How To Install Cement Board and Waterproofing For Tile Shower Walls - Complete Step-By-Step Guide

In this video, I show you how to install cement board and waterproofing for tile shower walls. A complete step by step guide on the process of installation of cement board is explained in detail. This is a crucial step in any tiled shower installation.
If you're looking to tile your own shower, make sure to watch this video first!
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Timestamps
Intro 00:00
How to hang cement board 02:41
How to cut cement board 04:53
How to tape and mud cement board 08:15
How to waterproof cement board 13:03
Outro 15:40
Disclaimer: This video is all based on my personal opinion and is for entertainment purposes ONLY. I am not a financial advisor, CPA, attorney, tax advisor, electrician, plumber, housing contractor, designer, or any type of profession to give advice. I am just a consumer sharing my experiences and research. If you do need knowledge for those types of things, I will advise you to seek help for those professionals.

[@sirramsey357]

hey man, this is the first time I am seeing our videos. I have been watching videos for years and I have to say you are very detailed. more detailed than anyone I have every seen. amazing videos!

[@susanadiez3577]

So glad I came upon your video. I will be redoing our shower soon. Thanks for being so thorough. I have confidence now that I will be able to do this job.

[@ariw9405]

Thank you so much! Your explanation and directions are clear and easy to follow. You are an amazing teacher

[@AKJammer1]

Just came across your channel and watched the video. Two things. 1st, instead of using cement backer board, I switched to Johns Mansfield Go Board, it's available at the blue big box store. It cuts like drywall and is completely impervious to water, unlike concrete. 2nd, most shower pan manufacturers recommend installing the backer board to the top of the flange, not over it. The tile or other material will then come down to 1/8" from the bottom and get siliconed. This will leave a gap so that water can't wick up behind the final wall in case the silicone gets compromised. Other than that, it was a good tutorial.

[@jens2763]

This is a really good video. AK, do you suggest applying a vapor barrier behind the Go board on top of the insulation for added protection? Also, to fill in the inch space between the board & tub (for guest bath) what silicone do you use? I tried cutting the cement backer board for my fireplace & had to nap after... :-O

[@AKJammer1]

@@jens2763The go board is waterproof, closed cell foam, so you won’t need the vapor barrier for that. If your on an outside wall, you might see a vapor barrier on the back side of your studs, but nothing you should need to deal with. GoBoard has their own sealant that the recommend and is what I use. There are several KZbin’s that will show you proper technique, it gets spread about 2” each side of joint. I normally put in a foam pan, so the GoBoard just slips into the dado on the pan, but this last time I installed into a fiberglass pan, so instead of stopping at the top, I cut an 1/8” slot out of the bottom and slipped the GoBoard to 1/8” from the pan over the flange. Then I applied sealant to the cutout and sealed it to the flange that way. GoBoard just cuts with a knife so it’s pretty easy. Everything turned out great.

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

not a good idea because if water gets behind the tile, and there's no cement board behind it, that water's going straight into the wood and insulation behind it. better to have the cement board get in contact with water as a backup.

[@coopdeville3145]

I'm not expert, but what u said is what I'm logically thinking...​@@user-vc5rp7nf8f

[@reid1boys]

Great job. Love your simple yet thorough instructions. Im thinking of doing this to my sports room this Summer.

[@EPICSOUNDTRAX]

I have to do all this in a few months so saved in my favorites and will follow step by step. thank you for creating these videos. very nice of you

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad you found the channel. Sounds like it will serve you well on your project. I enjoy making the videos. Let me know how your project goes!

[@roxygirl817]

Thank you. This video is great. My daughter put her foot through the tile wall and I had no idea how to fix it and couldn't afford to pay someone. Hope I'm doing it right

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I hope you get what you’re looking for from the video. Good luck with the project!

[@jrhndrsn]

Thx for such clear communication. This is my first time installing over backer board and had not gotten a clear answer regarding joints or waterproofing

[@guerradan1958]

Glad that decided to watch your video. The lip sheets has me puzzled. Now I’m clear what needs to be done. Thanks

[@tryan7]

Josh, You make it look easy. The backer board you use is heavy. Then add glass tile. I carried all this in the house. Great job. 👍 It may look easy, but it is not. 😮 Thank you for the step by step.

[@skainest]

Good instruction. Wish all the home remodeling videos were this good!

[@steelisellers8414]

You’re great at tutorial & explanations! Starting this project and came across your bathroom series. Great resource for us!!!

