Sheetrock, or drywall, is commonly used as a backer board for ceramic tile installations. According to the Gypsum Association, green board, a drywall made with a green paper, is specifically designed to be water resistant and serve as a backing for ceramic tile. Green board is recommended as a backing for all tile-covered surfaces in a bathroom with the exception of the shower. Cement backer board should be used in areas with high moisture levels.
Uses of Green Board
According to the Gypsum Association, green board is designed with special additives that provide water resistance to the plaster core. The paper on the front and the back of the green board is also treated to repel water. The organization stresses that this means the green board is water resistant and not waterproof and should not be used in high humidity areas such as indoor swimming pools or spas.
Cement Backer Board
Cement backer board is waterproof sheet-type material that can be used in high humidity areas like showers, pools and spas. Half-inch backer board is recommended for walls around showers or tub areas. Cement backer board is heavier than Sheetrock and should only be applied to walls with 16-inch-on-center studs. Vapor barriers are not recommended for cement backer boards.
Countertops
Cement backer board is also recommended for use below ceramic tile on a countertop. A quarter-inch backer board is installed over the top of a 5/8 inch exterior grade plywood to create the countertop surface. The ceramic tile is then installed on top of the backer board.
Floors
Floor installations are similar to countertops. Quarter- or half-inch cement backer board is installed over a wood subfloor of at least 5/8-inch exterior grade plywood. Place a thin bed of thin set mortar over the plywood subfloor to fill any voids between the cement backer board and the subfloor. The ceramic tile is then installed over the backer board.
Installing Cement Backer Board
Backer board should be installed over studs that are straight and plumb. The material will bend and any defects in the stud wall will be visible after the tile is installed. Use an abrasive blade in a circular saw to cut the cement backer board. Use drywall screws or ring-shanked nails every 6 to 10 inches to fasten the backer board to the walls.
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