builder, anti-builder, rebuilder -- Retired Moderator. craft paper or plastic is great if the inspector wants it but it is (should be) doing nothing for a tub surround that has HB/redgard/thinset/tile. Not even the plumber's fault as it was just a bad valve. Cement board is the industry standard when it comes to tile substrates and the most preferred among professionals when installing porcelain or ceramic tile. For indoor projects and gypsum board, thinset with a latex acrylic modifier is ideal. Yes, you need waterproofing behind shower tile. bathroom - Kerdi Membrane over cement backerboard - Home Improvement I appreciate your help and your quick response. Cement board, Wedi board, Kerdi board, Hardibacker, Densshield, Durock, Permabase, or Wonder board . Step 6: Choosing the Next Tile. I ended up putting up a thin, skim-coat of thinset all over the hardi board, letting it dry, and then putting up the kerdi. DIYers on this forum seem to have nothing but problems with Hardi. Do I have to use Kerdi tape with Ditra membrane? Overall, waterproofing behind and around shower tile is a critical part of any installation to ensure that the area is adequately protected from water and moisture damage. "thanks in advance :-) I know so little about this stuff, but when I watch videos (made by schluter-kerdi) everything looks so tidy and perfect - maybe that's not realistic'''" - Lisa Jasper It should look better than that and it's hard to tell but the wall stud spacing looks extreme and more than 16" I could not see if the screw heads where covered in the photos and in the one picture you can see that the screw and washer fitting where not covered. My understanding is that Schluter-Kerdi, being a sheet topical membrane, recommends just going with regular drywall instead of cement board but you can certainly use cement board as the substrate. Can you put Kerdi membrane over plywood? - KnowledgeBurrow.com Kerdi Membrane Installation (Step-by-Step Installation Guide) Ditra is manufactured in a 3'3 width and comes in various roll lengths (54sf, 150sf, and 323 sf). Contact us: 888-472-4588 When having to put it up on the wall or measure it for size, you will find that you can get the exact measurements you need without much trouble. Additionally, all thin-set mortars should be suitable for use in wet or feature depths of up to 1/8 inch. I set the Kerdi with my hands, pat it into the thinset with my hands, then go over it with a 4" taping knife held at a low angle to embed the Kerdi in the thinset. If cement board had been used, most likely the damage would have been much less that what I have to deal with now. However, you do still have to take care to waterproof the seams and the fastener penetrations to create a waterproof assembly. Will be replacing tub shower combination with tiled shower in my home. What to use to flatten and prep wall before installing Schluter Kerdi membrane for tiling? Kerdi-Board is an extruded polystyrene foam panel, with reinforcing material on both sides, covered by fleece webbing for effective anchoring of thin-set mortar. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. A successful tile installation largely depends on the substrate that the tile is attached to. The waterproof membrane isn't a substitute for the substrate. Installation; As the GoBoard is very lightweight, it becomes easy to . Kerdi can be installed first on drywall or cement board. If he did the framing for the shower, then in order to measure for it correctly, he would need to know how thick the tile is so that he can avoid exactly this problem. Building Panel: Price $ 119 00 $ 202 06 $ 279 00. 173 upvotes. Kerdi Shower Pan and Cement Board Walls - DIY Home Improvement Forum is that because water doesn't really hit that area?" - Lisa Jasper That's pushing it but should be fine. You peeled it off? I hope you made the guy flood test his work prior to tiling the shower floor. Once all areas have been properly waterproofed, the walls can be tiled and grouted to create a waterproof surface. Can I install Kerdi board just on the walls of my shower and use a PVC membrane on the floor? Properly waterproofing a shower area sharing a living room wall, Can I use cement accelerator to decrease setup time of modified thinset. This makes Kerdi Board suitable for a wide variety of interior applications, including kitchen countertops. We think it is the cement board (Durock) sucking the moisture out of the unmodified thinset. The Ditra uncoupling design is lightweight, durable, and minimizes the possibility of cracked tile and grout. Without an underlayment, even the slightest movement of the subfloor can result in cracking of the tile and crumbling of the grout lines. Glass mat gypsum board is a better choice. Cement board is a mineral-based board, usually 30 inches by 60 inches, that is used as a lower, dimensionally stable surface for installing ceramic tile, porcelain tile, or stonework. This creates a strong, waterproof tile backer that also functions as an uncoupling membrane. Anytime Mongo. It is also essential that cement board joints and fasteners be sealed and waterproofed with the Kerdi Fix sealant to help prevent water from leaking into the wall and floor cavities. There is a product called Kerdiboard you might want to look into. Self-leveling underlayment has many of the same advantages as a dry-pack mortar bed but doesnt require as much skill to install. You can apply it on PVC, metal, slabs, walls, and floors. Like cement board, the boards are heavy and hard to cut. Drywall under Kerdi would have been a better choice. