Slate not a great choice for tiling a shower stall

By Shell Busey

July 17, 2008

Q. What type of drywall or backer board should we use when we tile a shower enclosure? We are considering using natural slate tiles and I am concerned about the moisture. What is the best way to seal and protect natural stone in areas exposed to a lot of water?

A. For the backer board in a shower enclosure use a cement-based backer such as Hardie Backer or cement board. Do not use a standard drywall or gypsum board. A great alternative that would be lighter and easier to cut than traditional cement board is ‘Green E-Board’. These panels are a newer, environmentally friendly option for tile backer boards with the durability and moisture-resistance advantages of cement board. More information on Green E-Board is available through Jona Panel’s website www.jonapanels.com.

Many natural stone products will stain from soaps and gels and they all will require ongoing maintenance. To seal, purchase a quality penetrating sealer from a stone supplier such as Ames Tile and Stone; however, I would avoid using slate in a shower. It’s a very porous material and requires more maintenance. I suggest you look at some of the better porcelain tiles. You can find styles that simulate slate. It looks great with little maintenance and is far easier to clean.

Q: I would like finish my concrete patio with a TechStone Granite product. What can I use to fix up some of the damaged and flaking areas of the concrete to prepare the surface before applying the tech stone granite?

A: Apply Target brand Bonded Topping Mix (following the directions on the bag) over the concrete surface, levelling to a smooth finish. Apply the granite finish according to the product instructions.

It’s Just That Easy.