How to Make a Shower Floor With Backerboard

If you want to build a solid floor for your new shower, installing cement backerboard is the ideal choice. Cement backerboard is made with cement and other materials that prevent moisture from damaging the floor. Since the backerboard is flat and strong, it provides an ideal surface on which to install the shower pan. Backerboard will also add additional strength and integrity to flooring that needs repair or reinforcement. Installing the backerboard does require some heavy lifting, however, so be prepared and get someone to help if possible.

Tape measure
Scoring tool
Drywall ruler
Jig saw
Carbide blade
Thinset mortar
Trowel
Notched trowel
Drill
Masonry bit
Backerboard screws

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the shower floor area with a tape measure. Cut the backerboard to these measurements. Cut the board by scoring it with a scoring tool and a drywall ruler, and then pulling upwards to snap the board.
- 2
  Fit the board into the shower area. Check to ensure it extends all the way to the walls. If not, remeasure and recut the board to fit properly. Mark the location of the drain on the board by measuring its distance from each wall. Cut out this hole using a jig saw and a carbide blade.
- 3
  Add a layer of thinset cement mortar to the subfloor with a trowel. Groove the mortar with a notched trowel by running the notched trowel over the wet mortar.
- 4
  Lay the backerboard into place over the mortar and gently walk over the board to force it into the mortar.
- 5
  Predrill holes in the backerboard with a drill and masonry bit along the edges and over the joists. Screw the boards into the subfloor with backerboard screws and a power screwdriver.

House Underpinning Materials

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