Do You Use Backerboard For Bathroom Floor Tile

Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor.

Do you use backerboard for bathroom floor 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. Backerboard or cement board comes in sheets much like drywall and is used in a couple of ways. Some homeowners believe that painting or priming plywood will render it suitable to use as shower tub backer board. 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.

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. This guide will teach you how to properly lay cement backerboard and use mortar to secure and level your subfloor before installing tile. Make sure to tape the seams and corners of the backer board according the manufacturer recommendations. 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.

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. It is used on flooring installations as a means of creating a stable and easier to work with subfloor. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. If you don t allow the mixture to slake it won t stick to tiles or backer board.

Have the necessary tools for this diy project lined up before you start you ll save time and frustration. To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in. It is made of cement water silica limestone flour and fibers such as kevlar or fiberglass for increased strength. The membrane would have to be a crack isolation membrane a118 10 and also a waterproofing membrane.

With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. Required tools for this project. 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. Doesn t deteriorate when wet.

Here s how to choose the best tile backer board for your project. Slaking time may vary by brand so be sure to read and follow the manufacturer s instructions. Nobleseal ts is one example. Backer board is usually a simpler way to go than plywood.