The advent of cement backer board has made it possible for do-it-yourselfers to lay tile like a pro. The reason: For most installations, it eliminates the need to set tile in a thick bed of mortar.

Concrete backer-board, once commonly referred to in the field by the brand name Wonderboard(r), is a cement product designed as a sheathing material for walls and floors. This product is good for many ...

Q: While remodeling my bathroom, I noticed the wallboard behind the tile was deteriorating. When I redo the shower area, is there a better, more durable type of wallboard to install under the tile? — ...