They are sturdy sheets made from cement-based materials that provide an even surface for your tiles to adhere to. These
Tile backer boards help you create the perfect foundation for your tiles, and that includes both walls and floors. They are also resistant to permanent water damaged, making them an ideal solution for use in wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens.
The best backer for tile (anywhere) is tile backer (cementboard, DuRock®, HardiBacker® etc.) It's literally made for the job. It costs a bit more than drywall, but in the whole cost of a tile job (materials and labor) it's a very small increment over a less suitable backing such as drywall.
Fiber cement board is a thin layer of concrete that is installed as a sturdy surface subfloor for tile setting. Backer board is made up of a sheet of cement mixed with sand that has a fiberglass mesh placed on each side of the board for durability.
While you can technically install most tiles on any smooth, clean substrate, using cement backerboard will give you superior results every time.
Secure Backer Board with Screws
Drill cement board screws through the backer board sheets every 6 to 8 inches. Position the screws at least 1/2-inch, but no more than 2 inches, from the edge of the sheet. Drive the screws in so that the heads are slightly below the surface of the backer board sheet.
The floor will deflect according to the load applied and the stiffness of the structure (joint size, spacing etc). If the adhesive is not flexible or laid thick enough to absorb the amount of movement, the tiles will either delaminate or crack. Large tiles will exacerbate the deflection across each tile's width.
Glass mat gypsum board is a better choice. Sheets of glass mat gypsum are made from water-resistant silicone-treated gypsum, reinforced on both sides by fiberglass mats. DensShield is one common brand. It is easier to cut than cement board, it is mold resistant, and it has a built-in moisture barrier.
Install cement board or an equivalent moisture-resistant backing material on walls behind tub and shower enclosures composed of tile or panel assemblies with caulked joints. Don't use paper-faced backer board, i.e., paper-faced drywall, behind seamed tub and shower enclosures.
While not completely waterproof, cement backerboard is unaffected by water and doesn't deteriorate when exposed to moisture like drywall does. Unlike wood-based products, cement backerboard resists mold growth and rot. It can be installed over drywall, attached directly to studs, or placed on top of a subfloor.
The purpose of a cement backer is to create a surface for you to tile onto. The surface is straight and flush; taking away the worry of an uneven wall or floor. As it is cement, it is resistant to mould, rotting and moisture damage meaning it is the perfect backer for showers, kitchens and bathrooms.
Plywood may be the more budget-friendly option, but it is less moisture-resistant and stable than cement board. Cement board is better for areas with movement, water exposure, and subfloor imperfections, like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. But plywood is an acceptable choice if your subfloor is dry and stable.
In most instances, you'll be able to put tiles over the drywall. Even an area in the kitchen or bathroom, which is subject to some water, can be set over the drywall.
Can I Tile Directly Onto Cement Board? Yes, cement board is the perfect base for tiling, as it's waterproof and provides a smooth, even surface that won't be disturbed by moisture.
While both 6mm and 12mm Tile Backer Boards are great for tiling, they are used in different ways. The 6mm Tile backer is perfect for the use of tiling floors.
Tiling a shower involves a series of decisions, one of which is the selection of an appropriate backer board. The backer board is a crucial element that ensures your tiles adhere properly and remain durable over time.
Cement backer board, such as HardieBacker and Durock, is a popular choice due to their exceptional durability and resistance to moisture. It's made from a cement and fiber mixture, making it perfect for wet areas like showers.
Can you use regular drywall behind shower tile? Standard drywall and even moisture-resistant drywall are not typically used in bathroom shower areas and should not be used here. Drywall absorbs moisture and can be damaged by water, which means it is highly unsuitable for use in the shower.
Backer board may refer to: Cement board used as tile backer board (to support tiles)
Using thinset between the backerboard and subfloor will create additional strength, fill in any potential gaps that exist and lessen the possibility of movement. For less than $10/sheet, we highly recommend taking this extra step to insuring your floor will last and stay in warranty.
You can install tile on plywood, but you must take a few precautions to prevent the plywood from cracking the tile. The best direct underlayment for tile on plywood is cement board or an uncoupling membrane. Follow these steps to install and use plywood as a substrate for ceramic, glass, stone, or porcelain tile.
Designed specifically for ceramic tile and dimension stone installations, DITRA serves as an uncoupling layer, waterproofing membrane, and vapor management layer that accommodates moisture from beneath the tile covering.
If you compare the two configurations using identical thinset mortars, tiles installed over cement backerboard have greater shear-bond strength than those that are installed over plywood.