wonderboard vs. cement board

I always thought both were essentially the same thing.

Reply to
Mikepier
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Wonderboard is cement board, he might be thinking of the Hardiboard stuff.

Opinions on it.... Hummm...

When I built my shower I used Wonderboard. I've seen showers that are at least 20 years old and they are holding up just fine with Cement (wonderboard)

The hardiboard stuff is promising though. It cuts VERY easy. You can actually nicely score and snap it. Wonderboard is a bit more difficult to work with in that respect.

I would say give it a shot, it can't hurt to try it. Any decent backing for a shower is better than using drywall (greenboard or regular).

Reply to
BocesLib

I've used both products and prefer wonderboard. I can't tell a difference between finished installations, but can tell you that I find the wonderboard easier to work with.

Reply to
Kyle Boatright

I noticed in "HomeDope" store they have two types of "backer board" for laying tile over. the cement board that is very common and a newer type called "wonder board" it's almost like a fiber type composite. anyone have opinions about which one is better for installing a new tile floor? Seems like this new fiber board would be easier to handle.

Reply to
Gntry

Someone in this group named the wonderboard "crumblecrap".

I completely agree with their name. I have found the slick denser backer boards to be far easier to move, cut and install. The James Hardie brand even includes pre made dimpled areas for the nails or screws.

Colbyt

Reply to
Colbyt

Reply to
Gntry

The last time I used it was about 20 years ago as the backer for a stove, floor to ceiling with a gap top and bottom. Due to size it had a seam 1/2 up. I discovered something I hadn't known. There is (or was) a difference between the two faces. One face took the fake rock/mortar just fine. The top part must have been turned around. That face would not hold the rocks, they would stick a few seconds and fall off. I finally cured it by giving it a thin wash with with mortar (that stuck) and then the rocks went on with no further problems. At least they are still there 20 years later.

Harry K

Reply to
Harry K

I've used them both and *far* prefer the "HardiBacker" (fiber type). It's "easy" to cut and work with. It can be cut like sheetrock (not as easily) but I prefer my Makita battery powered 3-3/8" circular saw. A carbide bit in a roto-zip w/circle jig makes great circles for vents and toilets.

I've had the "cement" type crack enough that I was worried about its integrity.

Reply to
keith

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