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Best Backer Board For Shower in March/2023: Top 7 Choices

Yumiko
  Mar 25, 2023 2:38 PM

When it comes to finding the best backer board for a shower, it can be tricky to decide which one will be the most reliable and durable. Fortunately, there are some great options out there that can provide a strong foundation for your shower, from waterproof membranes and cement boards to foam panels and plastic sheets. Read on to learn more about the best backer boards for showers and which one is right for your project.

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1
GoBoard® Waterproof Backer Board Kit 6 Sheets | Easy Installation Shower Wall Board
GoBoard® Waterproof Backer Board Kit 6 Sheets | Easy Installation Shower Wall Board
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  • SCORE
    9.8
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    KBRS HARD CORE
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Six Sheets of GoBoard backer board (3' x 5' x 1/2" sheets) 90 SF of Coverage

Four Tubes of KBRS ShowerSeal Polyurethane Sealant (10.1 oz. each) & One 2.5 lb. Bag of Screws

Fast and Easy to Install | 100% Waterproof (built-in)

Ultra-Durable, Ultra-Lightweight Design

Easy to Cut in the Field with a Utility Knife | Tile Same Day

2
GoBoard® Waterproof Backer Board Kit 8 Sheets | Easy Installation Shower Wall Board
GoBoard® Waterproof Backer Board Kit 8 Sheets | Easy Installation Shower Wall Board
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  • SCORE
    9.6
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    KBRS HARD CORE
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Eight Sheets of GoBoard Backer Board (3' x 5' x 1/2" sheets) 120 SF Coverage

Six Tubes of KBRS ShowerSeal Polyurethane Sealant (10.1 oz. each) & One 2.5 lb. Bag of Screws

Fast and Easy to Install | 100% Waterproof (built-in)

Ultra-Durable, Ultra-Lightweight Design

Easy to Cut in the Field with a Utility Knife | Tile Same Day

3
Schluter Systems Kerdi Board Waterproof Shower Kit, Model KBKIT
Schluter Systems Kerdi Board Waterproof Shower Kit, Model KBKIT
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  • SCORE
    9.4
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Schluter Systems
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Create a fully waterproof and vapor-tight enclosure for tiled bathtub and acrylic shower base surrounds

Covers up to 101 sq. ft. of wall area

Kerdi-Board panels are applied directly to stud framing

Eliminates need for cement board or gypsum wall backer

QUICK & EASY TO INSTALL

4
GO BOARD FULL SHOWER KIT WITH POINT DRAIN SHOWER SYSTEM & BOARDS
GO BOARD FULL SHOWER KIT WITH POINT DRAIN SHOWER SYSTEM & BOARDS
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    GOBOARD
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

FAST INSTALL: There’s no need for specifically-sized pans with the GoBoard Shower System- it’s the only system where the shower pan is fabricated on site. Tile on the same day and grout the next day.

ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT: GoBoard is up to 80% lighter than cement boards and engineered for durability and strength. This ultra-lightweight material is not only durable, but serves as the ideal alternative to cement and other heavy tile backer boards. GoBoard helps you to complete the job faster and more cost effectively, with no strain on your back.

EASY TO CUT AND HANDLE: Using a basic utility knife, GoBoardWedge and GoBoard Curb can be quickly cut onsite without crumbling or disintegrating.

WATERPROOF BUILT-IN: With GoBoard Shower System, you only need to seal the board joints and fastener locations for a waterproof tile assembly.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS IN THE BOX: Contains GoBoard Point Drain Kit, GoBoard Wedge, GoBoard Curb, and GoBoard Pro Sealant.