[@sheiep1]

Buying some things through your store now - thank you! You explain everything very clearly that a beginner like me can follow very easily.

[@AJWATTS]

These vids are amazing.. Great patience and explanation... Bravo

[@Samos12]

Your videos are great. Watching at 2x speed, which makes you sound even more expert...

[@TheSotexy2]

Great video! About to do my bathroom floor and shower. Feel comfortable after numerous videos and yours have been very clear!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Excellent! I hope it goes well for you. Let me know how it goes!

[@TheSotexy2]

@@TheExcellentLaborer can I use the materials you used with a pre cut Kerdi shower board? Can I use kerdi tape to seal all edges and corners?

[@chaupham493]

Hello Building Professor. You are my favorite. I’m going to watch all of you video and learn from you.

[@timt9609]

Josh, Thanks for always giving detailed explanation and informative videos.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome! I’m glad I can help!

[@michaelpho2514]

thank you! for all the little details on every projects.

[@djcompany2909]

Thanks you explained everything very well. Nice video you’ve gained a new sub 👍🏾

[@adriancastillo1891]

Great video!! Thanks for taking your time and doing it. 👍

[@RR-ce9tu]

Your videos are great it motivated me to do my shower walls!

[@oakleypayne-meyer7534]

This is the most informational and the most comprehensive building channel on youtube by far. I cant thank you enough for your content. There should be 1 mill subscribers for this channel. I have turned 5 people on to this amazing channel this week

[@jrgab2404]

Very detalied video awesome! I AM PLANNING on changng my shower tiles and your video will help me! I want to also change my shower tub to like in your video shower pan

[@Greg-qs8dn]

Wow this video is so informative , exactly what i was looking for

[@hungngo8075]

Thank you for all that you do!! Super insightful and clear as I am using your videos to guide me into renovating my bathroom. Subscribed!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad I could help! Thanks for subscribing as well!

[@joerut4669]

The cement board sits on TOP of the tub flange lip, not overlapping it. By bringing the cement board all the way down over the flange lip, you increase the possibility of the cement board sucking up water through capillary action.

[@pedropereira8924]

Very informative, thanks I really enjoy this video, grasias!!!!

[@158shm]

I’ve been a builder for about 35 years and thought I would watch your video, nice job ,

[@domwick720]

this channel is a gem

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Don!

[@joeyd7728]

@@TheExcellentLaborer. If you don’t mind me asking, how much do you charge to do a shower that size. I’m just starting out and can really use the advice! Beautiful work!

[@elmerkerth3871]

The great video it's really going to help me a lot when I do my bathroom

[@donphelps3613]

I have to rebuild my shower in my brand new house that the contractor really messed up. After watching several videos on the subject, I stumbled upon yours and what a relief. I am confident that with your explicit instructions, I can now tackle the project. I will have to demo the tile out to the studs and start over so your videos really came in handy, now to gather materials. BTW, the building contractor will repurchase the tile if I do the work. His sub went out of business :~(

[@carrieruffo2637]

This. I have the same problem. Husband wants to do it- so being an engineer I’m sure we can do this

[@lsee6145]

I would think the Contractor would step up and fix what his Sub screwed up. Why should YOU have to do it? The cost of tile is minimal

[@tryan7]

Best of luck with your project. Take your time. Let us know how you made out.

[@nipzie]

1 - make sure it's the correct fibre mesh tape for cement board 2 - if you add a bit of water first to the bucket then the thinset, then water to the desired consistency you don't get the corners of dry gunk leftover

[@user-qn6sk4lh7c]

Why do you need the mesh tape and motor if you’re going to title over and motor over the title?

[@kurolap7882]

@@user-qn6sk4lh7c from what i understand, no matter what, water eventually gets behind the tile

[@stephenbalenger]

This guy is great. I am getting ready to tile up. I did not cut out the back of the cement board to go over the shower pan lip though, instead, I cut furring strips the length of each stud and 1.5 inches wide so that the board went over the lip.

[@thomasmartin945]

I believe the board should not rest on the edge of the shower floor pan or the tub. It should go on the top of the lip to prevent any water from wicking up the cement board. Read the comment by AKJammer.

[@Josh4wlr]

The board should never go over the lip. It’s supposed to go to the top of the lip.

[@user-vc5rp7nf8f]

clear, concise, well-filmed

[@HamiltonTileGA]

Man, that's a lot of work! Really well done video.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

It is a lot of work. The final project turns out great. Thanks for watching!

