I am planning on installing hardibacker in my shower area, which thickness do I use?

Question

Do i use the 1/4" or the 1/2" hardibacker? I plan to tile over it. Also do I need to use a water barrier before installing the hardibacker? Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

Answer 1

If you have the money to spend I would water proof it with a product called Kerdi by Schluter.  It is an awesome product.  You line the shower with this product and there is no way the shower will leak!!!!!  Full proof way!!!!

Answer 2

1/2 inch.   There are special screws to attach it to the studs, make sure you get those instead of regular screws, masonry screws, drywall screws etc.   You also need a special saw blade for your circular saw to cut it.  It makes a mess when you cut it, so do it outside or someplace where you can sweep up easily and wear a dust mask.

You should cover the seams with fiberglass tape before applying the mastic, but it doesn't require a moisture barrier behind it.

Answer 3

The 1/4" is an underlayment for floors - it goes over plywood subfloor. The 1/2" is for walls and no moisture barrier is required.