QA

Question: How To Install Backer Board For Tile

Do you have to use thinset under backer board?

Using thinset under cement board is a commonly skipped step amongst many contractors. However, many manufacturers including, both Durock and Hardiebacker not only recommend that you use thinset under their backerboard, but they specify it and will void the warranty on their product if it’s not used.

How do you install backer board before tiling?

The backerboard should completely cover the subfloor joints. Do a dry run and lay the backerboard down to fully cover the area you plan to tile. If needed, cut the backerboard to fit in small spaces or around obstructions. Score the board with a utility knife, then cut it using a jig saw with a carbide blade.

Can you tile directly to backer board?

Cement board forms a durable, stable base for tile, and it has no organic materials (unlike drywall, greenboard, or plywood) so it is not prone to mold, rot, shrinkage, or decomposition due to moisture. Ceramic tile laid over cement board is one of the most durable floor or wall surfaces you can install.

Can I just screw down cement board?

Screw and Joints Do not use drywall screws as they are not recommended to be used to hold the backer board in place. All of your backer board pieces should be cut before they are placed on​ the floor. It is important to highlight that screws shall not be installed all the way down to the floor joists.

Can you install cement board without thinset?

Installing cement board over a concrete subfloor. Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won’t have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

How thick should thinset be under Backerboard?

How much thickness will thinset add? The thin set under the backer board may account for about 1/16″. The bond coat for the tiles about 3/32 – 1/8″. Your best bet is to use 1/4″ which should end up being 5/16″, standard thickness tiles can average about 3/8″ installed, plus or minus.

Do you have to tape backer board seams?

For tile backer boards such as Durock, Wonderboard, Hardiebacker, Permabase, and others the seams between the board need to be treated with 2-inch alkali-resistant mesh tape. It helps to make the walls that are to be tile more monolithic.

How long after backer board can I tile?

However, after you mount the backer board to the floor you simply have to seal the seams with mortar and wait until the mortar dries. This is normally 12 hours but may be up to 24 hours in some cases. After the mortar is dry the backer board is ready to receive the mortar for the tile.

Should you wet cement board before tiling?

A. To be more precise, I’ve installed lots of concrete backer board for years, all with good results. The concrete is unaffected by any water that manages to get behind the ceramic tile. If you use cement backer board, you have to install a separate moisture barrier between the board and any wood it’s attached to.

Which side of cement board faces out?

Cement board has a smooth side and a rough side. Face the rough side out if you will be using thin-set mortar adhesive to install the tile but the smooth side out if you will be using latex mastic.

What do you do with a gap between tub and cement board?

Ideally, you would leave a 1/8 inch gap which would then have the sealant applied to it. Either stopping the cement board above the tub flange or alternately shimming it out and dropping it down near the tub would both be good options.

Do you need to use RedGard over cement board?

You really don’t need the RedGard, but the more protection the betterso go for it. And yes, you can do the boards beforehand. But, hit the filled seams & screws (your weak points) as soon as a panel is ready to give it some time to setup. You’ll have to wait for the fills to dry or at least setup anyway.

What kind of Thinset goes under cement board?

An unmodified thinset (Masterblend) is fine between the Hardi and the subfloor. Tara, The reason for the layer of thinset between the cement board and the subfloor is to fill the voids/gaps between the two. It’ll keep the cement board from moving up and down.

Can you use Liquid Nails on cement board?

Can I use liquid nails or glue with HardieBacker® cement board? No. ”Liquid Nails” is not a bonding mortar. It is a structural adhesive generally used to bond the subfloor to the floor joists just prior to nailing.

Do you have to use backer board when tiling a wall?

A backer board is not required for all wall tile. For instance, a tile backsplash in your kitchen can be installed over standard drywall. This is because the wall tile in your kitchen is exposed to minimal moisture compared to shower walls.

What size notched trowel for Backerboard?

mortar or dry-set mortar mixed with latex additive that is suitable for bonding cement backer board to plywood subfloor, with 1/4″ square-notched trowel for mortar, 5/32″ V-notched trowel for Type 1 organic adhesive. Place cement board with joints staggered from subfloor joints.

What happens if you use too much thinset?

When the mortar isn’t properly troweled, it creates unsupported space under the tiles which become weak spots that can be easily damaged by the same impact or heavy loads. The best way to avoid these issues, avoid tile breakage, and create a strong tile assembly is to follow the following three steps.