Is it necessary to put cement board under tile?

Published by Charlie Davidson on

Is it necessary to put cement board under tile?

Whenever you’re laying tile on a wood subfloor, you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage that could harm your flooring and the structure of your home. Unlike wood or drywall sub-surfaces, cement backerboard will not rot, warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water.

What thinset goes under Hardibacker?

Dry-set mortar for use between subfloor and cement board only (complying with ANSI A118. 1). For walls and countertops: Latex or acrylic modified thinset (complying with ANSI A118.

How do you apply thinset under cement board?

Spread thinset over a seam between backer board sheets with the short, flat edge of the trowel. Lay alkali-resistant, fiberglass mesh tape on the thinset and cut the end of the tape with a utility knife. Drag the flat edge of the trowel over the tape to press it into the thinset and flatten the tape.

Do you put plywood under cement board?

The Surface Below the Cement Board Flooring: For ceramic tile floors, the cement board usually rests on a plywood subfloor (minimum 5/8-inch-thick exterior-grade plywood or OSB). Instead, first, remove the existing surface material, then install the cement board over the studs and membrane, as applicable.

Can you lay cement board without thinset?

Installing cement board over a concrete subfloor. Not only is thinset a critical component underneath cement board but the other critical component is the fasteners. And you won’t have the fasteners if you are trying to install it over concrete.

What thinset to use?

Thinset typically comes in two colors: white and dark gray. You should decide on your grout color prior to tiling. If you want light grout, use white thinset. If you use dark grout, use gray thinset.

Will thinset stick to wood?

Thinset sticks just fine to plywood, but that’s not really the question in your post. First question is to back up and ask what you’re doing exactly. If you’re attaching backerboard to plywood, thinset does not behave as an adhesive.

Can you apply thinset mortar to sheetrock?

Thinset mortar lays a bed for placing tile. Thinset adheres to Sheetrock as well as any other surface, but you need to consider the purpose of the area when installing tile. Ceramic, porcelain and rock tiles add beauty and functionality to many areas of the home and give homeowners many design options. Thinset comes in two colors, white and gray.

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