Tile Backer Board: A Comprehensive Guide
What is Tile Backer Board?
Tile backer board is a substrate used to provide a stable base for tile installations. It is typically made of cement or a cementitious material, and it is available in various sizes and thicknesses. The main purpose of tile backer board is to replace the need for creating a thick bed of wet mortar under the tile. This makes tile installation faster and easier, especially for DIYers.
Types of Tile Backer Board
There are several types of tile backer board available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types include:
- Cement Backer Board: This type is made of cement and sand, and it is the most durable and moisture-resistant option. However, it is also the heaviest and most difficult to cut and install.
- Fiberglass Backer Board: This type is made of fiberglass and gypsum, and it is lighter and easier to cut than cement backer board. However, it is not as moisture-resistant and may not be suitable for wet areas.
- Foam Backer Board: This type is made of polystyrene foam, and it is the lightest and easiest to install. However, it is also the least durable and may not be suitable for heavy tile installations.
Choosing the Right Tile Backer Board
When choosing a tile backer board, it is important to consider the following factors:
- The type of tile you are installing: Some types of tile, such as ceramic and porcelain, require a more durable backer board, such as cement backer board. Other types of tile, such as vinyl and carpet, can be installed on a less durable backer board, such as foam backer board.
- The location of the installation: If you are installing tile in a wet area, such as a bathroom or shower, you will need to choose a moisture-resistant backer board, such as cement backer board or fiberglass backer board.
- The thickness of the tile: The thickness of the tile will determine the thickness of the backer board you need. Thicker tile requires a thicker backer board.
Installing Tile Backer Board
Installing tile backer board is a relatively simple process, but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Here are the basic steps:
- Prepare the subfloor by making sure it is level and free of debris.
- Apply a layer of thinset mortar to the subfloor.
- Place the tile backer board on the thinset mortar and press it firmly into place.
- Screw the tile backer board into the subfloor using backer board screws.
- Tape the seams between the tile backer board panels with mesh tape and thinset mortar.
- Allow the thinset mortar to dry completely before installing the tile.
Top Brands of Tile Backer Board
There are several reputable brands of tile backer board on the market, including:
- HardieBacker
- DensShield
- Wonderboard
Benefits of Using Tile Backer Board
There are several benefits to using tile backer board, including:
- Faster and easier installation: Tile backer board eliminates the need for creating a thick bed of wet mortar, which makes tile installation faster and easier.
- More durable: Tile backer board provides a more stable and durable base for tile installations, which can help to prevent cracking and other problems.
- Moisture-resistant: Some types of tile backer board are moisture-resistant, which makes them ideal for use in wet areas, such as bathrooms and showers.
- Leveling: Tile backer board can be used to level out uneven floors, which can make tile installation easier and more professional-looking.
Drawbacks of Using Tile Backer Board
There are a few drawbacks to using tile backer board, including:
- Cost: Tile backer board can be more expensive than other types of substrates, such as plywood or drywall.
- Weight: Cement backer board is heavy, which can make it difficult to transport and install.
- Difficulty cutting: Cement backer board is difficult to cut, which can make it challenging to fit around obstacles, such as pipes and electrical wires.
