Laying Hardibacker On Floor

Required tools for this project.

Laying hardibacker on floor.

With the plywood in place install the backer board as you normally would. The backer board comes in different sizes and you will pick the right one depending on the type of floor you are installing. To avoid building up the floor too high you can use 1 4 in thick backer board instead of 1 2 in. Lay the backer board according to the manufacturer s instructions.

Using a notched trowel apply a leveling bed of thinset mortar over the subfloor and embed the backer board sheets into the adhesive. Prepare a solid squeak free subfloor one of the keys to a long lasting tile installation is the underlying subfloor. If you re preparing to do a ceramic floor or wall installation it s recommended that you install hardiebacker cement board on your subfloor or wall before you begin to lay the tile. It has to be rock solid before you lay the 1 2 in.

Hardiebacker cement board is made better to install better and perform better. Never install new tiles over existing tiles or onto an unprotected wood or plywood floor. Spread the mortar to about 3 16 thickness. 5 steps to a sound ceramic floor.

The other is foam backer board which is ok to install over concrete. The plywood adds stiffness and stability to the floor. Whenever you re laying tile on a wood subfloor you need to first install cement backerboard to prevent leaks and water damage. Add more mortar as necessary to fill sunken areas in.

If installing hardiebacker cement board over existing floor ensure the floor is flat. For best results remove existing floor covering especially if it is in poor condition. Unlike wood or drywall sub surfaces cement backerboard will not rot warp or grow mold and mildew when exposed to water. Screwing the plywood.

This can be beneficial if you are wanting to insulate concrete from an electric floor heating system above it. That s why it was named the most preferred brand of backer board by tile installers and contractors according to the 2019 tile and stone report conducted by clearseas research in partnership with the national tile contractors association and tile magazine. Hardiebacker cement board may be installed under or over vinyl composition tile vct and other resilient flooring. Floor tiles should be installed over smooth flat surfaces.

Whatever your subfloor is made of be sure it s squeak free before you install the cement board.