Do I Need Cement Board For Tile Floor

What you need for a tile base.

Do i need cement board for tile floor. This provides a solid surface under the tile that prevents flexing that could lead to cracking. I d like to get as close as possible to matching the height of the existing tile. Cement board also provides an additional layer over a plywood or particleboard subfloor adding stiffness to the tile. Cement board screws see fig.

Use a polymer modified thin set a type of mortar to attach the backer board to the subfloor. It s available in sheets of many sizes with 3 foot by 5 foot sheets being the most common. Uncoupling membrane cementboard has replaced a manually applied mortar bed to emerge as the standard underlayment for a tile floor. If you can t find them at a home center call tile specialty stores.

Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. If i thinset the cement board down using a 1 4 x 1 4 trowel and screw it every 8 will the thinset end up being 1 8 thick. Cement board is a type of underlayment that is now standard for most tile installations but particularly for floor tile. These screws have a coating to resist corrosion a special wide head with cutting flutes and hi low threads for a strong grip.

This is a distinct advantage over plywood and drywall. 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. Cement backerboard is a thin layer of concrete with fiberglass mesh on both sides. The primary benefit of cement board is that it doesn t break down or expand or warp if it gets wet.

To attach the cement board to the studs you ll need special 1 1 4 in. On top of the 2 6 will be 3 4 subfloor thinset cement board redgard thinset tile. In some cases it may not be feasible and you may need to settle for a thinner floor covering than ceramic tile such as vinyl tiles or laminate planks. If you re working over a wood subfloor cement board is the right choice for your tile base.

Cement board is an easily installed diy tile underlayment providing a stable dependable tile setting substrate while eliminating the complicated lath and mortar floating process. Hardiebacker cement board is made better to install better and perform better. Install a cement based backer board following the manufacturer s instructions.