I need to know if hardibacker board is as good as other cement boards for use behind a tiled shower wall.?
Hardibacker is the best backing esp for wall I have found and used. I recommend it to all my customers, even though it is expensive. It is stable which is the most important item prior to tile installation. Moisture resistant is another fine point. The only draw back its a pain to install because its so hard. Drywall after awhile will break down due to moisture, hardibacker doesn't.
Yes, its great. I actually prefer that over other cement boards. It seems a lot more durable and easier to work with (cuts similar to drywall). I did a bathroom renovation that I finished a year ago. I used hardibacker on the floor and the walls in the shower as well as half way up the wall in the rest of the bathroom. No leaks, tiles are holding. I'm happy with it and actually plan to use it in every room (even rooms I'm carpeting) to strengthen the floor and minimize noise on the lower levels.
Yup! Hardibacker is what you want for a shower but do NOT use mastic as a tile adhesive. Go for thinset - it's lasts longer and doesn't have the history of cracking like most old shower walls do. They're virtually identical in application and handling but not longevity.
