How to Do Cement Board Skirting

Measure your skirt area to determine how much cement board you need to purchase. Calculate the square footage and add 15 percent extra to ensure you have enough for waste, just in case. Purchase screws depending on the type of material you are attaching the cement board to (wood screws or metal screws, for example).

Measure a piece of cement board to cut it to fit. Start at the bottom of your installation area and work your way up. Mark your pieces of cement board with a pencil and tape measure, then hold the straight edge against the board and run the utility knife down the length of the board for vertical or horizontal cuts.

Snap the board along the cut (bend it away from the cut with a sharp, snapping motion), then cut the back side of the board with the utility knife. Make any cuts around fixtures or receptacles with the hole saw.

Slide the board into place. Screw it onto the studs (metal or wood) on the outside corners of the piece to hold it in place. Use the level and pencil to mark the location of the vertical studs and then attach a screw every 4 to 6 inches up the vertical mark to mount the piece firmly onto the wall. Repeat the process for each individual piece of cement board you install.