bob_cntrctr

Gentlemen,

In a pinch, I tried 1/4" Hardiboard on the walls of a bath stall. Worried about the flex, I added studs so they're on 8" centers. You know what? I didn't take out a micrometer or anything, but to the touch I'd say that it's every bit as rigid as 1/2" on 16" centers. You might not want to do this on outside walls, for thermal bridging, but on interior walls, I don't see a problem. Especially with 12" tiles that will span the framing anyway.

Anyone else tried this, or seen the results of it being done?

Thanks.

bwalley

Why not just use 1/2" or 7/16" Durock?

ARI001

The manufacturer recommends 1/2" for walls. 1/4" is for floors and counter tops. What are you going to do about the 1/4" difference between the drywall and backer board? Why did you install 1/4" to begin with? Seems like bad building practices to me. I'm sure your customer will appreciate your experimenting on their project.

angus242

Dis maka da no sense

With the added cost of studs and labor to install them, why not just use 1/2" in the first place? Now you have a shower built correctly to the standard put forth by the group(s) that do the real testing.

I suppose A for effort and maybe a C for "testing". But I cannot imagine myself building a shower, finding out I only have 1/4" CBU lying around but a whole bunch of extra studs.

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TNGHomes

I agree with Angus, why? that is just crazy. While your at it next time try Luan and then 1/4........that to will cost more and create more labor for you.........errrr

bob_cntrctr

I think this is the part where I bend over and say "Thank you , sir, may I have another!"

bwalley

Actually it was your client who appears to have been bent over.