[@chrisbarfield1468]

@@TheExcellentLaborer 7:28 - can I install my cement board in my shower and then have a drywall guy come? Or should I do like you did and have drywall finished and then install my cement board?

[@icawn]

​​@@chrisbarfield1468either way. Just have cement board and tile go beyond shower door and inch or so ideally. Make sure you stud well there for your door system.

[@lindanedilsky5882]

Thank you for a great video. Honestly, we had not idea the detail that went into this work. We hired a contractor to gut and redo our bathroom. Sadly, we did not do our homework and hired him vai work of mouth and one recommendation. We had to let him go because we could see halfway through the job, he had no idea what he was doing. After watching your video, I have a better understanding of feedback to give him and what to watch with the new contractor. I should have watched more videos. LOL.. Sadly, we lost about $16,000 because we did not get more bids, and we did not get more knowledge ourselves. Bathroom had to be re-gutted (yup all of it) and all new materials purchased, as well as paying for a new contractor to fix the screw up of the first one. Live and learn.

[@tryan7]

I had the very same problem with my bath remodel. My mistake was not as costly. It is waterproof with a poor quality tile job. 🎉🎉🎉 You live and learn. Good luck with your remodel project.

[@bluelude2001]

Dang. This video helped me a lot. We are doing a tile redi pan and I had so many questions on process.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I’m glad this video was helpful for you. Good luck with your project!

[@DoNtCaReBrO_305]

You explain everything in English. Good video man

[@nickbrunette8292]

Great video didnt think about using the liquid nails.

[@risingsun82]

Great great video👊🏼 Thanks man!

[@sherryelshaug9897]

Excellent instruction... super clean work space.... easy to understand. Thank you.

[@gladdenhandymanllc962]

My new favorite channel

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Glad to hear! I love DIY construction. I’ve been doing this business for years and enjoy just about every minute of it. Thanks for watching!

[@elenaolivares6965]

I compared these brands with the "Hardiebacker" and there is no comparison; the Hardiebacker" is vastly superior.

[@bwiseok]

I’m not sure how my house would’ve turned out without your excellent advice

[@mzerk1021]

Hey Josh, I've been watching your video's for the last couple weeks and want to thank you for the excellent content! I'm remodeling my house now and your bathroom rough-in, tiling etc, videos have really helped me out! Great stuff!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hi M Zerk! I’m thrilled to know people like you are watching my channel. I’ve been doing construction since I was a teenager and I love every minute of it. Remodeling is a lot of work but it’s a great way to add value to your property. Thank you for watching and good luck on your project!

[@stevehamman4465]

​@@TheExcellentLaborer, A bead of silicone on the pan behind the durarock would help with water weeping! Maybe mention about walls being "studs" being plumb. Nice video!

[@MakeWithMike]

1000 dollar prize to My 1000th subscriber !

[@SteveH-TN]

Thanks for sharing your experience and this video

[@Sean-Aviation]

I love your videos. great pace, lots of info and precise. you are very good with what you are doing but also with training. good on you and thanks for the videos

[@tom2cat680]

Hey, Josh. thank you for sharing your knowledge. Now I would have some ideas and apply to; what my contractor does and say.

[@CD-hc5ds]

Been installing tile new for about 20 years, the only big box we have is HD. Here's some solid advice. 1. Straight edge & plumb the studs & corners, shim if need. 2. Use Aquabar paper over your studs & go over shower lip. 3. Leave a ⅛" gap at your cement board seams (#8 nail) 4. Tape with alkali resistant mesh! 5. I have always used Flexbond thinset & had great results! We live near the 29 Palms Marine base & get shook all the time from the bombing & small quakes are the norm. I've never had a shower leak or crack. For what its worth thats my experience tiling MANY showers.

[@esmezurita5475]

buen trabajo , y bien explicado buen trabajo

[@noahb.7838]

Great job, you are the best.

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks a lot Noah. Preparing to tile a shower is a lot of work but they do give the bathroom a nice appearance. Hope all is well!

[@fuegoman45]

Another great video. Thanks brother 🤙

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that Todd!

[@dannesper1090]

Great videos for the DIY’er. Curious what you use as thin set over the cement board (under the water proofing) when tilling a shower?

[@DavidMolina-jq7im]

excellent explaining the details very good

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thanks David. I try to keep my videos as detailed as possible. Take care!

[@Dave-jp4by]

It's recommended to use the green mesh tape for the joint cause of molds. The green is mold resistant

[@nobodydoingunimportantthings]

Great instruction!

