Specialty Drywall Systems
Cement Board Installation
Cement board is a tile backer made of cement and reinforcing fibres rather than gypsum. Because it does not deteriorate when wet, it is the correct substrate for tile in showers, tub surrounds, and other areas exposed to direct water.
About Cement Board Installation
Cement board exists because gypsum board, in any of its moisture resistant forms, is still gypsum. It softens and loses integrity with sustained water contact. Cement board does not, which is why it is the correct substrate anywhere tile will meet direct water.
Installation detail matters as much as material choice. Joints get taped with alkali resistant mesh and set in thinset rather than joint compound. Fasteners are corrosion resistant and installed at the specified spacing. And in a shower, a waterproofing membrane over the board is what actually keeps water out of the assembly, because cement board itself is water durable rather than waterproof.
Why this matters
- Correct substrate for direct water exposure
- Alkali resistant mesh and thinset at joints, not joint compound
- Corrosion resistant fasteners at specified spacing
- Coordinated with waterproofing membrane where tile follows
How we work
Our Process
How a cement board installation project runs from first contact through final walkthrough.
Step 1: Scope Walkthrough
We walk the project, measure, review existing conditions, and confirm finish levels and textures room by room.
Step 2: Written Estimate
A written scope with explicit inclusions and exclusions, finish level by area, materials, and a realistic schedule.
Step 3: Protection and Mobilization
Floors, fixtures, and access routes protected, containment installed, and materials staged before work starts.
Step 4: Execute in Sequence
Framing, board, finishing, and texture completed in sequence with quality checked at each stage rather than only at the end.
Step 5: Punch and Walkthrough
Raking light inspection, punch list completion, full cleanup, and a walkthrough before the work is signed off.
Scope
What's Included
Written into every estimate so there is no ambiguity about what you are paying for.
- Wet zone mapping and material specification
- Cement board cutting and installation
- Corrosion resistant fastening
- Mesh tape and thinset joint treatment
- Coordination with the tile and waterproofing scope
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cement board waterproof?
Specialty Drywall Systems
Other specialty drywall systems services
Moisture-Resistant Drywall
The right board for humid rooms, with honest limits on where it belongs.
Water-Resistant Drywall
Enhanced boards and tile backers for genuinely wet areas.
Fire-Resistant Drywall
Rated assemblies built to their listed details, not approximated.
Type X Drywall
The 5/8 inch fire rated board behind most one hour assemblies.
Soundproof Drywall
Decoupling, mass, absorption, and sealing combined for real privacy.
Acoustic Drywall Assemblies
Complete systems engineered to an acoustic target, not single products.
Abuse-Resistant Drywall
Tougher surfaces for corridors, rentals, and high traffic walls.
Impact-Resistant Drywall
Reinforced board that resists penetration, not just surface wear.
Level 5 Critical Light Finish
Full skim coat plus multi angle verification for the hardest lighting.
Shaft Wall Systems
Rated enclosures installed entirely from one side.
Resilient Channel Installation
Decoupling board from framing, the highest impact soundproofing measure.
Need cement board installation in Orange County?
Tell us what the wall or ceiling is doing and we will tell you what it needs. Free written estimates with no obligation.
Written estimates · Texture matching stated up front · Final walkthrough on every job