At Legacy Interior Services, we understand that a beautiful, leak-free shower starts long before the first tile goes up. In Northeast Florida’s humid climate — from Jacksonville to St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Ponte Vedra — proper cement board installation is the critical foundation that protects your home from water damage, mold, and costly repairs for decades.,
Cement board (also known as tile backer board) provides a stable, moisture-resistant substrate that outperforms traditional drywall in wet areas. Our team follows a meticulous, industry-best 7-step process to ensure your shower is built to last.Our 7-Step Cement Board Installation Process
Step 1: Thorough Preparation of the Shower Area
We begin by carefully removing old tile, drywall, and fixtures while protecting your tub, shower pan, and surrounding surfaces. The area is cleaned and inspected for any existing moisture issues or structural concerns.
Step 2: Framing Inspection and Reinforcement
We check all wall studs for straightness and stability, adding blocking where needed for extra support at corners, around niches, and along the tub or shower pan flange. This ensures a rock-solid base before any board is installed.
Step 3: Precise Measuring and Layout Planning
Our installers measure the shower walls and plan the layout to minimize cuts and maximize strength. We always start with full sheets on the back wall when possible for the cleanest, most professional results.
Step 4: Accurate Cutting of Cement Board Panels
Using specialized scoring tools and techniques, we cut the cement board to exact dimensions. We maintain the proper ¼-inch gap at the bottom of the panels (above the shower pan lip) and create clean openings for valves, niches, and fixtures.
Step 5: Secure Attachment of Cement Board to Framing
Panels are positioned and fastened using high-quality cement board screws (typically every 8 inches on center, 1 inch from edges). Screws are driven flush without breaking the mesh — never over-driven. This creates a flat, secure surface ready for the next steps.
Step 6: Taping and Reinforcing All Seams and Joints
We apply alkali-resistant fiberglass mesh tape over every joint, corner, and seam. The tape is fully embedded in a layer of modified thinset mortar, creating a reinforced, crack-resistant surface.
Step 7: Thinset Application Over Fasteners + Professional Waterproofing
All screw heads are covered with thinset. We then apply a high-performance liquid waterproofing membrane (such as Schluter® systems or equivalent premium products) across the entire cement board surface. This final critical step creates a monolithic waterproof barrier tailored to Northeast Florida’s high humidity.
Once this 7-step process is complete and fully cured, your shower is ready for premium tile installation — the final material that will bring your vision to life.
Why Northeast Florida Homeowners Trust Legacy Interior Services
When it comes to shower installations in our region’s challenging climate, experience and attention to detail matter most. Here’s why homeowners across Jacksonville, St. Johns County, Nassau County, and surrounding areas choose Legacy Interior Services:
- Local Expertise in Humid Conditions — We specialize in waterproofing solutions designed specifically for North Florida’s moisture and temperature swings.
- Premium Materials & Proven Systems — We use only high-quality cement board paired with advanced waterproofing membranes for maximum protection.
- Family-Owned Craftsmanship — Led by President Bobby Vallejos, our team delivers meticulous, detail-oriented work on every project.
- BBB Accredited with an A Rating — We’re committed to the highest standards of trust and customer service.
- Full-Service Professionals — From demolition to final tile and grout, we handle every step with precision and minimal disruption to your home.
- Transparent Process & Free Estimates — You’ll always know exactly what to expect, with clear communication from consultation to completion.
- Long-Term Peace of Mind — Our installations are built to prevent the water damage and mold issues that plague poorly prepared showers in our area.
Ready to transform your shower with confidence?
Contact Legacy Interior Services today for a free in-home consultation and estimate.
We proudly serve Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Ponte Vedra, Orange Park, and all of Northeast Florida.Let us build the solid foundation your dream shower deserves.
