[vanilla-thunder]

I've just started putting up my backerboard in the shower bathroom and the home depot employee told me I can use normal drywall putty to do my seams on the backerboard. I just wanted to double confirm this before I started.
And I was wondering if I should be putting up a vapor barrier or some sort of plastic sheet before or after the backerboard?
Thanks

 

[cleveman]

What type of backerboard are you using?

When I hear backerboard, I think you are going to be laying tile on this. True?

Generally it is not a good idea to ask big box employees for advice. It is good that you are questioning the answer you received.

 

[ddawg16]

I've just started putting up my backerboard in the shower bathroom and the home depot employee told me I can use normal drywall putty to do my seams on the backerboard. I just wanted to double confirm this before I started.
And I was wondering if I should be putting up a vapor barrier or some sort of plastic sheet before or after the backerboard?
Thanks

Lets make sure we have a full understanding of the task.

In some cases, people will put up drywall...or more specifically Green Board (drywall with green paper) against the wall and then put backerboard (cement board against this). Or, the backerboard will be put directly against studs. As far as I know, there is no advantage of having drywall (green board)

Now, if you are putting up drywall....yes, mud between the seams

If you are doing just backerboard....NO...do NOT use drywall mud. Use thinset along with the gray mesh tape.

 

[ront02769]

6 mil plastic stapled to the studs, cement board over that, thinset and tape joints,. Ron

 

[vanilla-thunder]

Excellent I'm using wonderboard straight on the studs. I will add that 6 mil plastic before I start. That's the 2nd time a "big box" store gave me wrong advice. The first time I was told to add a reducer to my shower drain from 2" to 1.5". Thankfully a random person behind me in line noticed what I was buying and told me the right way. Thanks again everyone

 

[ZZZZZ]

I've just started putting up my backerboard in the shower bathroom and the home depot employee told me I can use normal drywall putty to do my seams on the backerboard. I just wanted to double confirm this before I started.
And I was wondering if I should be putting up a vapor barrier or some sort of plastic sheet before or after the backerboard?
Thanks

Did the Orange Apron Guy actually call it "putty"?

Putty is generally used only to fill small holes or make minor repairs to drywall, not to tape seams.

Either way, you don't want to use drywall joint compound. You want to use "thinset" (tile mortar) with backerboard and special heavy-duty tape (NOT regular drywall tape).

The Orange Store does sell the thinset and mesh tape that you need.

 

[ddawg16]

As an option, you can also use tar paper. I used 30lb.....it will actually do a better job of sealing especially around the screw holes.

 

[SPS-1]

As mentioned, you need a particular type of tape when using thinset. But it is alkaline tolerant, not just heavy duty.

 

[vanilla-thunder]

The mesh tape I have is called durock cement board interior tape. Is there a make of thinset anyone recommends?

 

[ddawg16]

The mesh tape I have is called durock cement board interior tape. Is there a make of thinset anyone recommends?

Use the same thinset you use for the tile.

Me? I put on the tape.....and then apply the thinset when I'm laying the tiles. Less chance of having a high spot to cause lippage....

 

[vanilla-thunder]

Good idea. I'll do that
Thanks