Installing Tile Backer Board On Concrete Floor & Stud Walls
Backer board, also known as cement board, is a thin layer of concrete that is covered on both sides with fiberglass mesh. It comes in a variety of sheet sizes. The majority of applications use 3 x 5 foot sheets. Every time you want to place tile over a wooden flooring, you must first set up cement backer board. Backer board shields your home's structure against leaks and water damage that could ruin your flooring. Cement backer board won't decay, deform, or develop mold and mildew when exposed to water, unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces. They are frequently used for long-term installations like this because of this. The fact that it is never safe to put new tiles over existing tiles is another reason why you will need to use cement backer board. Additionally, it is unsafe to put tile flooring over a plywood subfloor or a wood floor that is not covered. There would be a significant risk of rot, water damage, warping, and mold if you did. Additionally, your tile and grout can crack.
Step 1: Plan And Mark The Backer Board Placement
- Plan where you want the sheets of cement backer board to go.
- The backer board joints should not line up with the subfloor joints when the sheets are laid out. The joints in the subfloor should be entirely covered by the backer board. Place the boards with a brick-like spacing.
- Lay the backer board out completely over the area you intend to tile as a practice run.
- Cut the backer board if necessary to fit in tight spaces or around obstacles. Use a utility knife to score the board, then a jigsaw with a carbide blade to cut it.
- To designate where your cement board will go, use a chalk line to snap a grid to the flooring.
Step 2: Spread Mortar
- When putting cement backer board, use thin-set mortar. Since thin-set dries gradually, you can alter and rearrange the backer board sheets as necessary. Cement, fine sand, and a water retention agent are the components of thin-set mortar. It is used to join cement backer board with ceramic or porcelain tile.
- Spread enough mortar for one sheet using the smooth side of a 1/4-inch notched trowel.
- Utilize the trowel's notch to ridge the mortar. Your thin-set will now have parallel lines.
Step 3: Lay The Backer Board Sheets
- A sheet of backer board should be placed on top of the mortar while it is still wet.
- Put the backer board down one sheet at a time, spreading mortar as you go.
- Backer board should have a 1/4-inch space between it and the wall.
- Each backer board sheet should have a 1/8-inch space between them. The sheets shouldn't touch at the corners or the edges.
Step 4: Secure Backer Board With Screws
- Every 6 to 8 inches, drill cement board screws through the sheets of backer board.
- Place the screws no closer than 2 inches, but no farther than 1/2 inch, from the sheet's edge.
- Screws should be inserted such that their heads are just visible through the backer board sheet.
Step 5: Fill The Joints With Mortar
- Fill the gaps between the sheets of backer board by using the flat side of your notched trowel.
- Smooth the mortar so that it covers the joint on both sides by about 1 1/2 inches. It will be simpler to insert the fiberglass tape with the additional mortar.
Step 6: Cover The Joints With Fiberglass Tape
- Using the thin side of your trowel, cut the fiberglass seam tape to the desired length.
- Insert the tape into the mortar joint.
- Scrape off any extra mortar after the tape has been inserted.
Step 7: Cover Fiberglass Tape With Mortar
- Using the flat side of your trowel or paint scraper, apply a thin layer of mortar over the fiberglass tape.
- To make the surface as smooth as possible, feather the mortar's edges around each board.
Step 8: Allow Mortar To Set
- Despite the temptation, wait until the mortar is completely set and dry before beginning to tile the floor. Before tiling, wait 24 to 48 hours. A firm grip requires a long drying period.
- Your cement backer board won't bend thanks to fully glued mortar. This guards against the cracking of your tile and grout. To ensure that your tile floor lasts as long as possible, it's essential. It also implies that the cement board would serve as protection for your subfloor in the event that your grout did split and water crept through.
Useful Tips
When learning how to install cement board, bear the following points in mind:
- Both walls and floors can benefit from the usage of cement board. Cement board that has been waterproofed makes a great backing for shower and bathtub surrounds. Before putting backer board over the studs, you will need to remove the current surface covering.
- When installing tile on counters, cement board can also be used. However, an additional sheet of backer board will be needed for the procedure.
- Never install cement board with ordinary screws. Corrosion will happen to common screws. Use cement board screws at all times.