How many people do you know that have had problems with water filtration in the shower? We are one of those people. Luckily, we found this great product to replace our shower and bathtub walls: cement backer board. Also known as wonderboard.

Cement backer board is a strong, highly water resistant base for ceramic, porcelain and natural stone tile. Even in standing water, cement backer board will not swell, decompose, decay, delaminate or deteriorate. It will not expand or contract due to changes in temperature or humidity like other underlayment materials. Because of its unique formulation of concrete and fiberglass, cement backer board may be used as a sub-surface for tile on walls, floors, tub decks and countertops.

How do you install it? It is simple. For floor installation, you need to fasten the backer board to the plywood sub-floor using 1 1/2” galvanized roofing nails or sheetrock screws spaced 8" on center.

For wall installation, cement backer board may be installed over metal or wood studs spaced 16” on center. Exterior walls should be insulated properly prior to installation.

Once installed, use some drywall tape first for the joints and using mortar in a "mayonnaise consistency" and a trowel, apply filling in the gaps between boards.

Backer board in the shower

Installing backerboard around bathtub