Durock is a type of cement backer board for use around shower stalls instead of regular drywall or green board. Durock can be installed beneath the shower stall as well, to protect the floor. Cement backer board is waterproof, whereas green board is merely water resistant. Durock must be hung properly on wall studs, spaced 16 inches apart on center, for it to do its job as intended.
Instructions
1. Remove any old green board or backer board from the studs around the shower stall. Pull out all the old nails and screws with a hammer or screwdriver. Make sure the floor is smooth when you install Durock beneath the shower stall. Measure between the studs to make sure they are no more than 16 inches apart on center.
2. Place a level across the studs horizontally to make sure they will provide a level surface for the Durock. Make adjustments with shims or furring strips to any studs that are not level. This is especially important when tile will be installed over the Durock.
3. Use a hammer stapler to staple a layer of thick plastic sheeting to the wall studs as a moisture barrier. Asphalt roofing felt may also be used as a moisture barrier, but be sure to overlap the edges of the felt to form a solid barrier.
4. Measure the piece of Durock for the floor, and use a straight edge to draw a line where it will be cut. Position the Durock with the smooth side up. Allow for a 1/4-inch gap between the edges of the Durock on the floor and the Durock on the walls. Use a utility knife to cut the mesh along the line, and score the cement board. Snap the cement board along the score by hand.
5. Measure where the drain will go, and mark it with a pencil. Use a utility knife to cut the mesh and score the cement board around the drain hole. Tap the scored circle with a hammer to remove the cement board.
6. Use the same method to cut the Durock for the walls and plumbing fixtures. Allow for a 1/8-inch gap between the sheets of Durock on the walls. Indicate in pencil on the Durock where the studs beneath it will be located on the floor and walls.
7. Spread type 1 organic adhesive on the subfloor with a 5/32-inch V-notched trowel. Apply latex-fortified mortar over the adhesive with a 1/4-inch square-notched trowel. Install the Durock floor piece immediately over the mortar, being careful to line up the drain hole.
8. Use the level to check the floor piece. Make adjustments with shims or by placing a board over one edge of the Durock and tapping it down until the piece is level. Use screws or nails to secure the Durock to the subfloor before the adhesive and mortar set. Sink the nails or screws through the Durock into the subfloor along the walls and every 8 inches on center.
9. Install the sheets of Durock on the wall over the moisture barrier. Leave a 1/8-inch gap between panels. Fasten the panels to the wall studs with screws or nails spaced 8 inches apart on center.
10. Use a putty knife to smooth latex-fortified mortar or type 1 organic adhesive over the gaps between the panels. Press joint tape into the mortar or adhesive before it dries. Allow the mortar and adhesive to dry completely before you install the shower stall.
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