Are you looking forward to purchasing the best shower tile backer board for your bathroom?

Then you will notice that there are multiple options available to consider. In this guide, we will provide a comprehensive guide to you on how to find the best shower wallboard. On top of that, you will also be able to learn how to proceed with the installation of your shower backer board as well.

Topics Covered:

• What is a shower tile backer board?

• Four types of Shower wallboards

• How do shower wall boards differ from each other?

• Comparing different shower wallboards

• Shower backer board installation tips

What is a shower tile backer board?

A shower backer board can act as a waterproofing barrier between your shower and the wall. Traditional shower wall boards are made out of Portland cement, and they also come along with fiberglass reinforcements. The backer board provides structural support and creates a secure bonding surface for tile, thin-set mortar, and waterproofing membrane.

The new shower wall boards available for purchase are made out of cementitious materials, wood fiber, silica sand, foam, fiberglass, and gypsum. Regardless of the material, you can expect excellent mold and moisture resistance. Foam boards, in particular, can provide a completely waterproof shower system.

Four types of Shower wallboards

When selecting a shower wall board for your installation project, you’ll find four main types available.

Cement board

Cement boards are among the most common. Made with Portland cement and fiberglass reinforcement, they offer high impact resistance, rigidity, and fire resistance. However, cement boards absorb moisture rather than resist it, though additives prevent fungal growth.

They typically come in ½-inch thickness, as thicker boards can become too brittle.

Fiber cement board

Fiber cement boards differ by manufacturer but usually contain wood or cellulose fibers. They are more flexible and have a uniform, non-layered composition, offering strong compression resistance and mold resistance.

They come in ¼-inch and ½-inch thicknesses and cost about 1.5 times more than traditional cement boards.

Glass mat gypsum board

Glass mat gypsum boards feature a layered composition—fiberglass on the outer layers and gypsum in the middle. They are water-resistant thanks to the fiberglass and contain no paper or wood.

They are available only in ½-inch thickness and, while not as rigid as cement boards, can still function effectively in shower systems. However, they tend to be more expensive.

Foam backer board

Made from extruded polystyrene (XPS) or high-density polyisocyanurate, foam backer boards are lightweight (about 80% lighter than cement boards) and fully waterproof.

They don’t require additional waterproofing membranes and can be easily sealed with fasteners and seams. Thickness varies, but ½-inch is generally the minimum recommended for structural stability.

How do shower wall boards differ from each other?

The following section outlines the key differences among the four types of boards, helping you decide which best suits your needs.

Comparing different shower wallboards

We’ll now compare the four main types based on critical performance criteria.

Secure mortar bonding

Modern boards like cement and foam backer boards feature pre-bonded textured surfaces that help thin-set mortar adhere effectively, unlike older gypsum boards which could delaminate due to moisture.

Structural rigidity

Cement boards provide the highest stiffness and are ideal for preventing tile cracking and movement.
Glass mat boards offer moderate rigidity, while foam boards are the most flexible and least rigid.

Choose based on your desired balance of strength versus ease of handling.

Mold resistance

Properly installed shower systems shouldn’t allow mold, but resistant boards add extra protection.

Foam backer boards excel in mold resistance due to their non-porous composition, while cement and fiber cement boards resist mold with additives but still absorb some moisture.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing varies by material.

Foam boards are inherently waterproof, eliminating the need for additional membranes.
Cement and fiber cement boards are moisture-resistant but require extra waterproofing layers to ensure full protection.

Shower backer board installation tips

You can handle installation yourself if you follow the proper method for each board type.

Installation of cement boards and fiber cement wallboards

Both require careful fastening to wall studs using tile backer board screws (preferably rock-on screws).
Avoid ordinary screws, as they corrode in high-moisture environments.

Installation of glass mat tile wall boards

Install these like drywall, but use backer board screws. Avoid overtightening to prevent breaking the board’s face.
A driver with a stop collar helps achieve even tension and secure placement.

Installation of foam shower backer boards

Use only manufacturer-recommended fasteners with large washers to distribute pressure evenly.
Seal all fasteners and seams with approved sealant or membrane patches to maintain waterproof integrity.

Final words

Now you understand the different types of shower wall boards and how to select the best one for your project.

Because shower wallboard installation is manageable as a DIY project, you can confidently complete it without hiring a contractor—just follow proper installation techniques and waterproofing practices.