Brand of cement-board to use for shower walls?

[netarc]

Great site, John ... just got through reading some excellent information on your site on the topic of showers!!

One follow-up question - I read the multiple admonishments of "don't use greenboard in the shower," but to use cement backer boards instead. Two recommendations were Wonderboard and Durock ... my GC is partial to using Hardiboard behind tiles - is this an equivalent material?

[stullis]

Some like Hardibacker some like Durock or WonderBoard, personal preference.

Hardi will work fine.

[netarc]

Great, thanks! One follow up question - can the cement board be screwed directly to the shower & bathroom wall framing? Or should a layer of plywood (or other material?) be attached to the studs first?

BTW, what does "CBU" stand for? I see this abbreviation in a number of locations, but don't know...

[flatfloor]

Hi there! No more questions answered unless you give us a first name.

CBU = cement board unit and it is fastened directly to the framing after a layer of 4 mil poly or felt paper.

Take a look in our liberry about shower construction.

http://www.johnbridge.com/vbulletin/...ead.php?t=5434

[netarc]

Thanks! Sorry, didn't know about the first name req't but just read that in the "new users" area .. rectified!

[Rd Tile]

CBU= Cementitious Backer Unit.

And yes, a vapor barrier of 15lb. roofing felt or 4 to 6 mill poly should be installed over the studs before the backerboard, 1/2" backerboard is use directly over this, no need for plywood or anything else.

But Jim already said that.

[Bigbobdallas]

I just need a fast answer. How far on a bathtub shower enclosure, how far apart to put screws on the CBU

[John Bridge]

Bob, check with the manufacturer. Usually 6 to 8 inches apart.

[Bigbobdallas]

Do you put screws on the corners where they meet?

[RLeVan]

Normally about 2" in from the edge so you don't break the corners or the edges. Also, leave about an 1/8" gap between boards for taping.