Schluter KERDI-BOARD Building Panels for Shower Walls
Schluter KERDI-BOARD is a waterproof building panel and tile substrate made of extruded polystyrene, for shower walls and tub surrounds. It replaces gypsum or cement board indoors, is lightweight and cuts with a utility knife. Thicknesses run from 3/16" to 2", and shaped panels are available: KERDI-BOARD-E, an L-shaped building panel, U-shaped KERDI-BOARD-U and grooved KERDI-BOARD-V.
Frequently asked questions
See all FAQsWhat thickness of KERDI-BOARD do I need for shower walls?
On wood or metal studs, use 1/2" (12.5 mm) KERDI-BOARD or thicker with studs at 16" (40.6 cm) on centre, and 3/4" (19 mm) KERDI-BOARD with studs at 24" (61 cm) on centre. Thinner panels, from 3/16", go over solid backing: they can be fully bonded at any thickness, or spot-bonded from 3/8" (9 mm).
How do I waterproof the seams and corners of KERDI-BOARD?
Cover the seams with KERDI-BAND set in Schluter SET, ALL-SET, FAST-SET or unmodified thin-set, overlapping the panels by at least 2" (50 mm); fastener penetrations can get KERDI-BAND too. Seal pipes with KERDI-SEAL-PS or -MV, or with KERDI-FIX, cover movement joints with KERDI-FLEX, and use KERDI-KERECK preformed corners at inside and outside corners. Waterproof the walls at least to showerhead height.
Can KERDI-BOARD replace drywall or cement board in a shower?
Yes. KERDI-BOARD replaces panels such as gypsum board or cement board, and it can go directly on the stud framing. You can tile right away with Schluter SET, ALL-SET, FAST-SET or unmodified thin-set. It is for interior use only, and some glass tiles and moisture-sensitive stone may not suit a bonded waterproofing assembly, so check with the tile maker. Planning a full surround? Contact us.
How do I cut and fasten KERDI-BOARD to the studs?
Cut KERDI-BOARD with a utility knife, using the printed 3/8" x 3/8" gridlines as a guide. Fasten it with screws and KERDI-BOARD-ZT washers, using coarse-thread screws for wood studs (such as the KERDI-BOARD-ZS/-ZT screws and washers) and self-tapping screws for metal studs. Drive them at least 3/4" (20 mm) into wood or 3/8" (10 mm) into metal, with fasteners no more than 12" (30 cm) apart on walls and 6" (15 cm) on ceilings. Anchor grab bars and heavy fixtures in the structure or in solid blocking.
What comes in the KERDI-BOARD-KIT?
The KERDI-BOARD-KIT contains 8 panels covering 101 sq ft (9.4 m²), 1 KERDI-BAND roll 5" x 98' 5", 2 KERDI-SEAL-PS pipe seals (1/2" and 3/4"), 1 KERDI-SEAL-MV 4-1/2" valve seal, 140 KERDI-BOARD-ZS/-ZT screws and washers and 2 tubes of KERDI-FIX. It is made for bathtub and acrylic shower base surrounds and covers 12 linear feet of wall with 8 ft ceilings; longer or taller walls, or a ceiling, may need extra panels or KERDI-BAND.
Which KERDI-BOARD panels work for curved walls, pipes and columns?
For pipe and column coverings, use KERDI-BOARD-E, the L-shaped building panel, or KERDI-BOARD-U, the U-shaped panel; some -E and -U sizes are special order. For curved surfaces, use KERDI-BOARD-V, which is vertically grooved. For niches, benches and curbs, see Schluter shower niches and benches and shower curbs.
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