How to Install Schluter KERDI-BOARD in a Bathroom Part 1 (Step-by-Step)

Supplies we used for this project

Waterproofing your bathroom's shower or tub surround can be hard.

But it doesn't have to be this way.

Schluter's KERDI-BOARD is easy to install.

Today we'll show you how to install KERDI-BOARDs in a bathtub surround and make your bathroom wall waterproof.

This is Part 1.

In Part 2 we share how finish the project with KERDI-BAND.

Check out Part 2 here

Here's what we like about KERDI-BOARDs, they're

-light
-can be cut with a utility knife
-don't create dust
-thermally insulating
-and fast to install

Plus it's not messy, that's always icing on the cake.

Start the installation by measuring your main wall.

Cut the KERDI-BOARD to size with a utility knife.

Btw, KERDI-BOARDs come in different thicknesses and dimensions. In our example we used 48" x 64' x 1/2" boards.

You need to attach the boards to studs using Schluter's washers and screws.

There are specific requirements for screw spacing, we cover this in the video and our written tutorial over on Home Repair Tutor.

For all the details watch the video, we think you'll love the step-by-step instructions

If you liked this video and need more home repair help around your home you might want to subscribe to my YouTube channel by clicking this link and then the Subscribe button

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There's nothing better than helping a friend out with a DIY video that could make their project go a lot better.

Thanks for watching my video, take care, and see you in the next one!!

Cheers,

Jeff

[sergioecg]

Hi guys, great video, one thing I would like to add, I have seen another video where the installer, seamed a very knowledgeable dude, when the walls were out of plumb, he did a tinset layer on the studs behind the kerdi board, then put the boards in and wiggle them till they were plumb and square perfectly for the tile to be perfectly square every where, waited a full day for the tinset to dry then did the screws. I understand you can do spacing or planner the studds to the point where they are all even but this way seams really kool and easy, down is it needs an extra day for the job to be done. Mainly for walls that are waky out of level / plumb. Keep the great work.

[thevoigts]

I so appreciate your videos. I'm an experienced woodworker / do-it-yourselfer, but have never done a tile shower before. I'm completely renovating both of our bathrooms. Thanks to your videos, I went with Kerdiboard and am in the process of installing it in the first bathroom as I type this. Every stud in our 50 year old house in the tub surround was either bowed or warped, so I had to screw studs to the existing ones to level the entire surround area up. I've been watching your tile install videos also. Thank you!

[brookemcquale]

A favorite practice of mine re: leveling wall studs, is to apply a 3/8" bead of e.g. pl-200 to the studs (severely warped studs, as indicated in this video require add'l attention) I then tack the board up to hold it in place while the adhesive sets, after which I add further screws. With Durock or Wonderboard type materials I pre-drill holes so as not to compress the adhesive. If you're lucky you may even be able to plumb the boards, assuming the studs aren't too out of whack. It adds strength and reduces board warp considerably. It's worked for me for decades.

[jacquestitley]

Great video guys, I will be doing my shower this week and I have ordered my kerdi boards .

[pauloruiz]

I do mainly commerical flooring, but by the looks. If I do this shower i would work just like you, knocking there’s room to fix the imperfections or cover them with the tape no need to waste time making it perfect.

[TEXASHANDYMANSVCS]

Thank you for taking the time to make your videos. Very helpful.

[Esteband]

I went to the store today and checked it out. It worries me that a slip or kids hitting or pushing the wall would crack the tiles. It’s super flexible.

[Beaugus]

doing my shower tonight . thanks guys . Great vid. !!!

[onewizard]

nice job on doing the shower, I see you do the same thing on the ball valves on installing the diverter. Question, why did't you cover the tub, your walking all over it. Good way for it to get damaged.

[cmlegend]

Thanks for the video... and for the porn music playing in the back loll

[davezemba]

If I saw a contractor standing with his boots in my new tub before putting something down first I would scream. He could have a nail or screw in the sole scratching the tub. Or just grinding the grit on the enamel.

[coloringforkids]

this dudes a literal god with that razor

[scottyboy]

Question please? - How far/deep do you drive the srews and clips into the kerdi? Like should there be a little bowl shaped indentation or should the clip be flat on the surface? It looked like this guy drove them in pretty good but would just like to verify. Thx!

[judo]

Hey Sandra McRitchie1 those razor knives have a button to release and lock the blade. They have been around for about a decade now...

[WesterlyPrune]

Done cement board and it’s annoying to deal with thought I’d give this a try but it’s really made out of foam? How would this hold up if you hit the wall by accident?

[stevepartridge]

Useful video, what was the metal corner guard product, it’s never mentioned what it’s called.

[davidh]

If tub back wall is an exterior wall, in a cold climate, is a vapor barrier recommended or should you not use a barrier behind the kerdi boarrd?

[tonycarrillo]

jeff another question- the half inch thick works for all size tiles?

[brotherjoeradosti]

What did you do for the seam on the ceiling? I see some guys tile up to the row before the niche before they install it so they can match up the grout lines. Schluter makes pipe and valve seals.

[charlesharvey]

"Anything more than an 1/8" inch out y'all wanna address" my sides are hurting the way he delivered that statement