Install Ceramic Floor Tile Backer Board

This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile.

Install ceramic floor tile backer board.

The other is foam backer board which is ok to install over concrete. For flooring the backer board should be installed over a 5 8 inch thick osb or plywood base. Check with wedi schluter laticrete goboard or whichever manufacturer to see how they want their product installed over a concrete subfloor. Installations for floor tile and other horizontal surfaces like countertops require an extra step of applying thin set tile adhesive to the wood subfloor before laying down the cement board sheets.

Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Half inch cement backer board is ideal for most tiling jobs including walls floors countertops and ceilings. How to install tile backer board. Cement board commonly sold under trade names such as durock hardiebacker and wonderboard is now the standard underlayment used for ceramic porcelain or stone tile laid with thinset mortar adhesive cement board is used for most floor tile and has all but replaced plywood and drywall backer materials for wall tile applications in wet areas like showers and tub surrounds.

This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood. Installing over existing vinyl. Cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas.

According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters installing backer board directly over an old solid wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons. Installing ceramic tile over vinyl or linoleum surfaces can be more complicated than expected and probably should be avoided whenever possible. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water. This can be beneficial if you are wanting to insulate concrete from an electric floor heating system above it.

Cutting fastening and taping and mudding. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Second the strength of wood boards isn t always consistent.

Installing backer board involves three main steps.