What’s the Best Way to Waterproof Bathtub Walls?

Contractor Jeff Patterson of Home Repair Tutor shares three systems that allow builders and remodelers to waterproof bathtub walls.

“We explore Laticrete Hydro Ban Board, Schluter Kerdi-Board, and Wedi,” Patterson writes. “All three are super fast.”

According to Patterson, Laticrete Hydro Ban Board requires studs to be 16 inches on-center. The foam core is waterproof and the fleece on each side is waterproof. It only requires 1-5/8-inch Hydro Ban Board screws for walls, spaced every 12 inches  along the studs. Hydro Ban Adhesive and Sealant is used to waterproof the seams, screws, and tub/wall transitions.

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Schluter's Kerdi-Board is a second great way to waterproof bathtub walls. It also needs studs to be 16 inches on-center. The foam core is not waterproof but the fleece on each side is. Also, the front fleece has lines that make cutting Kerdi-Board super easy. S

“Wedi board is also fantastic for waterproofing bathtub walls,” Patterson explains. Like Kerdi-Board and Hydro Ban Board, it requires studs to be 16 inches on-center. The foam core is waterproof and the  layer on each side is waterproof, too.