Board That Goes Under Tile

It s typically available in 1 2 in.

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. For starters the cement backerboard will need to be cut to the proper dimensions with a jigsaw. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Whatever it is called cement based backer board is what the name suggests.

Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile. Plywood floor underlayment must be 5 8 inch and 3 4 inch if installing a large modular tile 12 inches or greater. The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking.

This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall. Apply a polymer modified thin set mortar to the underlayment before installing the board. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. 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.

Thick 3 x 5 ft. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. Backer board comes in four foot by eight foot and three foot by five. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

Cement board cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas. Attach backerboard to wood subfloor install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Avoid lining up cement board joints with plywood joints.

Schluter kerdi board is a multifunctional tile substrate and building panel which can also be used for creating bonded waterproofing assemblies with tile coverings. This is the industry standard most preferred by construction pros when installing ceramic or porcelain tile. While it may be heavy installing cement board is just like installing drywall with a few minor differences. 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.

Cement board is by far the heaviest type of drywall used in tile wall applications and the most resistant to water.