Installing Cement Board to large shower

[iluvmacs]

Hi. I am new to the forums so I apologize for not knowing the lingo and abbreviations.

We are remodeling our master bath and making a large walk-in shower (5'x8') When we were looking to purchase the cement backer boards, we noticed the standard size is the 3'x5'. While this is perfect for doing a tub surround, it seems like it will be rather wasteful in a larger project and joists that are 16" on center. Is there a magical way to configure the cement board on the wall to not be as wasteful, or should I just expect to have a foot worth of cut off for every piece I install?

[Houston Remodeler]

Duane,

Welcome to the forum.

Before we get too far - what is your waterproofing method of choice ?

[cx]

Welcome, Duane. Don't worry about the lingo. If you get it wrong we'll 'splain you.

You're certainly correct about the sizing of most of the CBUs on the market. There are a couple of'em that you can also purchase in other sizes, such as 4x8-foot.

[Kman]

Better have a helper, maybe two, to install those 4x8's. They're mighty heavy, and a bit flimsy. What you save in material you'll lose in blood, sweat, and tears.

Regarding Paul's question about waterproofing, I'm thinking the reason he asked is that you may not necessarily need cement board. If that's the case, you could save yourself a little money and a lot of hard work.

[iluvmacs]

We plan on using a porcelain tile, the CBU, and a vapor barrier. We are doing the floor and walls.

The price of the 4'x8's seem to not be worth it compared to just cutting off the extra from the 3x5's.

What do people use more often? the smaller ones or larger ones?

[Houston Remodeler]

The smaller ones cause they are easier to locate and handle.

Unless, like me you use kerdi board, which is light as a feather.

[iluvmacs]

Paul,

How much does the Kerdi board run? I am already planning to buy a drain from them, so I would consider their board as well.

[Houston Remodeler]

For a 1/2" thick 4x8 sheet I pay $76.04, 48x64 is $50.51

[cpad007]

Kerdi-board is crazy expensive. Plain 1/2" drywall with Kerdi waterproofing membrane is a lot cheaper. I went with this method.

[Kman]

While Kerdi board is a good product, you should also figure in the cost of the special screws. They're not cheap either.

[Sharps 74]

I used a product called ProPanel 1/2" 3X5 foam backer for my shower remodel. Ran around $20 per sheet, easy to handle, and provided a waterproof underlayment.

[Splinter]

my lumberyard also stocks 3x6 durock....