Does Backer Board Go Over Shower Pan Lip
When installing a shower pan liner, it is recommended to put a backer board on top of the pan lip to create a level surface for tiling and prevent water from entering behind the tile. A waterproof membrane can be used for extra protection (Liquid Image, n.d.). This will help ensure that the shower is properly sealed and watertight.

The answer to the question "Should the backer board touch the shower pan?" is a definite no. According to Drop By My House, it's recommended that the backer board should be installed 1/4" above the lip of the shower pan to provide adequate coverage for waterproofing. This practice has been widely used in the construction industry for many years.
The answer to the question of whether backer board should touch the shower pan is no. According to Drop By My House (2020), the minimum gap between the backer board and shower pan should be 1/4 inch. Proper installation of the backer board is necessary to ensure a waterproof seal.
Should a backer board be used with a shower pan liner?
When installing a shower pan liner, it is recommended to put a backer board on top of the pan lip to create a level surface for tiling and prevent water from entering behind the tile. A waterproof membrane can be used for extra protection (Liquid Image, n.d.). This will help ensure that the shower is properly sealed and watertight.
Should cement board cover shower pan lip?
Yes, cement board should go over the lip of a shower pan. According to the Tools Owner website (Sep 16, 2022), the edge of the sheeting must cover the lip of the shower pan. It is important to use an electric jigsaw or manual saw to cut out the desired piece of the backer board, and clean up any cuts made before applying the board. It is also recommended to use waterproof tape or cement for extra protection around edges and corners.
Can cement backerboard be used in a shower?
Yes, cement backerboard can be used in a shower, provided it is installed properly. According to Floorelf.com, cement backerboards are dimensionally stable when wet and offer many years of durable shower construction. Cement backerboards provide better water management than other types of backerboards, such as gypsum.
How should backer board be installed?
When it comes to installing backer board in a shower pan, it is recommended to place it 1/4 inch above the pan with a backer rod or sealant to prevent wicking up into the board. According to Houzz (2020), some people suggest setting the backer board in the mud of the shower pan. It is important to make sure that the backer board is properly sealed and waterproofed to prevent water damage.
How much overlap for a shower pan?
When installing backer board for a plastic shower pan, it should overlap the lower lip of the pan by 1/8" to 1/4". According to DIYChatroom (Apr 2009), regular drywall should then be attached directly to the studs throughout the bathroom. Installing a waterproof membrane below the backer board can help protect against water damage.
Should backer board overlap flange?
A common concern when installing a shower base is whether backer board should overlap the flange/lip of an acrylic shower pan. According to a 2019 article published in The Spruce, it is best to overlap the lip of the acrylic pan with the backer board in order to ensure the shower base is properly installed and waterproof. It is important to apply a layer of waterproof mortar between the pan and backer board for further protection.
Are cement backerboards waterproof?
Cement backerboards are not waterproof, however they are dimensionally stable when wet and can give many years of durable shower construction when installed properly. According to The Floor Elf (floorelf.com, date unavailable), installing cement backerboard for tile in a shower is an effective way to avoid swelling behind the tiles.
Do we need to shim backerboard?
Installing backerboard in a shower requires the use of screws or nails about every 8 12 inches and shimming out any areas where the wall studs may not be straight, as suggested by The Floor Elf (floorelf.com). This will help ensure a flat surface, making the tile installation process easier. It is important to use waterproof materials when tiling a shower to prevent water damage.
Can I install cement backerboard?
Installing cement backerboard is an effective way to create a strong and waterproof substrate for a shower wall, and is commonly used in tile installations. Hardiebacker, Durock, Fiberboard, wonderboard, and other similar products are all examples of cement backerboards (Moen, 2020). Cement backerboard can also provide an additional layer of insulation, helping to keep your shower warm and comfortable.
Can backerboard be prevented from bowing?
To prevent a backerboard from bowing out, it is important to stop the backerboard about 1/8 inch above the lip of a tub or shower base, according to The Floor Elf (floorelf.com, n.d.). Running the board over the edge of the lip will cause the backerboard to bow out and make the wall uneven.
Should cement board be installed before the pan flange?
When installing a tub, it is recommended to place the cement board in front of the pan flange and then seal the seams and corners with alkaline self-adhesive fibermesh tape. According to the National Tile Contractors Association (NTCA), this is the best practice for ensuring a water-tight connection (NTCA, 2018). An uncoupling membrane should also be used to protect the tile and prevent cracking.
Where should the bottom edge of cement board be placed around a bathtub?
When installing tile around a bathtub, it is best to keep the cement board out of the lip area and have the bottom edge about 1/4 inch above the lip of the tub, as suggested by Family Handyman in their article, "Tile Installation: Backer Board Around a Bathtub" (2019). This will help ensure a secure installation and prevent water from seeping behind the cement board.
