How To Install Backer Board For Tile Floor

Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions.

How to install backer board for tile floor.

Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water. When installing a ceramic tile floor on a concrete subfloor you don t have to worry about flexing as long as the concrete slab is at least 1 1 8 inch thick which most slabs are. To achieve the ideal flat surface most contractors rely on the backer board cement backer board is a thin layer of concrete designed to be setting surface upon which tile can be installed. Second the strength of wood boards isn t always consistent.

If the subfloor doesn t have enough stability you can usually but not always remedy the situation by installing cement backer board also called cementboard. Using a notched trowel apply a leveling bed of thinset mortar over the subfloor and embed the backer board sheets into the adhesive. Spread the mortar to about 3 16 thickness. Cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas.

It s typically available in 1 2 in. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. 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. Thick 3 x 5 ft.

This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. The backer board comes in different sizes and you will pick the right one depending on the type of floor you are installing. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood.

Add more mortar as necessary to fill sunken areas in. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Floor tiles should be installed over smooth flat surfaces.