How To Install Backer Board For Ceramic Tile

Second the strength of wood boards isn t always consistent.

How to install backer board for ceramic tile.

Backer board is everything that drywall is not. A flexing subfloor results in cracked tiles and grout and a lot of headaches. Multiply the length and the width of the room to get the exact square footage. Here are the basics of how to install ceramic tile backer board effectively.

Step 1 estimate. Installing ceramic tile over vinyl or linoleum surfaces can be more complicated than expected and probably should be avoided whenever possible. According to backer board manufacturers and tile setters installing backer board directly over an old solid wood subfloor is risky for a couple of reasons. Most tile manufacturers recommend installing a cement backer board instead of any other type of underlayment such as plywood.

The boards come in 3 x 5 foot sheets and are available where tile and grout are sold. Use a tape measure to determine the exact dimensions of the room. It s made primarily with cement and sand and it has no paper that can deteriorate or promote mold growth if it gets wet. Backer board is installed as underlayment for the tiles to prevent moisture from damaging the walls and to create a level stable surface to support the.

Then divide that number by 15 as most. However if you can t remove the old surface or otherwise decide to install over it lay a backer board with thin set over the old surface to serve as your new subfloor material. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. First changes in humidity make solid wood shrink swell and cup more than plywood.

Ceramic tile backer board also called cement board or tile backer is a rigid panel material that installs over wood framing much like drywall. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Installing over existing vinyl. The tile will break and crack if you do not use the backer board.

But that s pretty much where the similarity ends.