5
Uncoupling Membrane 1/8” Underlayment – 108 sq. ft. - Waterproofing Tile or Stone Flooring Bathroom, Shower, Sauna, Steam Room Floor – Water Proof & Crack Isolation – Snap Products
Uncoupling Membrane 1/8” Underlayment – 108 sq. ft. - Waterproofing Tile or Stone Flooring Bathroom, Shower, Sauna, Steam Room Floor – Water Proof & Crack Isolation – Snap Products
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  • SCORE
    9.2
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Snap Products
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Premium Quality Standard: As a proud USA Seller, we believe your home improvement project deserves the best. DIY, handyman, or professional contractor; Our polypropylene composite uncoupling membrane provides a supreme moisture barrier along with helping prevent cracking and fractures of your tiles and grout work.

Multiple Applications: Our dimple uncoupling membrane can be used with any thinset mortar. The professional-grade polyethylene sheet and anchoring fleece underside can easily be laid on top of concrete, wood, OSB, backer board, cement or cement board, or gypsum. For use in your bath, shower, sauna, steam room, master bath, hallways, or anywhere you want to lay stone or tiles; both porcelain and ceramic.

Brand Name Quality: Snap Products is a California based American home improvement materials company. We hold all of our products to the same high standard as any other American manufacturer. This uncoupling and waterproofing membrane with an integrated bonding fleece roll is made with new, virgin polyethylene synthetic polymer. This high strength material provides strong adhesion and multi-layered waterproof protection.

Simple Installation: The underside anchoring fleece allows direct application on various surfaces with any unmodified thin set mortar. Super thick, strong, and durable this 0.125” thick membrane is designed to work with all types of substrate and stone or tile floors. It also provides sound reduction and control, a thermal break, and vapor barrier.

Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind all of our products and guarantee your satisfaction. We know you demand a product that can hold up in all situations and exceed your expectations. We are confident you will love our quality and our competitive prices. Give us a chance to be your new name brand choice! This 1/8” large roll is 3.3 ft x 30 ft (1m x 10m) for a total of 108 square feet.

6
Waterproof Membrane Underlayment – 108 sq ft – 12 Mils Thick - Bathroom, Shower, Sauna Room Tile, Mat, Pan, Floor or Wall Water Proof - Plastic Fabric for Flooring, Corners, & Ceiling – Snap Products
Waterproof Membrane Underlayment – 108 sq ft – 12 Mils Thick - Bathroom, Shower, Sauna Room Tile, Mat, Pan, Floor or Wall Water Proof - Plastic Fabric for Flooring, Corners, & Ceiling – Snap Products
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  • SCORE
    8.8
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    Snap Products
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

Premium Quality Standard: As a proud USA Seller, we believe your home improvement project deserves the best. DIY, handyman, or professional contractor; Our polyethylene composite waterproof membrane provides supreme water resistance to prevent water and moisture penetration. Apply it to your backer board, cement, sheet rock, drywall, or greenboard on any bath walls, shower surround, sauna ceiling, floor, shower pan, steam room, stone or wet wall tiles.

Peak Performance: Our waterproofing membrane is a soft sheet non-woven polypropylene with continuous filament fiber exterior structure. All to enhance the mechanical properties of the membrane's strength and toughness. After installation, have peace-of-mind behind your bathroom or shower walls and flooring. Besides eliminating water and moisture damage, it is also vapor and sound reducing.

Brand Name Quality: Snap Products is a California based American home improvement materials company. We hold all of our products to the highest standards you’d expect from an American manufacturer. This waterproofing membrane roll is made with new, virgin polyethylene synthetic polymer. This high strength material provides strong adhesion and multi-layered waterproof protection.

Satisfaction Guaranteed: We stand behind all of our products and guarantee your satisfaction. We know you demand a product that can hold up in all situations and exceed your expectations. We are confident you will love our quality and our competitive prices. Give us a chance to be your new name brand choice! Large roll 3.3 ft x 33 ft (1m x 10m) for a total of 108 square feet.

Simple Installation: Very pliable so it’s easy to fold and bend. Our printed grid makes measuring and cutting easy and precise. The anchoring fleece allows direct application on various surfaces with any unmodified thin set mortar. Rough textured on both sides, even thickness but irregular crossed structures form a non-woven mesh. Super thick, strong, and durable 12 mils leads the industry and makes this waterproofing membrane fabric hardwearing and tear proof.

