What is the difference between the different tile...

Mar 31, 2026

Float Cement (The "Old School" Mud Set)

This is the traditional method where a contractor applies a wire lath to the studs and "floats" a layer of mortar (scratch coat and brown coat) to create perfectly plumb and level walls.

• Pros: It is the only way to get perfectly straight, 90-degree walls in older LA homes with crooked studs. It is incredibly durable and solid.
• Cons: Extremely labor-intensive and slow. It requires a highly skilled "mud man," a trade that is becoming harder to find. It adds significant weight to the structure.
• Best For: High-end custom homes, steam showers, or rooms with very irregular framing.

Backer Boards (Cement Board / HardieBacker)

These are 3' x 5' or 4' x 8' sheets of cement-based board that are screwed directly into the wall studs.

• Pros: Inexpensive and much faster than floating. It provides a solid, rot-resistant base for tile.
• Cons: It is not waterproof on its own. Cement board is "water-durable," meaning it won't rot, but water can pass through it. You must apply a liquid waterproofing membrane (like RedGard or Laticrete Hydro Ban) over the board and seams before tiling.
• Best For: Standard mid-range remodels where budget and speed are priorities.
   

Wedi Boards (Extruded Polystyrene / Foam Board)

Wedi is a premium, lightweight, "extruded polystyrene" foam core board coated with a special resin and fiberglass mesh.

• Pros: It is 100% waterproof through the core. The installation is incredibly fast (a shower can be prepped in hours rather than days). It is lightweight, provides some insulation, and because the system is integrated, the manufacturer often provides a massive warranty (up to 20 years).
• Cons: Expensive material costs. While you save on labor time, the boards and specialized sealants cost significantly more than cement board.
• Best For: Modern, high-efficiency remodels, luxury master baths, and projects where a long-term leak-proof warranty is a priority.