[ggano]

I am installing Hardibacker cement board in a small standup shower. As far as best practice, is it necessary to maintain a small gap where two boards abut each other, including the corners, or simply fasten adjoining boards tight against each other prior to applying mesh tape along the seams?

I had read somewhere that it is best to maintain a slight gap (e.g. the width of a common nail) at all seams to accommodate any minor shifting that may occur during normal settling of the wooden infrastructure.

I am at the point in my project where I am ready to hang the cement board and just want to make sure I do it correctly, or at least follow accepted methods. Tks.

 

[Windows on Wash]

There isn't much in the way of expansion and contraction happening in that stuff. You should still be mesh taping the seams, but I have always basically butted them together. Inconsistencies in cut and framing size usually provide for enough margin.

 

[ggano]

Thanks very much. Sounds good to me.

 

[dj3]

By all means, use a hardibacker mesh, it will prevent cracks and will give you a smooth plane.