of a .42" leaving us to have to feather more?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

No idea!

[@Kekafuch]

Matt Damon does tile!

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

haha

[@brucethompson9567]

I like Matt Damon in the movie "Team America"

[@salgadofamily8510]

Can you put Sheetrock cement on the cracks of the cement board

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Use thinset

[@rob4631]

I appreciate the vids! the ads are too heavy on this one.

[@mikesandlin649]

Can you come and finish my bathroom walls?

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Haha! You can do it.

[@stevebetker829]

Nice tile work . More importantly, I'm more impressed with your love for the savior of the world. Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth bless you always and forever brother. You know that there are no cowards in heaven. John3:16.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

Thanks for sharing!

[@stevebetker829]

@@SoThatsHowYouDoThat you too brother

[@BBPhotoBoise]

You are a lifesaver!! I am a recently empty nester, single woman who started a big remodel on my home to make room to rent out part of my home. The remodel started late January before the COVID 19 outbreak hit Boise Idaho. Most of the work got done but I was left with all the finishing and tile work. Since I am now unemplyeed, low on funds and heavy on time I have taken to youtube to figure out how to tile and finish the project up. YOu have been a great help! I have learned how to tile and actually really enjoy it! I find it very creative. It has been a great healing process for me during these stressful times. Thank you for all your videos. Incredibly helpful for a novice remodeler.

[@SoThatsHowYouDoThat]

I'm glad I could help and I hope and pray God blesses you greatly