Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile.
Laying cement board on floor.
This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall.
If you want to replace an old cracked tile floor or other type of flooring with new ceramic tile it s absolutely imperative that you create a solid.
With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would.
Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage.
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.
Then you attach the cement board with screws.
If you have a concrete subfloor then you should not be contemplating installing cement board over it.
Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile.
We show you how to install a first class tile base.
Installing cement board over a concrete subfloor.
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.
The plywood adds stiffness and stability to the floor.
It is very important to first spread thin set on the floor before placing the cement board to the floor.
The 1 mistake most people make when installing cement board.
The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet.
Laying cement board is the easiest way to assure a solid durable base for a ceramic tile floor.
Required tools for this project.
Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor.
To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in.
Before we go any farther on how to install cement board i am going to talk about a very common mistake most people make.
I know it seems like a smooth surface and it seems like it may fix some of the issues with the concrete floor but don t do it.
Installing over wood.
Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.