Mansfield Shower Surround (2024)

FAQs

What is the best material to use behind shower walls? ›

Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.

Acrylic is one of the most cost-effective materials for your bathroom. Cheaper and with fewer problems than tiling, it can give you the look and functionality you're after at a fraction of the cost. It is extremely durable, stain-resistant, and can resist scratching or chipping.

IS GREEN BOARD WATERPROOF? Green board is water-resistant – it is not waterproof. Green board is highly efficient in bathrooms and kitchens, where moisture is frequently in the air, but it is not the drywall that should be set behind tile in your shower or any other areas where it can come in direct contact with water.

Why Sintered Stone and Porcelain Slabs Make Excellent No-Grout Showers. Porcelain and sintered stone slabs are large enough to cover a typical shower wall, integrating with bathroom walls and countertops in one seamless design. Both materials are extremely durable, non-porous, and never need sealing.

DensShield® Tile Backer outperforms cement board and is easier to install. * See warranties for complete terms, conditions and limitations. For a copy of the warranty or for technical details, visit our web site at www.DensShield.com.

Acrylic panels are typically more durable and require less maintenance than fiberglass, but they can be more expensive.

The least maintenance shower walls are made from materials like fiberglass, acrylic, and solid surfaces due to their seamless design, resistance to mold and mildew, and ease of cleaning. Tile can also be included if using epoxy grout.

Cement board is clearly the best choice for shower applications. Builders do not often use it because it is much heavier to handle and more difficult to cut. If you are concerned about handling the weight, USG makes a cement backer board impregnated with tiny foam balls to lower the weight.

Susceptibility to Harsh Chemicals. Certain chemicals, such as abrasive or acidic cleaners, can damage acrylic shower enclosures. Harsh chemicals can cause discoloration, scratches, or even weaken the material over time.

Apart from retaining heat and minimizing condensation, insulating behind shower walls also provides better acoustics by reducing annoying sounds from outdoors or between rooms. This gives you peace of mind when taking a shower as it minimizes the level of noise coming from the bathroom or other surroundings.

Do you put sheetrock behind shower walls? ›

Drywall is a porous material by nature, which means that it contains tiny holes capable of absorbing moisture and housing bacteria/mold. That's why drywall is exclusively installed in areas that aren't meant to ever get wet, such as your living room or bedroom walls.

Waterproofing shower walls is the project we did the most extensive research on when it came to our primary bathroom renovation. Waterproofing before tiling a shower is so important and can protect your bathroom for the long haul.

Plywood panels are vulnerable to moisture damage if not adequately protected. Avoid installing plywood panels directly in contact with water sources or near open showers without proper waterproofing measures such as manufacturer recommended trims and sealants.

Swanstone® Solid Surface provides superior durability and sustainability, making it eco-friendly while providing a visually appealing guest experience. Swanstone® Solid Surface produces minimal waste during production and installation, making it an environmentally responsible material for your property.

Cons of Tile Shower Walls

Maintenance: While tiles can be easily wiped down, maintaining the grout lines requires regular cleaning with grout cleaner. Additionally, proper sealing is necessary to protect the grout from stains and moisture.

Even though the special drywall has water-repellent emulsions in the gypsum core and on the paper covering, it is not waterproof. Any leaks through the grout can damage it over time, as you saw on your existing shower wall. Cement board is clearly the best choice for shower applications.

Whenever installing tile in any area of your house, you need a special substrate or base layer. In showers, the standard substrate is tile backer, also called cement board or cement backer board.

So, what will be the best for bathroom installation, specifically the shower? While HardieBacker can technically be used for the shower, as it is resistant to mold, there will need to be some precautions, such as obtaining waterproof sealant. Durock isn't flexible, but it can withstand water.

Really, you can use Shower Bead for any gap between drywall and another substrate that's two inches or less (see how we used it to finish around a window here) — but the bead's oversized mud leg and its rust-proof, mold-proof vinyl materials make it the ideal choice for enclosures like this one.