Do You Use Backerboard For Bathroom Floor Tile

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.

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. Redgard would be another. Backer board is usually a simpler way to go than plywood. Otherwise you could use a membrane over the backer board walls similar to how you would go over a concrete floor that has cracks in it.

Slaking time may vary by brand so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer s instructions. 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. With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. Make sure to tape the seams and corners of the backer board according the manufacturer recommendations.

To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in. If you don t allow the mixture to slake it won t stick to tiles or backer board. This is not true. It is made of cement water silica limestone flour and fibers such as kevlar or fiberglass for increased strength.

Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration. 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. Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. 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.

Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. 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. Required tools for this project.

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. The membrane would have to be a crack isolation membrane a118 10 and also a waterproofing membrane. Nobleseal ts is one example. This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile.