Board That Goes Under Tile

For starters the cement backerboard will need to be cut to the proper dimensions with a jigsaw.

Board that goes under tile. It is generically called cement board or backer board or it can also be referred to by one of the common brand names such as densshield hardiebacker and wonderboard. Cement board is by far the heaviest type of drywall used in tile wall applications and the most resistant to water. Chipboard cushioned vinyl flooring particle boards of any type oriented strand board osb interior grade plywood tongue and groove planking and hardwood floors are unsuitable substrates for direct installation of ceramic tile. Schluter kerdi board is a multifunctional tile substrate and building panel which can also be used for creating bonded waterproofing assemblies with tile coverings.

Now largely regarded as the very best underlayment for ceramic tile in any application floors walls and countertops cement based backer board goes by many names. This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. A layer of cementitious material faced with fiberglass mesh to hold it together.

This is the industry standard most preferred by construction pros when installing ceramic or porcelain tile. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile. Avoid lining up cement board joints with plywood joints.

This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Plywood floor underlayment must be 5 8 inch and 3 4 inch if installing a large modular tile 12 inches or greater. Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile installation to help prevent cracks.

It consists of an extruded polystyrene foam panel with a special reinforcement material on both sides and fleece webbing for effective anchoring in thin set mortar. Attach backerboard to wood subfloor install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. Apply a polymer modified thin set mortar to the underlayment before installing the board. Whatever it is called cement based backer board is what the name suggests.

It s typically available in 1 2 in. Thick 3 x 5 ft. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. While it may be heavy installing cement board is just like installing drywall with a few minor differences.

Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage.