I am installing travertine tile around a bathtub/shower. I have heard of two different ways to do this and was wondering which one was the best option.

1. Plastic moisture barrier on studs covered by 1/2 inch cement backer board

2. Plastic moisture barrier on studs covered by 1/4 inch greenrock sheet rock covered by 1/4 inch cement backer board.

If both of these are wrong. I'm open to any suggestions.

Lyle

Greenboard is no longer allowed in a shower or tub area so please do not even consider it. The Hardibacker I use requires no moisture barrier behind it but you do cover the seams with fiberglass drywall tape and modified thinset mortar. The Hardibacker is glued and screwed to the studs.

Hey La101:

Like Bob said... go with 1/2" hardibacker cement board (no moisture barrier required)... use their screws (alkali resistant) and also purchase alkali resistant mesh tape and modified thinset mortar (available in premixed tubs if you want).

Check out this website:

James Hardie: HardieBacker 1/2'' backerboard

Pay special attention to WALL INSTALLATION!

Let us know if you need more... MARK

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Thanks Mark and Bob. This way sounds much easier to do and was the way I wanted to go. I thought I was getting bad advice and you guys comfirmed it.

So the modified thinset morter and mesh tape go on in the same manner as taping and floating sheet rock?

Thanks a million

Yep, just like sheetrock.