How To Install Backer Board For Tile Floor

Cement board is the most durable trouble free tile backer for tub surrounds showers floors and all other wet areas.

How to install backer board for tile floor.

This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood.

According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters installing backer board directly over an old solid wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons. The backer board comes in different sizes and you will pick the right one depending on the type of floor you are installing. When installing a ceramic tile floor on a concrete subfloor you don t have to worry about flexing as long as the concrete slab is at least 1 1 8 inch thick which most slabs are. Add more mortar as necessary to fill sunken areas in.

Thick 3 x 5 ft. Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. If the subfloor doesn t have enough stability you can usually but not always remedy the situation by installing cement backer board also called cementboard. Its made from cement and sand and is reinforced by fiberglass mats on both sides so it s impervious to water.

It s typically available in 1 2 in. Lay the backer board according to the manufacturer s instructions. Spread the mortar to about 3 16 thickness. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.

Second the strength of wood boards isn t always consistent. Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions. To achieve the ideal flat surface most contractors rely on the backer board cement backer board is a thin layer of concrete designed to be setting surface upon which tile can be installed.