Shower wall backer recommendations

[ghodges]

Hey guys

Looking for recommendations for backer board in a shower. I used Kerdi board in my build behind ceramic tile, but I'm doing a build for a client and she has a limited budget.

Cement board seems risky with all the movement in the bus.

I also don't know yet whether she is going to go with ceramic or vinyl/pvc sheets or something else.

What have you used that works well?

Thanks!

[rossvtaylor]

We like to use James Hardie's HardieBacker with fiber tape on the seams and Red Guard to seal those seams, and we've never had an issue. HardieBacker is a cement board, but it's not as heavy or difficult to work with as the old stuff I started with (in homes) which was cement and styrofoam with a layer of mesh on both sides. HardieBacker is easier to work with and the Red Guard/fiber tape seems to seal really well.

[Mr4btTahoe]

On a limited budget, FRP panels. This is the route we are going this weekend and from what I've seen, should work out nicely. Waterproof.. relatively easy to seal up and work with.

[Danjo]

I used the foamcore backer. Hydro-Blok. Not cheap. If I were to do FRP I’d use plywood probably

[Simplicity]

I've watched this guy in preparation for how I might do my shower area.

In this particular video, he's linking to what he considers the best video on using RedGard.

It pretty well speaks to what Ross was suggesting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJQHBQfJYjQ

Hope it helps.

[rossvtaylor]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Hope it helps.

It definitely helps with my spelling! I just bought another gallon pail of it about 2 weeks ago and didn't remember it's spelled RedGard and not Red Guard. It's about $50/gallon, but that goes a long way and I've not found another product which works as well. Semco makes something I see advertised often, but I've got no reason to switch.

[ghodges]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate the input