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.

Earlier this month, I got started with another shower tile renovation for one of my Denver tile contracting clients. In this particular case the shower tile was still intact, which is a rarity ...

This is the traditional tile backer. First, felt paper is stapled to the floor and covered with expanded metal lath. Then cement, sand and water are mixed together to a crumbly consistency and floated ...