7
GOBOARD SHOWER KIT (GOBOARD PANEL 3X5 (7 PIECES))
GOBOARD SHOWER KIT (GOBOARD PANEL 3X5 (7 PIECES))
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  • SCORE
    8.0
    AI Score

    This score ranges from 0 to 10. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. There is no influence from any manufacturers in calculating this score.

  • Brand
    GOBOARD
Product Highlights Customer Reviews

GoBoard 1/2-in is durable, lightweight, waterproof tile backer board

GoBoard 1/2-in x 3-ft x 5-ft weighs only 7.5-lbs, up to 80% lighter than cement boards, and is easy to handle

Seal only the board joints and fastener locations for a waterproof tile assembly per GoBoard installation instructions- save time and money

Simply attach with backer board screws or roofing nails, seal only board joints and fastener locations for waterproof tile assembly per GoBoard installation instructions

Simply use a utility knife to score GoBoard - no sawing necessary / For tile installations - walls, showers, ceilings and floors

Last update on 2023-03-25 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Buying guide

When it comes to choosing the best backer board for shower walls, there are 8 key things to look for. The Backer board is an essential part of a well-constructed bathroom and shower, as it serves to protect the wall from moisture and provide a strong surface to attach tile. The following 8 tips will help ensure you select the best backer board for your shower walls. 

1. Water Resistance: The most important trait of any backer board is its ability to resist water. Make sure you choose a board that is designed to be water-resistant and can withstand exposure to moisture.

2. Durability: The backer board you select should be able to stand up to the wear and tear of repeated use without cracking or chipping. Select a board that has a strong frame and is designed to last.

3. Easy to Cut: You want a board that is easy to cut and shape to fit your shower walls. Make sure you select a board that can be cut with a saw or router easily and cleanly.

4. Mold and Mildew Resistance: Moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow on the backer board. Make sure you select a board that is resistant to both of these issues.

5. Fasteners: The fasteners used to hold the backer board in place should be strong and secure. Make sure you select fasteners that can stand up to the weight of the backer board and will not come loose over time.

6. Cost: Cost should also be taken into consideration when choosing the best backer board for your shower walls. Choose a board that is within your budget, but still provides the features and quality you need.

7. Environmental Impact: If you are looking to reduce your environmental impact, select a board with environmental certifications, such as FSC, LEED, or GREENGUARD. This will ensure that the material used in the board is sustainable and will not harm the environment.

8. Warranty: Choose a board that comes with a comprehensive warranty. This will give you the assurance that the board will stand up to the test of time and protect your investment.

Other guides:

FAQs

1. What kind of saw should I use to cut the backer board?
Answer: You should use a circular saw, jigsaw, or router with a carbide-tipped blade to cut your backer board.

2. Are backer boards expensive?
Answer: The cost of backer boards can vary depending on the type of board you select and the size. Make sure to compare the prices of different boards to find the best deal.

3. Can I use the backer board on drywall?
Answer: Yes, you can use the backer board on drywall. However, it is important to make sure the drywall is in good condition and is securely attached to the wall before installing the backer board.

4. Does the backer board need to be sealed?
Answer: No, most backer boards are designed to be water-resistant and do not need to be sealed.

5. How many fasteners should I use when installing the backer board?
Answer: The number of fasteners you use will depend on the size and weight of your backer board. Generally, you should use about 4 fasteners for every square foot of the backer board.

Conclusion:

Choosing the best backer board for your shower walls is an important decision. Make sure you select a board that is water-resistant, durable, easy to cut, mold and mildew resistant, has strong fasteners, is cost-effective, has environmental certifications, and comes with a warranty. Following these 8 tips will help ensure you select the best backer board for your shower walls.

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