Do You Use Backerboard For Bathroom Floor Tile

Backerboard or cement board comes in sheets much like drywall and is used in a couple of ways.

Do you use backerboard for bathroom floor tile.

It is also used in shower and tub enclosures or anywhere with significant wetness issues as a means of helping to create a moisture barrier. Nobleseal ts is one example. The membrane would have to be a crack isolation membrane a118 10 and also a waterproofing membrane. Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration.

Make sure to tape the seams and corners of the backer board according the manufacturer recommendations. It is used on flooring installations as a means of creating a stable and easier to work with subfloor. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. When backer board is selected as a floor tile underlayment and is installed correctly it provides an excellent substrate for tile in kitchens entries foyers bathrooms and more.

Tile needs to be installed on a backer board to keep the assembly stiff otherwise the assembly will flex at the grout joints allowing water to seep behind the tile and rot the substructure. Since plywood is often used as an underlayment for floor tile some do it yourselfers may believe that it can also be used in shower wall applications. Slaking time may vary by brand so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer s instructions. Redgard would be another.

Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in. This is not true. This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile.

Alternatively instead of backer board you can use two layers of plywood topped with a waterproof uncoupling membrane which is a lightweight plastic underlayment that allows independent movement between the tile and the plywood to prevent cracks in the tiles and grout. Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. Backer board is usually a simpler way to go than plywood. If you don t allow the mixture to slake it won t stick to tiles or backer board.

Cement backer board is a mineral based pre fabricated wall unit usually 1 4 inch or 1 2 inch thick and 3 feet by 5 feet long. Doesn t deteriorate when wet. With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. It is made of cement water silica limestone flour and fibers such as kevlar or fiberglass for increased strength.