Tile shower installation question...

[Rich Riesmeyer]

Hi all.   I am installing a fiberglass shower pan with ceramic tile on the walls.    The tub and drywall are gone, the drain is installed.   My plan is to install the cement board directly to the studs.  Should there be anything between the cement board and the studs?      The pan has about a 1/4" thick flange around the walls.   Should the cement board sandwich the flange to the wall, or should it just sit on top of the flange?    We have Mapei AquaDefense to use on the joints.   Should we paint the AquaDefense all over the cement board?   Will tile cement stick to it?   While I have installed tile in the past, this is my first shower, any other tips or things to watch out for?    Thanks in advance...... 

[Marian Smith]

Go to the website of the cement board manufacturer and read their install instructions. (I use densshield by usg. Easypeasy.) I believe you usually staple moisture barrier to the studs before the cement board and tile. Or you install the cement board and paint moisture barrier on top and then tile. If you do both you create a mold sandwich...if water gets through.