[@ernestthebo5441]

I love your video; video quality is great, you speak clearly, confidently and with enthusiasm, and your explanations are detailed and clear. I just don't understand why you started at the top of the wall? ET

[@LifeMasteryPodcastStevenArecco]

great video ! i like the gluing of the cement board to the studs but feel as though i would be screwing the next redo further down the line.

[@zachfifelski9458]

great video, Mr. Laborer.

[@oldironsfury]

I sit and watch this channel often , wonder why I haven’t subscribed. Anyway finally hit the damn button, thank you for all you’ve helped me with . Doing a shower stall now in tile . 🙏🙏

[@luisbanda7063]

Wonderful and Thank you For This Video !!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you too!

[@Video17943]

Good information I am going to Lowe’s soon to buy the kit

[@jens2763]

Thanks for mentioning & applying the membrane. My 80's house did not & the "drywall" crumbled behind the old tile as I was removing the tile. Codes are so different...

[@derrelldaniels5247]

I've been doing showers and bathrooms for decades. Out in the field we normally pack out are studs. We packed them out quarter inch or so. That way the cement board or HardieBacker board slide to write down over in front of the flang of a tub or shower. No rabbeting out or back cutting the cement board,or hardiebacker board like you're doing in this video.

[@zefrum3]

Can someone translate this from contractor english to educated English please?

[@laggyx1000]

@@zefrum3I believe he’s saying they burrow out the studs a little so that the actual tub edges are slightly in the studs so the cement boards just slide right down without have to cut the board to fit

[@bradaleyx]

Make wall stick out more so cement board slides down past tub flange

[@jimmyjay6497]

Board doesn’t go over the flange. It butts against it. Put it over and I will eventually leak. You use mesh and quick set cement to seal the gap. Then red guard, caulk when done. Tile.

[@bradaleyx]

@@jimmyjay6497 that is one way, but this entire comment thread is about building the studs out so the cement board can slide down over the flange

[@NotABushFan1]

Thanks Josh, your videos are great. I assume I would do the same thing if I will be installing Palisade waterproof panels. Thanks

[@xavierfranco8505]

Loved your video 🔥🔥🔥

[@carolyng651]

Marvelous Josh!!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you, Carolyn!

[@BillyJohnson-jk6bo]

I love the "put your ear plugs in" while no eye wear

[@bjjthaiboxing]

I'm a Ridgid cordless tools man myself. I realize I'm being a bit biased, but I think people who use the same tools I use... are smart. Cheers!

[@spreadcreekjr1731]

This was excellent

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that. Good luck with your project!

[@rowdy9379]

Good Job.

[@davidharrison3074]

Another fantastic showing of your work. Yes drywall background comes in really well to take and coat the corners and seams. I've used a brush as well to put the thinset in the corner and wipe it down. So glad to see the application of the sealer as well when using cement board and even hardi backer. Doesn't suck the moisture out of the thinset as quick too. Great job Josh. 👍🏻

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Hey David! Yeah I felt like a Drywall Finisher there for a minute lol. Yes that’s a good point also about the water sealer protecting from pulling the water out too quick. Another plus side to waterproofing. I hope your projects are going well. Thanks for stopping by!

[@CGS-Renovations]

Thanks Josh!!!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome Cody!

[@lairafraga3193]

Hi Josh, thanks a lot for you videos. They are great and straight to the point. One question I have is regarding the gap between the backer board and the ceiling. Do I need to fill it in with thin set or something, or just fill it after tile is installed (with silicon calk)? I am going to install tiles up to the ceiling. Thanks a lot.

[@user-is8oz6vy5r]

Do both.

[@dompellegrini5520]

Hey Josh, I agree with all the other comments, EXCELLENT series on cement board, shower pan install, tiling, and grout... Complete and Fantastic stuff. I have a shower that needs every single onenof these vids. From shower pan replacing to tiling. I feel 1,000% more comfortable with rhe whole project having your vids in my back pocket. Will let you know how it goes/turna out. Ciao

[@yassercontreras8782]

Wow i love how you work and make things look so easy to install. I wish i could learn some of your tricks, were you located so i can work for you.😁

[@brandonjensen5292]

Well I did one of my first shower tile jobs directly onto old plaster walls a few months back. Hopefully I get some time out of it at least. I took down the old shower wall insert paneling, scraped as best I could, waterproofed two coats, then used a product called echo prim to provide a rough cement board like surface for thin set to adhere too. I’d like to hear your thoughts on this. If nothing else, it was good practice. Thx!