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_27',168,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_28',168,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-narrow-sky-1-0_1');.narrow-sky-1-multi-168{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:15px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:15px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Waterproofing should also be done on other areas in the shower as well such as the corners, window sills and other areas where water can easily accumulate. I would avoid Hardi, as Avanti is right that it is thirsty. To line niche shelves, for instance. Been clankin' away at this computer for a couple of hours now, guys. I guess that why it was so frustrating that cement board is just sooo thirsty. A hundred times better to have too much before you comb than too little. Builder saying he doesn't want to put my trim tile in here. . In general, modified thin-set mortar is not recommended to set ceramic and stone tile, including large format tiles, over the KERDI membrane. I guess I could save a few $ and laminate 1/4" drywall there instead.IOW, is hardi OK to level out the tub flange?Not that it matters, but the tile will be 3x6 carrara to the ceiling.Casey. There are many different types of underlayment to choose from, but they all serve the same purpose. Foam-core tile backing board has two big advantages over other backer boards. The site is called floorelf.com. Additionally, if the cement board isnt waterproof, it can also cause mold and mildew issues, as well as dry wall damage from the moisture seeping through. Here's how to get it right the first time, If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom, Step 4 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick your waterproofing materials and drain, and don't forget to test, Work with your contractors and installers to ensure a safe, stylish curb that keeps the water where it belongs, Get the benefits of a time-honored ritual without firing up the coals, thanks to easier-than-ever home steam systems, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Out With the Old Tile: 8 Steps to Prep for Demolition, Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower Waterproofing and Drainage, Steam Showers Bring a Beloved Spa Feature Home. KERDI BOARD: Waterproof Your Shower in 1 Day - Home Repair Tutor The back side of the drywall fails and it is just as bad or worse than if it had an issue on the tile side. They can be installed on any type of support and can even be used to create partitions, with no structural support required. First, felt paper is stapled to the floor and covered with expanded metal lath. the cost of the tile job. True cement board (Durck, Wonderboard) is my first choice as a tile or Kerdi backer. Firstly, it is important to ensure the wall is adequately prepared and that it is smooth, flat and free of defects. Press the Kerdi Membrane into the Thinset Mortar with firm, even pressure to achieve full mortar coverage. They are square. there should be a small gap between the backer board and the tub. I hang Kerdi on cement board and fibercement board all the time. While cement board may be the most common and widely-known tile substrate, Kerdi Board is giving it a run for its money. What do you mean it doesn't adhere? Seems like I've been using the full measure of water the bag calls for, plus about 10%.-50 lbs of thinset at a time is too much for an amatuer. With that said, lets take a look at the importance of choosing the right tile substrate, the options you have, and which tile underlayment material you should choose Kerdi Board or cement board? It is easier to cut than cement board, it is mold resistant, and it has a built-in moisture barrier. Set ceramic and stone tile over the KERDI membrane with unmodified thin-set mortar, including large format tiles. The 1/4-inch-thick board is typically used on floors and countertops. Once this is done, continue the installation by following the directions for the particular Kerdi product being used. You provide the pitch during the tile set. Some being easier to work with than others. Most cement-based thin-set mortars are suitable; however, it is important to check the manufacturers instructions to ensure that the product is approved for use with Schluter systems. Underlayment is designed to smooth out uneven areas of the subfloor and form a rigid layer that prevents the flooring from bending. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), Do not Sell or Share My Personal Information. It is a fast process that is hard to mess up if you do it right. Then you can apply a thin layer of KERDI-FIX to the board, the membrane over top, and use a rolling pin to press it down and ensure a secure bond. I have watched it done 10-15 times, have good skills, and if I tried to make large mortar walls myself it might like a little kid threw up concrete Should I use Kerdi membrane or cement backerboard? if you go with vapour barrier, then cement board. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_25',167,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-mobile-leaderboard-2-0');Waterproofing should be done prior to the installation of any tile including behind the shower tile. Once you have selected the right sealer, follow the manufacturers instructions and apply a generous, even coat over the entire surface of the Hardie board. We tried adding water to the thinset, we tried . Why do you think each board should be able to move at all let alone independently? I think it is engrained in me to do that so I forget to mention it. When it comes to selecting thinset for cement board, there are a few important factors to consider. We installed cement board on the walls, and today when we attempted to apply the Kerdi membrane we could not get it to adhere. How to Install Kerdi Membrane - YouTube That was not a fault of the Kerdi, or the installation. The type of bonding mortar used to apply KERDI must be suitable for the substrate and must penetrate and engage the membrane fleece. Is this overkill? By: Author Olin Wade (Remodel or Move Stuff). Kerdi board vs. Membrane vs. Other for Shower - DIY Home Improvement Forum One of the major benefits of opting for Kerdi Board over cement board is the ease of installation. Can you remove tile from Kerdi membrane? Do You Need Uncoupling Membrane Over Concrete? - On Secret Hunt Finally, make sure to select a thinset that is appropriate for the job, check the manufacturers recommendation, and always follow the instructions on the product label. Since my guys and I will be doing this for the first time next week, I 'd like to take advantage of your 'learning curve.' The Schlter system tends to be more durable than a cement board, but it also depends on the particular application and the weather. Think about movement. :/. It could take longer if the space is particularly wet or humid.