[dkillianjr]

Hey guys, I have always used wonder board for my tub surrounds. I was looking at that 1/2" Hardie board. Any pros or cons to using it? Is it just like using wonderboard? Any pointers you guys can offer? With the wonderboard one of the things I always get is the little pebbles constantly falling in the tub, I am always worried about them scratching. I just thought the Hardie board looked a little nicer. I searched around, but really couldn't find to much on it.



Thanks, Dave

[buildenterprise]

I don't use anything but HardiBacker. Nice thing is you can score it and snap it, not like durock. I haven't tried that new super lightweight backerboard yet, but I hear it's nice to work with.

[Norrrrrrrrrrrrm]

I also only use Hardiebacker. Score and snap, it doesn't get much easier. The 1/4 inch is even easier to work with. I think it is much cleaner and I think it smells sweet.

[Bozzy]

I personally prefer DensShield, scores and snaps as easy as drywall. When installed properly, supplies its own moisture barrier. I prefer Hardi over Durock, but DensShield over both. I find with DensShield, I can spread a larger area, and go to town, Hardi sucks the moisture out of your setting material too quickly for my taste.

[dkillianjr]

Thanks for the info guys, I think I will give it a try this week on the bathroom I am doing. Its a shame I was curious about that lightweight stuff too, but my suppliers around here are not to good. My two choices are wonderboard or Hardie board. I have heard that wetting down the hardie before tileing will help with it absorbing so quick. Any truth to this?


Dave

[Bud Cline]

I use Hardie alsmost exclusively simply because I can shear it. No dust that way.

Killian if you'll look up the instructions for Hardie you'll see that the manufacturer recommends you always wet the Hardie with a sponge to get moisture into the board. This will slow the wicking and improve the bond of the thinset. In fact this is a good idea with all cement boards in my thinking. This will also remove the dust and prep the board for thinset application in all cases.

[dkillianjr]

Thanks for the info Bud, I guess reading the hardie instructions would be a good idea



Dave

[kevjob]

I like to wet durock when doing kerdi in steam showers

[PA woodbutcher]

What are you using to fasten the hardibacker down with?

[Dan_Watson]

floors-galv roofers, with about 6 screws per board
walls- set with 4 nails then screw the rest, usually alittle drywall adhesive on the studs first

[nwtile guy]

Hey Bud,

Can you use your shears on the half inch hardie? I use mine on the quarter inch stuff but I have heard that you can break your shears on the half inch.

[Bud Cline]

Been doin' it for years. I've seen guys break shear-jaws and strip gears but I never have. I still have the same shears with the original jaws I started with when those things first hit the market.

[98mustangguy]

Originally Posted by Bud Cline

Been doin' it for years. I've seen guys break shear-jaws and strip gears but I never have. I still have the same shears with the original jaws I started with when those things first hit the market.

but like everything they dont make em like they used too

[ak_aiken]

I use hardi for everything and have allways sheared both 1/4" and 1/2" material. Have used both air and electric powered shears its the only way to fly.