[@michaeldepow6663]

Fail, you needed to use an uncoupling membrane if you want to go over plaster or drywall

[@leonidkoval9596]

Perfect video

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you!

[@pwammann1]

Yeah really was excellent!

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Philip!

[@colinthain4731]

Thanks!

[@davidolds1972]

Great Thanks 😊

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

You are welcome David!

[@mi3mi80]

Great thanks

[@nadador009]

I never installed cbb before. I found your video presentation informative and easy to follow along. Best of all, I feel confident in tackling the job thanks to you. You've got a great attitude and obviously love what you're doing!! Mega thanks Bro!

[@tryan7]

I speak from experience, the cement board he's using is a bit on the heavy side. They have lighter weight versions available. He's a young guy who makes it look easy. Be aware of the weight. Use liquid nails as he did.

[@garybrady7245]

I like permabase

[@davidhicks7802]

This is the technique I prefer when installing I like the concrete board on wall alone more solid I use redgard basically same a aqua d thinset bonds extremely well to it

[@tryan7]

Josh, Excellent video and work. You're a craftsman who cares about his workmanship. I did my bathroom a few years back. The tile work was horrible. I paid top 💵 dollar for poor quality work. My old bath was almost 50 years old. I doubt the new one will last that long. One thing is to wear a mask.

[@michaelmestas7183]

This is really great and straight forward video. I've done a lot of drywalling and odd jobs construction and feel very confident in my abilities but it's always good to go through a video dry run with to make sure I'm not forgetting something; especially if it's a project I haven't done in a while. It also helps to go through the needed materials list to ensure I have everything for the job before I began. There's nothing worse than getting started only to find out you need to run back to the local hardware store! Aghhh You also have some great tricks to make the job go easier when possible. Thanks for your video's I'm definitely a subscriber. Fireman Michael

[@panchman7]

Almost thought there was an outlet in the shower until I saw it was facing the other direction 😂Great video man.

[@Him26811]

Josh love the videos, they have been very helpful. I have one question, do you put mesh tape along the ceiling. Where the sheet rock and cement board meet

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I did but it’s not really necessary. The tile covers up that area and you really don’t see the corner and it doesn’t function as waterproofing either. So it’s really not necessary but I did for a full complete look. Hope that helps!

[@sachicartigiano6227]

Hi thank you , you are amazing . I’m not sure if I can follow all the same steps if I have a shower pan liner instead of a shower pan?

[@TuanNguyen-yl3ms]

Thanks ❤

[@debbiejohnson2685]

Hey Josh, I like your channel and content, it's been very helpful as I am remodeling our bath room. I am taking out a tub and installing a Delta walk in shower kit. I do however have a question or two. When installing the backer board, in your experience are you putting the board on top of the lip or the tub/shower? Your thoughts and recommendation would be appreciated.

[@markn.795]

You are awesome 👏🏻,

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Thank you Mark! I appreciate you watching!

[@seanspeakman2866]

Hey Josh! Thanks for the great video. How exactly did you join the drywall and backer board on the 90° outside corner?

[@johnp4871]

I'm a drywall finisher. That just gets taped with standard gypsum joint tape. We do it all the time at work.

[@SciaticaDrums]

Good stuff. The most important thing I can reinforce is never to run cement board or drywall over the lip of a shower pan. EVER. Both will wick moisture. Both will fail.

[@stewatparkpark2933]

You run the sheets into the tray stopping 3-5 mm short of the tray bottom and then silicon seal the gap . Water proof the sheets . Run the tiles down the same and silicon seal the gap .

[@paksarsabzpakistantoursfis3912]

Very nice 👍

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

I appreciate that! I know it’s a lot of steps for a tile shower but I do like the looks of them. Thanks for watching!

[@BobMongiello]

Excellent job,just enough talk to explain what you are doing :)

[@monkeydgabriel384]

Watching this anime again,, for like 15th time,, lol,, this anime relax me that's why is my second favorite anime,, the story is amazing and characters very nice,, plus the ending song relax me too and is nice!!

[@musthavefaith8142]

Nail plates for wiring? Gr8 vid

[@TheExcellentLaborer]

Typically the wiring is in the center of the wall plate and it will not hit it but if you feel like you should definitely do so. Thanks a lot Rodney!

[@nora-ub9yi]

Hey josh I recently run into your channel and i am a new happy subscriber. I am currently working on my bathroom. I just bought 1/2” hardiebacker for my tub shower. I see you are using a different board. Is hardiebacker ok? Or do you recommend getting another cement board?