Cement backer board is a DIYer's friend—it will let you lay down tile without using a thick bed of mortar. But you'll need to cut it down to size, and here's how.

The 1/2-in. thick cement board spans studs spaced 16 in. on center. Other sizes, like 3 x 4 ft., 3 x 6 ft. and 4 x 4 ft., are available, but you may have to contact a tile supplier to find them.

Step 8: For holes more than a few inches wide, use a carton knife or carbide-tip tool to cut back the cement board and expose a stud on either side of the damaged area. Cement board contains silica.